Kalia's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze shifting rapidly between Ysevel and I in search of an answer. When neither of us answered verbally, letting her subtly know that we didn't want to influence her decision, she brought her eyes back to my mother with determination.
"I swear that in all of those instances, I will stand by your side as long as I draw breath and even beyond, Commander Siraye," Kalia quoted my exact words from when we had forged our bond, smiling at me as she said them before clasping my mother's forearm.
A surge of scarlet mana raced through the four of us, signifying that the bond had added a new person. "Does that mean she's also a part of The Order of Nightfall's Blade?" Athar whispered as he leaned over to me. "The what now?" my mother asked over her shoulder, causing Athar to flinch.
I could only chuckle nervously at the interaction, but I silently gestured to my mother that I would explain everything later.
"There is, however, one thing I would ask of you, Lady Kalia," Siraye turned back toward the hegraphene. "Of course, Commander. If it is within my power to do it, then I will to the best of my abilities," Kalia continued formally.
"Judging by what I've gathered from both Ysevel and Thoma, even my father, they all hold you in extremely high regard. I forged this bond based on that feeling, and the memories brought forth from it, but I would love it if I could also receive some instruction, as I've only recently come into this power," my mother said, a sense of eagerness in her voice.
I should have expected as much, I sent her with a soft chuckle.
"It would be an honor to instruct not just one, but two generations of your family, Commander," Kalia grinned beneath her faceplate, causing her eyes to squint. "Call me Siraye. I'm not overly fond of titles among family," she shrugged. "As you wish, Siraye," Kalia beamed, though most of it was hidden to the others who could only see her eyes shift.
I introduced my mother to Athar and Irun briefly, summarizing their backstories as briefly as I could, because it was only a matter of time before the final member stepped through the portal. My mother glared at Irun, but after calming her down and explaining everything, she huffed and crossed her arms.
Once I finished, my mother sent a raven to where she knew Wyrran would be waiting, as he sent her periodic updates regarding Bernar's mission in Harut.
"Is he still not done yet?" I asked, slightly disheartened that I wouldn't get to see him. "Well, we thought you would be gone for a whole month, but you came back more quickly than that," my mother noted. "We did?" I glanced at Kalia, who feigned ignorance.
That explains the added gravity during our training. Just how far ahead did you and Ardrin plan? I sent Kalia but accidentally forgot that my mother could hear us, too. She didn't say anything, already guessing why I wanted to keep that part hidden from the others.
He should be here soon. Try not to kill him when you see him again, I sent, answering the unasked question floating in her head. Siraye, there is much to discuss regarding his position. I would be glad to share any and all information I have regarding him, Kalia stepped in, prompting my mother to sigh.
The others outside the conversation shared quick yet subtle glances, likely wondering why my mother's face contorted in so many different ways. "We'll talk about that later," she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Talk about what later?" a familiar voice appeared behind me, causing Kalia's eyes to widen far beyond anything I'd seen before.
"Hello there," he waved as I turned to look at him. "I see you've made it back and in one piece," he said in that familiar tone he always used. "It's good to be back," I smiled, giving him a short bow. "Taegin, grandpa, there's someone I'd like you to meet, even if it's not for the first time," I stepped aside, revealing Kalia behind me.
The shared look between them wasn't one of hostility, but of respect, as both emulated each other's greeting. "Welcome, Lady Kalia," he put a balled fist over his chest and dipped his head. "It's an honor to see you again, Taegin, but you've grown old," she said wryly. "Ah, my apologies," he said, immediately removing a pendant from around his neck.
The wrinkles on his face that clawed at the edges of his eyes disappeared, as the skin around his face tightened. I'd have thought he looked in his early thirties at best if he were a normal human. The pendant didn't remove the scar on his face, but there was something familiar about his looks that took me a moment to identify.
The painting in Pyrdredd, I thought, finally seeing the resemblance between Taegin and Nexis.
It wasn't as much of a surprise to me as I thought it would have been when he removed his pendant. Thinking back on the night he came to get me from my home, I remembered him looking much like this in the dimly lit living room.
"There, that's better," he said lightly in the same tone of voice he'd had when I first met him. "I apologize for the trickery, as it has become a habit for me to wear it since I'm so often training newer generations of Synners," he said, gently placing the pendant into a pouch at his waist.
"How long has it been since the day you gave me this?" Kalia gestured to the gash in the armor just above her right eye. "Too long, I admit," he chuckled. "What brings you here? Did Thoma convince you to come?" he asked, giving me a knowing look. "He did, but like always, he left the choice in my hands; not that I felt I had much of a choice," Kalia shrugged, getting a chuckle from both Taegin and my mother as a result.
"Sounds about right. What of…?" Taegin paused, not wanting to say Nexis' name aloud. "Oh, there will be time for that later, you old fuck," my mother chided him, wrapping her arm around Kalia and I.
I felt a slight surge from the portal and mentally sighed, knowing what came next.