“You know Kite, I’ve long been wondering what the sects back home seemed to be trying to compensate for with their self-importance. I believe that I now at least know part of the answer,” Dragonfly said as the pair stood before the gates of the Silent Horizon sect, looking up at its crisp splendor. It was an extensive compound with several pagoda-like towers built from white-lacquered wood, their gleaming roof tiles a contrasting deep black. Horizontal lines of blue were incorporated in many places, carefully placed so that wherever one might look, some sets would line up to hint at a horizon in the distance.

  “While it isn’t necessarily larger than the sects of the north, at least not seen to how much land they possess, one does have to admit that the projected wealth and power is on a different level,” Kite noted, still impressed even though he had seen the place before. “But yes, I imagine that it is quite easy to measure oneself against this and find yourself wanting.”

  A few minutes later, the gates once more slid open enough to admit one of the sect's junior elders, the woman having been the one to greet Kite and Dragonfly upon arrival.

  “Inner Disciple Chime was most happy to receive news of your arrival, honored guests. If you would please follow me, I will guide you to her residence. The Inner Disciple will host you from thereon.”

  “Thank you, Junior Elder. Lead the way,” Kite said, and the pair fell into step behind their guide as they entered the sect proper. Technically, they were a trio, but Glint was currently sleeping contentedly inside her bottle atop her ever growing pile of shiny things, having made her disinterest clear beforehand.

  Much like the other similar compounds that Kite had witnessed, the Silent Horizon sect was both a place of living and of learning, where those admitted came to live along their fellow students as they received training and guidance along their paths. Students of all ranks could be glimpsed, seated within the gardens - which featured a lot of finely raked plots of pristine white sand - in meditation or performing different kinds of tasks. Their little group even had to swerve around a distracted silver-ranker who walked inside a swarm of floating sheathes of paper, seeming to be scanning all of them simultaneously and thus being just a bit too unaware of her surroundings.

  “So many silvers though,” Dragonfly murmured from where she walked next to Kite. “Back home each sect only has a few, and they’re mostly elders and above. Here? They can be a simple disciple.”

  “While it is certainly possible, most silver-rankers usually attain the personal tutelage of the sect elders,” their guide said, apparently having heard Dragonfly’s ponderings. “But there are cases where they remain in the lower parts of the sect’s hierarchy, be it an eccentric’s choice or some kind of punishment. But we of the Silent Horizon sect take great pride in the quality of our members, and the current dueling rankings have more than half in the top quarter of fighters coming from within our ranks.”

  “Having once clashed with the inner disciple we are about to meet, I am not surprised,” Kite replied politely, having no trouble imagining the claim to be true. The more insular and path-focused nature of the sect led to fewer numbers, but their overall quality seemed to be widely recognized as a cut above the rest.

  It turned out that the residence of inner disciple Chime was within one of the towers that rose above the compound, and the group was soon led into a large apartment where the golden-scaled draconian woman was waiting for them.

  “Ah, Pathbreaker! I was most glad to hear of your return, even if I will admit that word of your presence had already reached me. From the sound of it, you almost got thrown into bloody battle with a descendant of the Monsoon bloodline? I’m sure that the story behind that is most interesting,” Chime of Morrow’s Bounty called as she came to greet them with a formal bow, whereupon the junior elder discreetly left them. “And you brought a companion as well? On behalf of the Silent Horizon sect, I bid you welcome. My name is Chime of Morrow’s Bounty, inner disciple of our venerable sect.”

  “Thank you, Inner Disciple. I am called Dragonfly Upon Sun’s Reflection, although just Dragonfly will do nicely. No titles,” Dragonfly replied, returning the woman’s bow.

  “Yet you are a boon companion of the Pathbreaker. I am sure that you will find plenty more names in the years to come,” Chime gracefully complimented. “We would be pleased to learn more of your capabilities in the days to come as well. The sect is always on the lookout for suitable talents.”

  “Well, I’m not known for turning down a good clash or three, even though my path isn’t nearly as complicated as Kite’s,” Dragonfly replied, clearly eager now that it seemed that she too would be included.

  “Then you should fit right in,” the inner disciple noted with a slight grin, which - given her draconic nature - was a rather toothy affair. “So, how much of our illustrious sect may I present to you? I have made no secret that you, Pathbreaker, would be most welcome to join our ranks, and for that I would like to allow you to experience the full range of what we are. I did not exclude you out of disrespect, Dragonfly. I simply do not know you or your path.”

