"I suppose you're right." At the mention of food, Aiden began kicking and tumbling about. "I suppose Aiden's hungry too." Astien put away his papers for the day and went to the kitchen with Cormac. He sliced a bit of cake for himself that had been leftover from everyone else's mealtime. "So how was training today?" He asked through a stuffed mouth.
"It was fine, I think I'm finally getting used to using a sword," Cormac said as he picked at a bunch of grapes.
Astien nodded and swallowed his mouthful. "That's good. Aralith is not only a member of the King's Circle, she's also one of Hjulmir's most trusted friends and comrades. I don't think you could've gotten a better teacher."
"She's a bit of a hard ass, but I don't mind all that much."
Astien chuckled. "They don't mess around when it comes to this sort of thing. It's their livelihood, and the culture of this nation after all."
Cormac nodded and popped some grapes into his mouth.
"So, what else did you do today?"
"Delas and I got some lunch, checked out a guild, and did some shopping."
"Oh? Are you honking of joining a guild?"
"Not really. I'm not really sure what I'm doing after this besides going back to Dragonperch. I should look into getting a job or something so Wyn and I can get married."
"You'll be counted amongst the drakes. That means you'll automatically have a job. Doing work for the dragons and whatnot."
Cormac nodded. "Oh. How long to drakes typically live?"
Astien rubbed his chin. "Hmmmm. Well, as far as I know, drakes mature quickly and live forever. But you're half human, the first and only of which, as far as I know. You'll certainly live a long time. Certainly longer than Wyn."
Cormac quickly blinked and stared at Astien as he processed the man's words.
"I'm sorry Cormac." Astien put down his cake and hugged Cormac tightly. "I know that must be difficult to hear. But for what it's worth, I know there are others who have gone through that."
"I just...Haven't thought about that. At all."
"Of course you haven't, you're young. Wether or not you outlive your lover, those are thoughts we don't have until we're older. It's okay. It's all going to be okay."
Cormac nodded. "IT's a long way off anyway. Right?"
"Exactly. You two have the rest of your.... I mean her li- errrr.... You know what I mean." He gave the young man an awkward smile.
Cormac nodded. "Thanks Astien."