Stay or Go?|Skyheort | Talen'sul

[Darastrix]

Zira read the note in his hand for what seemed the hundredth time since the messenger had delivered it, scarcely able to believe what he was reading. He brought his fingers up to his sign again, breathing deeply as he tried to calm himself before contacting Tavin. Finally he just shook his head and touched his Mind sign, deciding that there was no way he was going to be able to suppress his anxious excitement.

~Excuse me, Tavin? Are you busy at the moment?~

[Northen Light36]

~No, I'm free,~ Tavin replies. ~Do you need something Zira? Is everything all right?~ There's a note of curiousity in the other mind's tone. Zira's excitement and nerves was projected, just a little bit.

[Darastrix]

~Everything's fine...better than fine. I think. I hope so, anyway.~ Zira pauses for a moment, not wanting to babble on in Tavin's head. ~Apologies, my concentration's all over the place right now. Would you mind coming here? I could use a bit of advice.~

[Northen Light36]

~Isn't that what friends are for?~ Tavin replies warmly. Within a minute, he arrives. It's clear he's been writing or mapmaking very recently, as both his hands and the tip of his nose are stained with black ink. "Now, why don't you tell me what's going on, Zira?" Tavin asks.

[Darastrix]

Zira starts to reply, then pauses and blinks at Tavin. He brings a hand up to his mouth, hiding a small smile that quickly grows into an actual grin. He turns and coughs slightly, picking up a clean napkin from the nearby tea tray, which he passes to Tavin.

"I believe 'nose to the grindstone' is an expression, not a suggestion," Zira says, his tone rising as he tries, and fails, to keep from snickering. "I'm sorry," he apologises, raising one hand. "It's not that funny, honestly, I'm just...." He shrugs helplessly and covers his mouth, laughing softly.

[Northen Light36]

Tavin blinks and looks confused for a moment, then catchs on and scrubs at his nose. "Zira, one of these days I'll get you interrested in mapping. Then we'll see how clean YOU stay," he comments with an easy laugh.

[Darastrix]

Zira just shakes his head, still smiling. "I'm a reader, not a mapper," he says, taking a seat.

"I just received a letter from a...friend that I've not heard from in almost two years, inviting me to see him in New Anarlina," he begins. "We had a misunderstanding of sorts; I wasn't expecting hear from him at all. Not after--" Zira stops and shakes his head. "It's a long story, and very personal. I'd resigned myself to having to be the one to find him; it was part of the reason I prayed to Thuoth for this sign," he said, gesturing to his forhead.

"I know I'm fairly reclusive, and I'm not used to being around a lot of people. And Zack is a bard, a bit intense, and he's almost always around people, usually right in the middle of a crowd. And he's good at working a crowd up. One thing I was wondering, is if you think my shields are strong enough to handle that."

[Northen Light36]

Tavin frowns, not entirely certain. "It's hard to stay," he admits. "If it was just a normal, passing through a market sort of crowd, then yes. But if they're worked up, I couldn't tell you. You'd probably have to leave if that was the case."

[Darastrix]

Zira nods, not altogether surprised. "I tend to leave scenes like that anyway. I just wanted some idea. Honestly, I'm probably less likely to end up in an excited crowd than I am to get worked up myself," he admits, tapping a paper lightly against his fingertips.

"Anyway," Zira says, shaking himself slightly as he tried to put his thoughts in order, "the heart of the matter is that I really, really want to go. He was my best friend for over a decade."

He stood, beginning to pace about the room. "But I've also never been outside of Talen'sul, not been in much company with this new sign, and I'm worried about my mother. Your wife has been tending her, I believe." He pauses. "That...didn't come out right. I'm worried because she's expecting, not because Tavia's attending her."

[Northen Light36]

"Ah, that's your mother is it?" Tavin asks, smiling gently. "I'd wondered. Well Zira, Tavia doesn't discuss her patients much with me, of course, but I can assure you that your mother is in the very best hands in Talen'sul. And as for the other problem..." Tavin smiles. "I really need to visit New Anarlina for mapping purposes. I could tag along and keep an eye on you if you'd like."

[Darastrix]

Zira's face lit up at the offer. "Really? You'd do that? I mean, I wouldn't want to impose," he added quickly. "But I would really appreciate it, Tavin."

[Northen Light36]

"It's fine," Tavin laughs. "As I said, I needed to go there in any case and I certainly don't mind looking out for a friend."

[Darastrix]

"Thank you," Zira says, smiling brightly. "When would you be able to leave? I can request my family's carriage for the trip," he adds.

[Northen Light36]

"Hmm," Tavin murmurs. "Would tomrrow be soon enough for you?"

[Darastrix]

"Tomorrow?" Zira asks, a bit surprised that Tavin can leave so soon. "Tomorrow is fine. When we get there, I'll need to present to court. Not my favourite thing, but I know my father would expect it of me."