  Seeing that Dragonfly indeed did not seem bothered by the statement, Chime continued. “As such, I would like to give you a tour of our halls, interspersed with some friendly sparring and tempering with our students and elders alike, to give you a feel for what you could learn from your potential peers and future teachers both. Give me three days of your time, and I assure you that you won’t be disappointed.”

  As she finished, Kite looked to Dragonfly who shrugged. “It does seem nice to really get to enjoy the experience. And as I said; I’m always up for some good tempering.”

  Kite also nodded in response, although a bit of hesitation still remained within his heart, and so he spoke up. “This is indeed most generous, Inner Disciple Chime. I would like to take you up on it, but I will admit that it is mostly out of curiosity and opportunity. Like I said when you extended the offer; the chances of me actually joining up are most slim. I simply fail to see what kind of reason you could offer that would be compelling enough,” he explained, choosing honesty. “And I do mean no offense to your sect with this. Honestly, even this visit would have been most unlikely had it been any other institution offering.”

  To his relief, Chime took his words in stride, only nodding along. “You did clarify that, Pathbreaker. Please enjoy our hospitality for what it is. If not now, there might come other times in your life when you will realize that joining has become the best step forward for you on your climb towards the heavens. As they say, the offer has no strings attached. The sect is old and patient. You will see the truth of things in time.”

  “Then three days of learning awaits us,” Kite said, ignoring the seemingly complete surety that the draconian seemed to have in her case and position as he bowed in polite gratitude. “We shall be in your care.”

  “Did you hear? That Pathbreaker is back in the city.”

  “Really? I’m surprised that there isn’t a mob of disgruntled duelists from the sects roaming the streets to find him. How long ago was it he threw the rankings into chaos? A year? Silver-rankers have a good memory.”

  “Something like that, but my guess would be that Breath of Valor challenging the king for the throne might be a good enough cover for now.”

  “True. I’m glad that my family managed to get us decent seats. One doesn't want to miss such a showing. Breath of Valor has just returned from abroad, right? I wonder how far he has managed to temper his path?”

  “Well, I don’t believe that he’s an idiot. Even if challenging the king might bring his sanity into question. Still, living up to his name at least. But that’s a bit beside my point. What I wanted to get to was that the Pathbreaker has still managed to land himself in some trouble. Was apparently seen acting uncouth towards someone who had caught the eye of young master Monsoon. A spectacular beauty apparently, at least if you have draconian sensibilities.”

  “Hmm, I did hear of that. But from what I heard, it was the Pathbreaker who defended said lady from the grubby young master, defeating him and his whole entourage.”

  “What? No way.”

  “It did sound silly, but spicy rumors are ever changing. That Pathbreaker does seem unable to help himself from making a splash wherever he goes. I wonder what he’ll do next? Step up and challenge the king himself if Breath of Valor fails?”

  “Bah, how far into your cups have you gone? The king is far into gold rank. And you have to have a lot more than just personal power for the court to accept your challenge. An outcast fighting the ruler? That’s the stuff of stories, and stories only. Come, let’s take a walk. It’s a nice, crisp evening. And you apparently need to sober up a bit.”

  “Good. Again,” Elder Silver Thistle instructed, his gleaming, buzzing wings once a blur behind him as he hovered a meter above the ground, spear held in a ready stance. “As you may have noticed, the resonance from my wings will break your barriers if you hold them too long. You will need to push your timing to the limit that your rank allows.”

  “Understood, Elder,” Kite replied, readying himself once more where he stood in the center of the practice ground. Part of his vision revealed Dragonfly being pressured by conjured, lashing vine which sprung from the ground faster than she could readily slice apart, forcing her to work further on her footwork to complement her ferocious attacks in order to not get pinned down. But as Silver Thistle suddenly shot forward, Kite’s focus had to narrow to the very point of the elder’s spear as it struck out towards him.

  “Ward!”

  Even though his instincts had screamed for him to conjure the barrier a split second earlier, experience and the hour of tutelage Kite had received so far let him hold out just a little bit longer, trusting in his combat meditation and silver-ranked spirit attribute to let him gauge the timing correctly.

  The twin barriers of Heaven-and-Void Warding appeared, layered atop one another. This proved vital as the magical shields started degrading almost the moment they appeared from the aforementioned disruptive resonance of the elder’s buzzing wings. But with the help of his evolved racial gift and his newfound timing, this time enough of the first barrier remained for the elder’s spear to only plunge through the first before the strike was turned by the second one. Had this been a real combat and had Kite been using his mantle, he would probably have been able to hamper the blow further through simultaneous counterattacks, but that was not the purpose of this particular exercise.

