Roakev and Azerian never showed up for dinner. Lyssia didn't think of them again until Magnor left her at the door to the first lodging house.

He had been a perfect dinner companion - polite and conversational, eager to answer her questions though not too inquisitive. The pictures he painted of growing up in Dunival, where he could hear the ocean from his room when his window was open and where he and his brother would sneak down to the caverns at night to find gemstones that glowed in the dark, were vivid and distracting.

She did not have time to miss her cousins until she was alone. Perhaps I should have awarded the title of champion to him instead of Roakev. He deserves it for his performance tonight.

Lyssia glanced around for fear someone might be able to read her loud thoughts. Gathering her skirts in one hand, she hustled inside and up the stairs to her room. She had a treaty to read in addition to her nighttime routine, and her cheeks felt more chafed than normal. She had gotten used to not working her jaw so much in one day.

I may have to get used to it, she thought with a smile.

She should have taken the time to doctor her scars before dinner. They would need extra care tonight - a wash and a second layer of salve under her sleep mask - if she did not want them to come alive and keep her from getting any rest. She hadn't even tried to sleep, and yet she felt it was a lost cause. Her dreams would be full tonight.

**********

HANDSOME PRETTY LITTLE SONGBIRD 🐦

thus titled and recorded by Magnor of Dunival

Lullaby attributed to his mother, Anitra, wife of Rijek the Peaceable

and Drottingr of Dunival in the years leading up to the Second Age of Aonta

Pretty little vine climbing towards the sky

Staring at the flowers by and by

Don't lose hope, Don't you cry

Your moment to shine will arise

Strong and proud, Stand up tall

Higher than the sun you will climb

Pretty little bird with your wings tied down

Afraid to sing your songs out loud

Don't back down, Don't look around

Spread your wings and leave the ground

Strong and proud, Soaring high

Higher than the sun you will fly

Pretty little fawn with the awkward gait

Never run fast so you're always late

Have you tried to jump, tried to break free

Of the ground you were never meant to be

Strong and proud, Lift your feet

Higher than sun you will leap

Pretty little one sitting at my feet

Your eyes wide and your smile sweet

Hush, my love, Soon you'll see

The wondrous thing you were meant to be

Stand proud and tall, and never doubt

My love for you, You'll make me proud