“ Is it enough?”
“ It will have to be. From my understanding is there is a small fleet prepared to sail upon Vel’adir’s orders to search the surrounding waters getting as close as they can without causing a stir.”
“ That’s very dangerous, Kaevia. You might be lucky to have the cover of a neutral banner but not all will have that security.” Covaya spoke was she bounced the small babe against her chest. Already Arden had began to doze, “ Your father would never agree to this and would tell me to sooner let them fight their own battles seeing as they have a penchant for getting lost.”
“ He never agrees to anything so it’s not entirely surprising, mother.” The Priestess spoke out so brazenly, “ I’m not bound to leave them there to struggle on their own. Are you sure that 15 is all you can muster for me at such short notice?”
“ It is all I can offer on such short notice.” The older woman confirmed and she continued to cradle and rock the infant within her arms, “ Anasah is one of my oldest and closest confidants and he can assist you. I pay him handsomely enough that he has done just about anything I ask of him. Of course simply visiting the human capital might be enough to see this done swiftly but if word is to rise that there is the possibility of a noble Sin’dorei woman wandering their territory -- you can assume the worst.”
“ Bounties and ransom.”
“ Exactly. Think clearly with each decision you happen to make for their benefit Kaevia. I know you think you are doing a service to someone you care deeply for but the reality of it is -- she might not return. Shield your heart from that possible disappointment should it ever come to that. Keep hope but do not set it too high.” Reaching out, Covaya allowed the back of her knuckles to cross along Kaevia’s cheek, “ I feel as if though time has stolen your youth. It is now I see you so clearly and how our absence has changed you. Grown and so wise.” Kaevia was silent and simply offered a smile to her mother as the Paladin spoke once more and her hand fell back to Arden’s back in gentle circular motions, “Make this the last time you put your neck out for them. Elenaris is my closest friend but already they have counted on us and tried for our resources more times than I can count. Sometimes you must let people handle their own affairs and it’s okay to say no.”
“ I won’t be saying no this time. Perhaps another time when the situation isn’t as dire. I owe her quite a lot.”
“ You owe her nothing just as she owes you nothing. There is no debt between friends and if you feel that you will be making up for the disappointment she once harbored for your decisions, you must push it from your mind. Elenaris is a traditional woman and can be prickly at times but I assure you that her disappointment has long since faded. Worry on your own tasks.”
A low chuckle left the Priestess as she eyed her mother in bewilderment, “You have become quite cold and to the point.”
“ No, daughter. I have had plenty of time to think and revisit the past since returning back. Truth be told, I’m just playing the part of a parent that I should have many times over.” a deep sigh escaped Covaya and she stared across the room, “ Vel’adir will be with you?”
“ I assume so if I am to travel with the ground forces.”
“ I see. And your husband knows of this then?”
“ Well...yes but I’m sure he has pieced two and two together. I think he understands the weight of the situation and understands what I am bound to do to help allied houses. They might not be allied with the Starsworn name but they are to Sun’rael’s and that still matters to me. Marriage hasn’t changed my blood.”
“ No but it will change your decisions. I certainly hope for your sake that he is quite alright with you traipsing through the woods in dangerous territory with your ex betrothed at your back.”
“ I know he will be. He isn’t the type to limit me or show an extreme amount of jealousy. Not over something like this.”
A fair brow perked high from the Paladin as her eyes regarded her daughter once more,” He is a man, my dove. They tend to hide their jealousy and let it fester while we women are far more forthcoming in our jealousy. Keep your mind on the task at hand. The sooner you return, the sooner you can put all this behind you once more.”
Kaevia smiled with a light nod as she reached in to hug her mother while being mindful of the sleeping Arden that rested in her arms. When she pulled away a gentle kiss was placed upon her sibling’s crown of dark, fine hair.
“ Go home, pen your letter my dove. Ansah will assist you with his sect of trackers but for the love of the gods, hold your husband a little tighter until you depart or you might return to a changed man should you find yourself gone longer than expected. Best to not let negative thoughts grow within him.”
The Priestess rose from her seat and afforded her mother with a brisk nod, “ I have no intention on being gone long. I have much to accomplish here at home.”