  “Excellent,” Elder Silver Thistle praised again, and Kite couldn’t help but straighten. While he hadn’t known the older man for long, Kite had heard enough of the elder’s rather terse, analytical way of teaching to feel that any praise given was praise earned.

  “Thank you, Elder. Again?” Kite asked as the man zoomed back to his starting location in another blur of movement, the wings of his wasp essence carrying him with great speed.

  “Yes, but we will add layers. I will start adding multi-vectorial special attacks, and you will have to properly plan all your defenses. Once more, trust in your mind to guide your instincts rather than just act.”

  “Understood, Elder,” Kite agreed, and they continued their fierce practice.

  After spending close to a whole day in the sect, Kite had to give Chime some credit in that she wasn’t lying when claiming that their people were skilled. So far, their day consisted of a basic tour of the training grounds before they had joined a few elders tutoring a group of inner disciples. Going up against them had felt a lot like going up against Ryker and his ilk, showing that a silver-ranker that had progressed further into the rank combined with more experience could make a world of difference.

  With his odd path and advantages, Kite knew that he would be able to put up an excellent fight should their conflict have been genuine, and maybe even had a chance of winning. But that was a mere chance rather than something entirely likely, and the elder had so far had a keen eye for finding things Kite could further improve. Small things in the grand scope of things - Kite had benefited from the assistance of Master Zarth-an in designing the foundations of his own martial techniques after all - but it were the minutiae that could make all the difference against other, more experienced silvers.

  “Well, Pathbreaker. Dragonfly. What do you think? The elders are quite knowledgeable, no?” Inner Disciple Chime asked as the trio were making their way back towards the sect’s gates, the day having started its gentle transition to dusk. The draconian hadn’t been a mere observer, but had gone through rigorous training of her own as well. “Had we had the time, I would have loved for us to go out on contracts together for some real-life showing of our paths against the beasts of the world, but alas, the sect’s rules would make that more of a hassle than it would be worth.”

  “Yeah, they sure were impressive!” Dragonfly agreed readily, still seeming both pleased and energized by the day’s exertions. “Felt a bit like my time with Master Force, but more adjusted to my current level.”

  “Oh? A mentor of yours? Another outcast?” Chime asked, curious.

  “Yes. She’s trained me since childhood. Took me under her wing after a monster surge,” Dragonfly said wistfully, the potential aches from those turbulent times long having faded.

  “Well, you have both thrived surprisingly well without the heritage of a sect to lean against. I’m glad to hear that the tradition of mentoring still lives on in all walks of life,” Chime noted diplomatically, keeping any further thoughts on those without allegiance to herself. “And what about you, Pathbreaker? You were already skilled when we last met, but it sure seems like whatever tempering you have gone through has been most thorough. Who has taught you?”

  Kite took a few seconds to ponder his answer, but given the feeling he got from the inner disciple, the question was one of genuine curiosity.

  “Actually, I’ve had quite a few mentors during my years, thanks be to Fortune and Warrior both for our paths crossing. My uncle and aunties were the first, but Frost among Morning Dew and Unyielding Soul of Stone were both very formative in my early years, even if I only had the privilege of training beneath the latter for three months. Then after that-”

  Stolen story; please report.

  Kite was about to continue, but Chime’s expression made him pause. “Inner Disciple? Is something the matter?”

  “I’m sorry, Pathbreaker,” the draconian said a bit abashedly. “I was merely taken aback. There must be a bit more to the outcast’s way of life than I had previously believed, if someone like you has found tutelage beneath not one but two gold-rankers.”

  Seeing Kite’s now equally blank, questioning expression, Chime continued. “Because those names are rather distinct, so I would not expect anyone else to possess them. Frost among Morning Dew, sect leader of the Fated Severance sect? Ascended to gold rank not long after her most dramatic return from exile a few years back? And Unyielding Soul of Stone did make quite a splash upon his return to the capital five years ago, now a gold-ranker as well after having spent a long time in solitude while searching for his means to ascend?”

  “Those two… They’ve reached gold now?” Kite managed to get out, finally finding his words. “From the details you mentioned, they do indeed seem to be my erstwhile mentors, even though they were both silver at the time. Still, this is wondrous news! I wonder if Mistress Dew would mind if I took the detour to visit her? The Fated Severance sect is off to the east of the capital, if I’m not mistaken?”

