@heronprinceofserenes (continued from here!)
The ancient language felt gentle in his mouth as he responded. “I’m glad nothing’s gone wrong at home...” he responded, fluffing his wings as the tension released from his body. “But why didn’t you just come with me? Surely the journey was dangerous.” He tilted his head, letting the concern return. “Did Tibarn come with you? Or Rafiel?” He tried his best not to sound hopeful. After a beat, he remembered the questions he still had to answer.
“I haven’t really been here long enough to make friends yet, Leanne. I did talk to Queen Elincia, Pelleas, and Soren, though we know them already. I wouldn’t call it fun, but I imagine things will get more interesting over time.” He met her eyes, and she could see her curiosity reflected back at her. Anyone else would have called his expression blank, but Leanne could almost taste the relief he felt that their family was safe.
Leanne giggled. Everyone around her always worried so much! She was glad, at least, that her words could still put her brother at ease. “The gate that appeared to take me here came really, really close to the mountain, so I didn’t have to fly very far! Janaff even stuck his head through to check for me that it wasn’t dangerous at all before letting me come. He told me to send you his greetings, and to tell you to be careful!” Technically, the plea for carefulness went for both of them, but Leanne thought she was usually quite good at taking care of herself, as long as people weren’t trying to kidnap her.
She perked up at the mention of familiar names. “Ooh, I can’t wait to meet them again! Especially Queen Elincia...” Leanne’s smile turned a little wistful, “It’s wonderful to be back in the Forest with Father, of course, but it’s harder to see our friends from different places. And Rafiel is getting ready to return to Hatari with the Wolf Queen, so he won’t be around as much anymore either...” Perhaps coming here was a good opportunity, to be able to meet some of their old friends before distance - and eventually, time - started slowly laying the bonds between them and the short-lived Beorc to rest.
