“Miss Torohar?” Graham said, with a rap on her door. “Are you awake yet?”

Werond forced her eyes open. She stared at the ceiling and tried to fight off the drowsiness, only to accept defeat as her eyes slowly closed again. She dragged a hand across her face and wiped away dried spit.

“Yeah,” she croaked. “yeah, I’m awake.”

“Wonderful.” Graham replied through the door. “Breakfast is ready, and everyone else is downstairs, save the younger half-elf. Is she with you?”

With a grin, Werond forced her eyes back open and looked at the curled-up form of Serena; she clung to Werond’s side, forehead pressed against her, mouth hung open in a silent snore. Her hair was a mess, splayed over the pillow, and Werond realized that they were both sweating despite the coolness of the room.

“Yes, Serena’s with me.”

“Of course. Will we see you both downstairs?”

“Yeah. Let me –” She yawned. “Let me get her up…we’ll be down in a moment.”

“Of course.”

Graham turned away from the door and walked down the hallway, his footsteps fading as he made his way towards the stairs.

Sunlight poured into the room through the open balcony doors, and a gentle ocean breeze blew in, sending a shiver through Werond. Her body felt slick as she pushed herself up and rubbed her eyes with the heel of her palms; Serena’s arms slipped limply from her side, and as Werond turned to brush some of the hair out of her face, she realized that Serena still felt like a furnace.

“Gods, I hope that’s on purpose and you’re not sick,” Werond mumbled. “last thing I need.”

Werond reached over and pinched the tip of Serena’s long, pointed ear. Upon receiving no reaction, she rubbed the tip between her fingers, lightly at first, then more roughly as Serena began to stir.

Grimacing, she swatted Werond’s hand away and rolled onto her side, facing away from her. As her hands disappeared, Werond heard a faint grumble echo through her mind.

She grinned.

Werond crawled over to Serena and placed her mouth inches from her now red ear.

“Time to get up darling,” she whispered, causing Serena to jerk. “Graham made breakfast and he’ll get mad if you miss it.”

“Stop…” Serena lazily signed; somehow, her voice came out rougher than Werond’s. “I don’t want to get up.”

“Neither do I, but if I have to, so do you.”

“That’s…stupid.”

“I know. Now,” With one hand, Werond began to pat Serena’s rear, hard enough to jerk her towards the edge of the bed. “get up! Up! Up! Up!”

Werond jumped back, laughing, as Serena swung a hand towards her, tiny blue sparks flying across her fingers. She rolled onto her back, and dug her knuckles into her eyes, rubbing vigorously. Satisfied, Werond hopped out of bed and stretched her arms over her head.

“You know, it’s –” Werond let out a grunt as she arched her back. “rude to shock people in their own home.”

“And it’s rude to wake me up too early.” Serena grumbled, finally sitting up. She scratched at her chest and snapped her fingers. With a small sucking noise, the sweat disappeared from her body, her skin suddenly much shinier. “Where did I put my clothes?”

“You know, I don’t mind if you go out…like that.” Werond said, waving a hand at her. “Don’t think I’ll get tired of all that.”

Serena shot Werond a glare, causing her to giggle.

“It’s too early to mess with me.”

“I’m not messing with you, I mean that. And I think you dropped them on the floor next to you.”

“Oh…I did.” Serena leaned off the side of the bed and plucked her clothes from the floor. “You want me to snap the sweat off you?”

“That would be lovely.” Werond said as she made her way to the closet, kicking her spilled clothes with her. “Could you snap away the sweat in the bed too?”

“Sure.”

With another snap, the sweat that stuck to her body disappeared.

“You need to teach me that,” she said, running her hands over her now clean arms. “much faster than a bath.”

“It’s kinda hard actually, if you don’t know magic.”

“Ah. Well, that’s fine. Suppose that’s what I have you for, huh?” She grinned as Serena rolled her eyes.

Werond grabbed her discarded clothes off the floor; with one hand, she opened the doors to her closet and flung the bundle of clothes into a large wicker basket standing just inside.

“Gods,” she said, standing before a legion of tunics, pants, dresses, skirts, and everything in between. “I’ve worn the same thing for months. Rather enjoyed it, honestly.”

A tiny whistle sounded behind her; Werond frowned and turned her head, only to see Serena, still in bed, angling her head to get a better look into the closet, her blue eyes wide.

“How did you –”

“How big is your closet?!” She interrupted.