  “You’ve apparently kept illustrious company, Pathbreaker. Or at least people that were powerful names in the making,” Chime noted with some amusement. “But yes, last I heard, Frost among Morning Dew was still managing her sect. She has apparently made some rather… controversial changes to things which have put them even more at odds with the other more traditional sects of the area.”

  “That doesn’t overly surprise me,” Kite admitted, having no trouble imagining such a scenario. “Mistress Dew was ever the one to stick to her own path and ideals, slow to change but not unable to, given some time. I am most curious of what place her sect will be,” he finished, while mentally moving up a visit on his list of things to do, if only to inform her of Discord’s infiltrators in the other sects up north. If that pattern continued, she would want to take proper countermeasures. “But you mentioned Master Stone as well. Do you know anything about his current whereabouts?”

  “Unyielding Soul of Stone is rumored to be somewhere south of the capital on some kind of contracted task. While the details aren’t clear, the rumor mill has still figured out the obvious parts in that anyone able to task a gold-ranker with something is rather influential themselves. So he apparently has the attention of the powers that be in some regard. But other than that, I know little except that he got married soon after his return. Rumors say that it was a pairing long in coming, true love and all that, but that the now wife’s family had previously refused his proposals. A bit harder to say no to a gold-ranker though,” Chime finished with a smile.

  “Well, I will have to congratulate him if I get the chance,” Kite noted. “And introduce him to you, Dragonfly. While your paths are most different, somehow I feel that you would get along.”

  “Especially if he lets me help throwing rocks at you all day,” Dragonfly retorted with a wink just as the group reached the sect’s gates.

  Kite properly turned to Chime, giving her a polite bow. “I thank you for this most illuminating day, Inner Disciple. Let none claim that your sect isn’t hospitable to those that catch its attention.”

  “Thank you, Pathbreaker. I will see you both tomorrow. And do keep our offer in mind.”

  “Kite! Dragonfly! A word before you leave?”

  The early morning sun cast beams of radiance in through the generous windows of the Tengu clan’s compound, the splendor of the old and venerable buildings only highlighted by its radiance. Kite and Dragonfly were just finishing preparing their equipment for the day, arms and armor stored and ready for the sparring that was to occur later during the day, when Little Crow found them after having politely flared his aura outside their guest suite.

  “Little Crow! I hope you are well? From what my aunties told me, yesterday was quite eventful for all of you,” Kite greeted, making sure that the last of his dimensional pouches were properly fastened.

  “Curious Crow might be a lost egg, but she’s still family. Everyone is delighted to have them! And while the clan has had plenty of kids during the years, with everyone’s long lives they’re still rather far between. Little Raven’s presence has been a most pleasant distraction for many, and even given me a temporary reprieve from nosy elders with their constant questions of when I will take my responsibility for the clan and sire a few hatchlings of my own,” the assassin said with an exasperated sigh. “I mean, sure, the church of Fertility would probably be most helpful, but I can’t help being a romantic at heart and waiting for the right companion before properly nesting down.”

  Seeing Kite’s and Dragonfly’s questioning nods, the implied ‘Was this what made you come seek us out?’ clear in their eyes, Little Crow straightened and got back on track.

  “But alas, I digress. I came to invite you to a most rare event that will take place in a week.”

  “Oh? What is it?” Dragonfly asked, seeing that the assassin was letting the silence linger to build some suspense.

  “Well, there has been a declaration, you see,” Little Crow said almost conspiratorially. “The public announcement will go out soon, but the more powerful families in the city always seem to end up with such information quite a bit earlier. There has been a challenge for the throne. It will take place in one week from now, and the both of you are cordially invited to watch this historical event in the comfort of the Tengu clan’s private box at the arena.”

  Little Crow seemed most pleased as his announcement got the response he hoped for, as the looks both Dragonfly and Kite were giving him changed from questioning to astonished.

  “Heavens, that is momentous. When did that last happen? Eight years ago? Nine? I will admit that my political history is most lacking,” Kite asked.

  “Nine years indeed,” Little Crow confirmed. “And around ten more since the one before that. His majesty, King of the Pure Firmament, has kept his throne for well over fifty years now, an impressive time given the turbulence early in his reign. His track record has been excellent too, which has led to the attempts to challenge him have gotten rather sparse. Any such challenge carries a steep prize for the challenger, after all; an exile that will only be lifted once the one - who has overestimated themselves so severely - finishes a certain task or quest as dictated by the defending ruler. Such a task always takes years or decades, and many do not return at all. As such, few families want to risk their scions that manage to reach gold rank.”

