Refugees|Aegestrom, Maelstrom

[Kender Bard]

Lya watched in amusement at Twilight and Salacia's fretting. King Sunray was due to visit any day now, having gone ahead of his people to be reunited with his family, along with Snowflake and Emerald.

"Pacing a hole in my floor won't bring them home any sooner," Lya reminded the two gently. Twilight ignored her, and continued to pace, but Salacia gracefully took a seat.

A servant approached the room. "A rider at the ga-"

"That's him," Twilight says quickly, jumping up and almost dashing out of the room and down the hall, with Salacia close behind.

Lya covered her mouth to hide her smile. "Dearest, should we go as well?"

[Northen Light36]

"Yes, let's," Shadow replies with a smile. "But let's not hurry either. Give them a little time alone to reunite." With an effort, Shadow holds back a yawn, but the dark circles around his and Flash's eyes prove how tired the two men are.

Mathew's theft of much of the city's wealth had left the ecomony nearly ruinned and, while it was now starting to slowly recover under Shadow and Flash's careful eyes, the whole mess had meant a great deal of sleepless nights for the pair of them. Sympathic whispering among the servants suggests Shadow really needs another aide, but no one dares suggest a replacement for Tuono be found while Shadow and Flash are still grieving for their friend.

[Kender Bard]

Lya reached out and tenderly stroked Shadow's cheek. She understood Shadow's circumstances; Talen'sul had suffered its own economic crisis during the crazy storms that kept everyone shut up in their own homes. But she knew of no solution that would help both his country and his own personal needs. She had to content herself to making sure he and Flash didn't push themselves past their safe limits.

Lingering, she finally got up and headed to where the family would be. Salacia was hugging her daughters while Twilight and Sunray talked rapidly, sharing their tales. Unfortunately Sunray's countence was a grim one, but he put on a brave smile for Lya and Shadow once spotting them.

"M'lord and Lady," he said, bowing low. "Thank you for inviting me into your home and taking such good care of my family."

[Northen Light36]

"It was our pleasure," Shadow replies, even managing to muster up a cheerful for the other King, despite his tiredness and worry. "It is, after all, the way of friendly nations to help each other in times of trouble. I hope you had a pleasent journey from Ronduin?"

[Kender Bard]

"We were unharassed," Sunray conceded. "My people are making camp at the foot of the mountain, or near there. I don't think it would be proper to discuss matters of settlement right away, and they won't be ready to arrive for a few more days yet if that serves your schedule...?"

[Northen Light36]

"That works out quite well," Shadow assures Sunray. "Now, I am sure your sisters and yourself could use the opportunity to relax and freshen up a bit after your journey. If you'll follow me, I'll show you to the rooms prepared for you."