“Uh, it’s just a normal walk in. Nothing special.”

“It’s huge!”

“Not really.” Werond walked in and began pushing the hanging clothes apart. “Pretty standard on the houses, I think.”

“O-okay but what about – how many clothes do you –”

“Okay, the clothes might be a bit much,” Werond said, pulling out a purple tunic and a pair of black workpants. “but I make a decent amount. Honestly, I tend to need all of these.”

“You do?!”

“Uhm…” Werond draped the clothes over her arm, bent down, and grabbed a pair of brown boots. “Mostly.” She turned and exited the closet, shutting the doors behind her with her foot. “Hey, get out of bed and get dressed, Graham does get mad if you waste food.”

Shaking her head, Serena hopped out of bed and tossed her clothing where she had been sitting. As she grabbed each garment, she snapped her fingers in front of them, causing the clothing to jump as sweat and wrinkles alike vanished. As Werond donned her own clothes, her eyes flicked to the mess that was Serena’s hair, and the tangles that lay against her back.

Her eyes drifted down as Serena pulled on her long skirt, cinching it tight around her thin waist. Werond grinned and focused on putting on her boots, thankful to finally be wearing a different set of shoes, one without a key in it.

“By the way,” Werond said, standing up and pulling her tunic over her head. “you made yourself warm like that, right? You’re not getting sick?”

“Oh, yeah. That just happens sometimes. Forgot to stop it.” Serena said; she slipped her white tunic on, but left it unbutton as she pulled at her hair.

“You just get warm randomly?”

“Yes, uh…” She looked embarrassed. “among other things.”

“Huh. Well, as long as you’re not getting sick.” Werond pointed to the chair pushed under the desk. “If you sit down, I’ll fix your hair.”

Werond closed the door to the bathroom as Serena crossed the room, pulled out the chair, and plopped down into it. She scratched drowsily at her chest, and as Werond came behind her, handed her hairband off to her; Werond slipped it onto her wrist, and gathered up Serena’s tangled hair in both hands, running her fingers through the mess.

“Honestly darling,” She said, beginning to break apart a particularly stubborn knot. “I haven’t a clue how your hair got like this.”

“Only happens when I pull it out of the band.” Serena signed.

“Again, it’s just weird.” She broke apart another knot and gathered up another section to comb over. “Haven’t done this in a while though, not since that one night, huh? I’m not…overstimulating you, am I?”

“Huh?”

“Your head. You said it was sensitive last time.”

“Yeah, if you dig your nails into it.”

“Yes, and you enjoyed every moment of it.”

“Hmm. I’m fine.”

“Good. Are you going to snap your hair too, by the way? It’s a little greasy.”

“Oh, sorry. Yeah, but it’s not as good as washing it. Guess it’ll be fine for today though.”

“Well, you’re welcome to use my bath anytime. Just let me know so I can join you.”

“Werond.” Serena signed.

Werond grinned and turned her focus back on Serena’s hair, running her fingers through it over and over again, straightening out tangles and making it look as presentable as she could with just her fingers. As much as Werond wished she had a brush for her, she couldn’t help but enjoy the simplicity of using her fingers. And besides, when was the last time Werond had enjoyed herself combing someone else’s hair?

When was the last time she’d felt at ease with someone else in her room?

Werond glanced at Serena in the mirror; Serena was already staring at her, and as their eyes met, she flicked her gaze away.

With a cluck of her tongue, Werond shook her head.

“Bit too early to be worried about things, darling.”

A look of annoyance flashed across Serena’s face.

“I’m not worried about anything.”

“Yes, you are. What’s on your mind?”

The annoyed look deepened. Werond grinned.

“You’re very easy to read sometimes.” She gathered up Serena’s hair one last time, then let it drop against her back; with gentle hands, Werond grabbed Serena’s shoulders and spun the seat around so that she faced her. She pulled off the band stretched around her wrist and handed it back. “Here, I’d do it, but I don’t know how you actually like it. You do look good with your hair down.”

“Tell that to the mess it makes.” Serena said.

Werond walked backwards and sat on the bed, watching Serena as she fixed her hair. “That’s fair. So, again, what’s on your mind?” She waved a hand. “When you’re done with your hair, sorry.”

“No, it’s…” Serena’s hands dropped, her hair dropping loosely against her chest. “I just… well I guess I am a little worried. We can’t really hide that we’re together now…not after leaving the tavern and coming out of the same room.”