  “If they can even manage to get the political clout to support such a challenge. Not just anyone can walk up and demand such a clash after all,” Dragonfly noted, even if her following words took on a bit of a defensive note when Kite looked at her in obvious surprise. “What? I know a bit about how these things work. Master Force made sure of it after I started having queenly dreams and aspirations back when I was twelve. It sounded so easy to a child; just grow strong and defeat the current regent,” she finished with an embarrassed chuckle.

  “If Soaring Soul chose to be called Queen of Jade and Sky, and I believe that King of the Pure Firmament was called Thousand Blades as One before ascending the throne, even though I suspect that was not his birth name. Did you have a name planned as well? ” Kite ventured, giving Dragonfly an expectant look.

  “Que.. f Des... ing ...desce..., Re... of M...ers ...r of Ha…”

  Dragonfly’s murmur was so silent that neither Kite’s nor Little Crow’s silver-ranked perception was enough to catch it, a blush creeping up her throat.

  “I’m sorry, wha-”

  “I said ‘Queen of Descending Incandescence, Reaper of monsters and Bringer of harmony’,” Dragonfly repeated herself, her voice taking on the slight whine that only remembered shame could bring. “I was twelve, alright? I couldn’t decide so I made three titles into one long one. And ‘descending’ and ‘incandescence’ don't really roll off the tongue together, do they?”

  “That was… actually quite impressive for a twelve-year old,” Kite admitted.

  “I sincerely doubt I knew the word ‘incandescence’ when I was twelve,” Little Crow agreed.

  “Still, it’s embarrassing,” Dragonfly grumbled, before forcefully leading the conversation back on track. “But witnessing a clash for the throne would be most exciting. Thank you, Little Crow.”

  “And please convey our gratitude to the clan as well,” Kite added, giving another quick bow in gratitude towards the general direction of the clan compound’s heart. You never knew when a gold-ranker was listening in, after all.

  “I will make sure they know,” Little Crow said with a smile before turning for the door, calling the rest over his shoulder. “And good luck at the sect today! Just don’t listen too much to their propaganda, alright? Every sect has at least a few scandals they would very much like to be forgotten. The clan knows most of them too, so don’t hesitate to ask later if you want to know the juicy stuff.”

  As the assassin left, Kite turned to Dragonfly. “Ready? It sounded like there would be a lot of sparring against the disciples and inner disciples today. They probably want to show them off a bit too, so let us at least be cordial guests.”

  Dove was humming happily to herself as she entered the guest suite she was sharing with her wife and Raven, waving farewell to Desirous Crow, one of the clan’s herbalists.

  “Did you have a fun time, dear?” Crow asked from where she sat reading a scroll, one of her tendrils of hair simultaneously wielding a pen to take notes.

  “Hmm? Oh, yes dear. Desirous Crow was most knowledgeable, and you should have seen their gardens! You have to learn those arrays dear. The things they could grow even in the winter,” Dove replied happily if a bit distractedly as she began sorting the assortment of small cuttings and seeds she had received from the all too happy celestine.

  “It gladdens me that you are enjoying yourself, dear,” Crow noted, and the tone of smug satisfaction in her note did not pass her wife by.

  Dove looked as if she wanted to protest, but wilted after a mere second of forced defiance.

  “Fine.. Fine, you’re right. It has been wonderful. The gardens, the shopping trips, your clan -”

  “Technically former clan, dear.”

  “Bah! With how they treat us, there barely seems to be much of a difference,” Dove retorted, continuing. “But yes, dear. You were right. The capital isn’t so bad if you have the right company. It’s actually pretty marvelous.”

  “Thank you, dear,” Crow retorted with a smile, taking care to hide most of the triumph in her voice while throwing out a peace offering. “Still, you are right in that the place has its fair share of dangers. And while I enjoy the visit, I would not want to move here. Our peace and quiet is too precious to me.”

  “Oh heavens no. Just imagine trying to keep a proper garden here with the property prices,” Dove shuddered, sitting down next to her wife. “And I will still gladly stay behind with Raven when you go watch that big fancy duel. Too many people and too much bloodshed for my tastes. And speaking off, where is Raven?”

  “In the tender care of Finicky Crow and some of the other elders. It sounded like they’d take her exploring one of the clan’s nearby holdings which has a copse of thousand-faceted willows.”

  “Oh, I’ve only read about those. Apparently they shimmer with all the colors of the world,” Dove said, excitement clear in her eyes. “Do you think it is too late to catch them? Seeing them would be wondrous.”

