[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien kept crying. The word "No" was just audible through his sobs.

[Eskal]

Cormac sighed and went to sit out on the balcony. He had questions that needed answers, but he couldn't leave Astien to his own devices.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Cormac's resigned, burdened sigh only made Astien sob harder. He hated being a burden.

[Eskal]

Cormac rolled his eyes as he stepped back into the room. "Will you stop crying? I'm not going anywhere."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"I'm sorry..." Astien said through his tears.

[Eskal]

"What is there to be sorry about?" Cormac rubbed his temples. "People have secrets and if you don't want to tell me yours, fine. I'm...I'm just a little overwhelmed by last night."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien's sobs slowly came to a halt. Hos secret was safe... For now. Astien surfaced from beneath his blankets, wiping his eyes. "I think..." He said between quivering breaths. "I need a day or two of rest. Then I think I can make the trip."

[Eskal]

"The trip? As in Dragonperch?"

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien nodded and sniffled. "We have to get you there. Seroteth is the only person who can help you."

[Eskal]

"What about your work?"

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"I have plenty of work I can do on the way there, don't worry. What's important is that we get you the help you need."

[Eskal]

Cormac nodded. "Thank you," he said with a smile. "Thank you so much."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien smiled weakly. "I just need a day or two of rest, that's all. Just like Heceril said. Then we can go."

[Eskal]

Cormac nodded. "Do you want to order breakfast now?"

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien sniffled and wiped his eyes. "Yes please. With lots of meat and chocolate."

[Eskal]

Cormac nodded and put in a lengthy order for their breakfast.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Once the food arrived, Astien tore into it with his usual ravenous fervor, eating enough for several men within minutes.

[Eskal]

Cormac quietly ate his own meal and put a shirt on once he finished. "I think I'll try a mud bath today," Cormac said. "And I'll avoid getting a massage for now."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien lurched out of his bed. "I think maybe ill try that too. I've never had a mud bath before. And I could do with another massage, since my last one got interrupted." Astien chuckled.

[Eskal]

Cormac blushed slightly. "Sorry about that."