“Darling, I’m pretty sure they all know at this point.”

Serena frowned. “I don’t think so.”

“Well, we weren’t exactly subtle about much.” Werond waved her hand. “Put your hair back up, we’ll be here for a while if you don’t. Anyways…we didn’t hide it all too well, and I’m sure at the very least Jo and Cruck’aa know. I wouldn’t worry about them. If they don’t like us together, then that’s their problem. Although, quite honestly, I don’t think they’ll care that much.”

Serena nodded as she pulled her hair into its usual low ponytail; she buttoned up her tunic and stood from the chair.

“I…guess you’re right. Sorry, I just…tend to think overthink things, I guess. Sudden thought I had.”

“No need to be sorry.” Werond pushed off the bed. “It’s natural to be nervous about these things. Now, let’s get down there, I’m starting to get hungry.”

She gestured for Serena and turned towards the door; as Serena moved past her, Werond brushed her hand against the small of her back, grinning as Serena shot a bemused look her way.

Werond closed the door behind them as they walked into the hallway and made their way towards and down the stairs; as they did, the smell of fresh toast, scrambled eggs, and cooked ham began to swirl around them. Mixed subtlety within was the familiar aroma of fresh coffee, filling Werond with an excitement that she struggled to conceal. She nudged Serena with her elbow as they entered the foyer.

“Graham makes the best breakfast in all of Waterdeep. Gods, his toast is just…I don’t know how he does it.”

“Better than the caravan?”

“Darling, I think I could make better food than what was served on the caravan, and I can’t cook to save my life.” Werond said, as they entered the living room.

“It wasn’t that bad. I liked some of it.”

“Well, you’ll like all of Graham’s then.”

As they entered the kitchen, the mouthwatering scents cascaded over Werond, filling her with a sense of belonging that she hadn’t felt in months. Next to her, Serena’s stomach rumbled loudly.

The kitchen itself was the second largest room in the house, though Werond only used half of it. A wooden island, topped with a countertop of polished stone, stood on dull hardwood, three of the four barstools occupied; Jo, Pavel, and Cruck’aa, backs turned to them, all sat hunched over their plates as they tucked in, or stared at, the prodigious meal spread in front of them. Stacks of toast dominated one plate, with a variety of sliced cheeses spread around it; a large serving plate of scrambled eggs sat next to it, along with a small tray of sliced ham, still steaming; beyond the meats sat a long tray of sliced apples, oranges, and heaps of black and blueberries, juicier than anything Werond could find outside the city. A large pot of steaming coffee sat on a coaster, and from the marks on the pot, everyone’s cups were already full.

“Good morning.” Werond said.

“Good morning ma’am.” Graham replied on the far side of the kitchen. Everyone else could only grunt in response.

Behind the island, Graham, apron draped over his tunic, toiled away over the counters and metal stove shoved against the walls. Dirty dishes and pans were stacked high in a wash basin built into the corner, and on the far end of the counterspace, a large wood paneled icebox stood with its doors slightly opened. As Serena and Werond walked in, Werond passed the island and pushed the door closed, turning around to lean against it.

“Not like you to leave the door ajar, huh Graham?” Werond said, as Serena took a seat at the island, across from Werond and next to a hungover Pavel.

“Yes, well,” Graham said, placing another dish into the basin. “unlike the mistress of the house to bring home friends for me to cook for, hmm?”

Werond grinned and rolled her eyes; she gestured at the four sitting at the island.

“Probably more space at the actual table.” Werond said, nodding her head to the right; a set of wooden chairs were pushed against a large wooden table, all sitting in front of a paned window. If Werond angled her head just right, the sun that poured through lit up the layer of dust that coated the table.

“Yes, but unless our guests like dust in their eggs, I thought the island would be better.” Graham said, back still turned. Werond shrugged but didn’t reply and she turned her attention towards the island.

Serena sat awkwardly as she scooped a spoonful of eggs onto an empty plate, glancing over at the three that sat to her right. Pavel looked as though he’d been dragged through the streets just before waking up. His eye-catching golden hair was now matted and tangled, and his blue eyes were barely cracked as he slowly shoveled eggs into his mouth, the sound of his fork scrapping his plate making him grimace; the muscles that usually rippled under his tunic barely moved at all, as though he’d wasted away throughout the night.