  “Hmm, no you might still catch up to them if you move quickly,” Crow noted, Dove immediately springing to her feet only to freeze at her wife’s following words. “But they did say that they’d be gone for at least three hours,” Crow continued, her voice and one raised eyebrow carrying a world of meaning.

  There was a moment of silence as the two just looked at each other in silence before both moved, book and notes hastily thrown onto a nearby table, now completely forgotten.

  “I do hope that Glint is alright,” Kite murmured where he lay in the bed next to Dragonfly, the pair just having finished a long bath after the day's exertions. While silver-rankers didn’t sweat per se, Kite still felt that luxuriating in the warm waters still gave a sense of cleanliness and freshness like nothing else. Sure, things like cleansing rituals and crystal wash did a more thorough job, but the results from those felt almost too perfect and sterile. Nifty and practical, but it just wasn’t the same.

  “Kite, her date for the evening picked her up in a palanquin carried by silver-rankers, his older sister present to chaperone. And given how he acted, he seems to be taking her words about proper courtship to heart,” Dragonfly noted, poking some fun at the fretting Kite. “Glint is a big fish-dragon-girl now. You have to trust in her to learn.”

  “I know… But thank you. For reminding me,” Kite sighed. “She does deserve the attention. And we will live long lives. Her just remaining in a bottle at my belt is not the way to live for someone like her. I just can’t help but worry. From what auntie Crow told me, she’s still making her way through references from high society romance novels.”

  “Yeah, Crow told me too. I’ve read those books, Kite, and given how this young master Monsoon acted, they shouldn’t be too far from the actual mark, absurd as it may seem. But I do think that it’s sweet of you to so earnestly care for her,” Dragonfly said, pecking his cheek. “Besides, you can just check up on her through your bond and call for assistance should you get the feeling that things are amiss.”

  “Once more, you are right, my ardent Dragonfly, even though I try to keep my senses mostly away from it. Glint deserves some privacy too.”

  “But speaking of courtship and such matters,” Dragonfly said, changing the subject. “I still get the feeling that Chime might be starting to fancy you a bit.”

  “Chime? Truly?” Kite asked, surprised.

  “Well, she did quite a number on that young-mistress-something that kept propositioning you during our spars today. A lot more than a spar would call for.”

  “I honestly thought that was mostly because she felt that I might take offense and that it would reflect poorly on the sect.”

  “Maybe a bit of that too, but not only.”

  “Oh? What makes you so sure?”

  “Well, it’s what I would have done,” Dragonfly noted playfully, clutching Kite with theatrical possessiveness.

  “Why Dragonfly, could it possibly be that you fancy me a bit too?” Kite asked playfully, getting a stuck-out tongue in return.

  “No, of course not,” Dragonfly said with faux-haughtiness. “I’ve just been using you for your body these past - what is it now? - five years.”

  “Ah, to be reduced to such a state. The mighty Pathbreaker, soon to be just a face in the resplendent Dragonfly’s endless harem. At least I’ll have company,” Kite lamented, but still squeezed Dragonfly closer. “But what is one to do? When Queen of Descending Incandescence, Reaper of monsters and Bringer of harmony has one’s heart, one best just accept one’s fated lot in life. Things could definitely be worse.”

  Things could indeed be worse, and also devolve quite a bit from there, and thus it was only later into the night when proper conversation resumed.

  “Kite?” Dragonfly muttered sleepily next to him.

  “Yes?”

  “What was it we were going to do at the sect tomorrow?”

  “I believe that we were to get some guidance in meditation by one of their grand elders, followed by a tour of their public vaults to learn of the sect’s history and victories.”

  “Oh, right. Thanks.”

  There was a few more seconds of silence, and Kite was just about to doze off himself when Dragonfly’s voice came again.

  “Kite?”

  “Yes?”

  “You do know that I truly like you, right? Even though I joke around about it a lot?”

  With a silent chuckle, Kite held her just a little bit closer, his answer only slightly garbled as he leaned his face into her great mass of pink locks.

  “I do, my ardent Dragonfly. And you are most dear to me as well.”

  “Good. Just making sure. Because we promised to be honest and direct, back during that first time back in Gilded.”

  “Let’s both keep that promise then. A vow before the heavens,” Kite mumbled.

  “Sounds good. Did you hear that, heavens?”

  Of course, only silence followed.

  “Well, I suppose we’ll have to take that as a yes. Goodnight, Kite.”

  “Goodnight, Dragonfly.”