Peace at Last|Sensatiamens, Sensatia

[Kender Bard]

Libre looked uneasy all the same. It sounded good; it'd certainly take a lot of the responsibilities that were weighing on his mind now. But at the same time... he wanted to keep Flame close.

~Flame, Shadow has a proposition~ he said, and filled her in. ~Do you want to take his offer, or do you want to stay here?~

[Northen Light36]

Flame replied with a sense of frustration. None yes or no questions irritated her.

~Libre, will you permit me to speak for Flame this one time?~ Secret asked. It was the first time the cat had spoken to Libre since he'd said he didn't want to hear her speaking for Flame.

[Kender Bard]

Libre sighed, softly. ~You might as well just speak for her from here on out~ he replied. ~So yes, go ahead.~

[Northen Light36]

~Flame wants to know what you think and how long she'd be gone, if she goes,~ Secret replied. ~She's having trouble deciding what she wants to do.~

[Kender Bard]

Libre rocked back and forth on his heels. ~I really want to keep her close. Especially with someone evidently having it out for our family. But at the same time... He's right. I'm going to be busy. And I want to care for her. That's what's important to me; but I can't risk my future slipping away either. If I don't become the next Master...~ He trailed off.

What would he have, really? Fira. But unlike his sister, he'd never truly felt he belonged there. He liked it well enough and the last of his family that he knew at all was there. But he'd be adrift. And he'd long for Sensatia.

~I don't know how long. Probably... Two months. Maybe three. The elections will be soon. Once those are won, I'll have a lot of settling in work to do. But after that I think I can spend time looking after her.~

[Northen Light36]

Flame thought about it, petting Secret as she considered her options. Two, even three, months isn't that long, really. And it's better then staying with Gemma, she doesn't want me at all. I'll stay with King Shadow. He can tell me stories about Mummy.

Secret repeated Flame's words to Libre.

[Kender Bard]

~What do you mean, Gemma doesn't want you?~ Libre asked, frowning deeply. "We agree," he told Shadow a bit distractedly. "Two or three months, if that wouldn't be too much." He shifted his gaze to Shadow's eyes. "Swear to me on your life that she will be kept safe."

[Northen Light36]

Shadow met Libre's eyes and replied solumnly, "You have my word, Libre. I won't let anything happen to her while there's still breath in my body to prevent it."

~Flame says 'nothing', but that's her protecting you,~ Secret replied. ~Gemma allows Flame to sleep in her spare room, but she's made no effort to make Flame feel at home. She basically ignores Flame and leaves her to look after herself.~

[Kender Bard]

Libre clenched his fists angrily. ~Well, I guess we're seeing Gemma's true colors now. Fine. If she doesn't want to be a part of this family, then I have no older sister.~

"Thank you," he said tersely. "Sorry... I just found out that Gemma has been neglecting Flame."

[Northen Light36]

Shadow grimaced. "Gemma is... difficult... And she has her own issues to deal with," he murmured. "It's hard, I know, but try not to judge her too harshly. Your sister does love you both, and she'll remember that when the pain is less raw."

Shadow put a hand on Libre's shoulder comfortingly. "And in the meantime, you and Flame have other family to help you. Artica, Aideen, Tavia and Tavin, Ann and even myself. Don't hesitate to turn to any of us if you need help, or even just a shoulder to cry on. I haven't forgotten how it felt when I lost my own father and I doubt Ann has forgotten how she felt at her losses either. If you need someone to talk to, you know where to find us."

[Kender Bard]

"I know," Libre agreed in a low voice. "Thank you."

At the moment, he just wanted to go back to Smoke. But he'd been spending plenty of time with his best friend and he had diplomatic duties to attend to now.

---

The rest of the day was not one of Libre's easiest. He was in no mood to host. To his relief, many of the guests departed fairly quickly. And it took a great deal of effort not to follow after any of them; instead he forced himself to sleep in his old bed. Or at least try to.

The next day, he sent his mind out brushing against the guests who still remained in Sensatia, inquiring after any needs they might have. And of Nagi, he made a request. ~Breakfast with me?~

[Darastrix]

~You have good timing,~ Nagi sent back with a slight mental smile. ~I was just thinking about getting something. I'll be there soon.~

[Kender Bard]

Libre instructed the servants to put together a breakfast fit for, well, a prince. He checked on Flame as well while waiting for Nagi to arrive. ~How are you holding up?~ he asked Flame and Secret, expecting the cat to answer.

[Northen Light36]

~Flame's all right,~ Secret replied. ~Sad, of course, and missing your sire dearly, but that's normal for a human kit.~ She nuzzled Flame comfortingly and asked Libre, ~Did you want us? Flame's a little reluctant to get up this morning and I was going to give her some more time before making her get breakfast, but I can do so now if you want.~

[Kender Bard]

~No, she can stay in bed~ Libre answered. ~I'm entertaining Prince Nagi this morning.~ He made his way back to the breakfast table and took a seat. The servants would escort Nagi to him upon his arrival.