immediately after his reunion with cyrenna, aren asked to be taken to cassana. like his younger sister, it had been far too long since he had last seen the lady of storm’s end, and when the door opens to reveal her he cannot help the sly grin that tugs at his mouth despite the grim circumstances that brought them together. he bows low and dramatic, all flourish and familiarity, as though they stood in happier times. “my dear sister,” he says lightly, “forgive my late intrusion. i’ve only just arrived and thought it best to greet you before i attempt to recover from three days of sleepless nights; preferably in the comfort of an actual bed.” when he straightens, the humor fades just enough to reveal what lies beneath. he meets her gaze, the relief of seeing family again edged with anxiety and quiet regret. “i’m very glad you reached cyrenna and the children before i did,” he adds more softly. “that they had someone to lean on, after everything. i would have been here sooner had the news of the fire reached me in time.” a pause, searching her face. “tell me, how are you? and how do things stand here?” he clasps his calloused hands before him, back straight and proud despite his tousled hair and well-worn clothes. @lilaccsimus