To the right of him, Jo seemed to fare better, her eyes open and lithe body alert, as she nibbled on her toast. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled into a long ponytail, high on her head, and for the first time since Werond had known her, Jo’s pointed ears were exposed. Her smooth face was pulled into a frown, as though something weighed heavily on her mind. She looked almost regal, sitting there with toast in her mouth. Perhaps it was her high cheekbones that made Werond swear that she was important, but something about the way Jo sat drew her attention.

Werond’s eyes flicked to Cruck’aa on the far side of the island. His own beady yellow eyes locked with hers, though he quickly turned back to the plate of berries in front of him, fork held awkwardly in his talons. Despite the early hours, his mottled brown feathers were ruffled, and his wings tucked against his back twitched every so often. His narrow face and sharp, yellow beak were intimidating enough, but pulled into a frown, they sent a small shiver down Werond’s back.

“So quiet this morning.” Werond said. “Sorry we left early, but how was your first night in Waterdeep?” She asked to Jo, Pavel, and Cruck’aa.

“I’m never drinking again.” Pavel whispered, voice as though he hadn’t used it in years. “But I think I said that last time.”

“I think you said that as we left the inn.” Jo replied after a mouthful of toast.

“If I did, I mean it.”

“How many times have I told you Pavel,” Cruck’aa said, leaning onto the counter to stare at him. “that stuff is poison. You should have –”

“You should keep your beak shut.” Pavel croaked.

“What, because I’m trying to help you?!”

“Because I don’t want to listen to a pigeon this early in the morning.”

“A pigeon?!” Cruck’aa yelled, standing up from his stool.

“Sorry,” Pavel opening his eyes further, reveling more red than white. “should have said seagull.”

Serena sprayed water from her glass as a silent laugh escaped her lips; Jo grinned at Werond as Cruck’aa jumped up and stormed over to Pavel and began to yell in his ear.

“It’s been like this well before you two came down.” Jo said, taking a sip from her own glass as Serena vanished the spilled water away. “He’s just irritated that you two ditched us for Pavel last night.”

“Yeah…” Werond said. “Again, sorry about that.”

Jo shrugged, ignoring the tirade behind her.

“It’s fine. I guess that makes you two official, huh?”

On the far end of the counter, a blush crept into Serena’s face, and she suddenly decided that her eggs demanded her full attention; Pavel and Cruck’aa, however, didn’t seem to react, Cruck’aa continuing his one-sided argument.

Werond shrugged. “Guess so.”

“Well, that’s good. Took long enough.” Jo leaned forward, reached in front of Pavel, and flicked Serena in the arm. “You come to me if she doesn’t treat you right, you hear me?”

Serena nodded, still fixated on her eggs. With a grin, Werond waved a hand.

“Oh, leave her alone Jo, I mess with her enough.”

Jo nodded and returned to her toast. Cruck’aa had yet to finish whatever he was yelling in Pavel’s ear, who looked as though his mind was in another city.

Serena glanced up at Werond, catching her eye; Werond waved, causing Serena to smile as she turned back to her eggs. She could be too nervous sometimes.

“Ma’am.”

Werond turned towards the counters at the back of the room; in the time they’d talked, Graham had managed to clean every dish used to make breakfast, save the plates and trays currently in use, and placed them all back into the cabinets. A dish towel was slung over his shoulder, and he untied the now wet apron from around his waist.

“Ma’am,” he repeated, lips pulled into a tight frown. “may I have a word with you? In the foyer?”

“Oh, uh, sure.” Werond pushed off the icebox. “I’ll be right back.” She said to the only two people listening. As she walked by, Werond brushed her hand along Serena’s arm, causing her to jump. She laughed, dodging an outstretched hand crackling with sparks, as she and Graham left the kitchen.

Her laughter quickly faded as they walked through the living room; Graham wasn’t a serious person, somehow managing to find something new each day to tease Werond about. To think that there was something to be said to in private set Werond on edge.

“So,” She said, stopping to lean against the archway between the foyer and living room. “something wrong?”

“An understatement.” Graham said quietly. He stopped and stood in the archway across from her. “I won’t beat around the bush ma’am; your boss knows you’re back. I ran into him last night when I was out.”

His words hung in the air as, in a flash, icy dread sunk its talons into Werond; her chest tightened and she sucked in a deep breath, steadying herself against the archway.

“Of all the things…” she mumbled.

“I couldn’t tell you last night for obvious reasons, but I felt it important that you knew now.”

“Yeah, yeah…I agree…gods damnit.” A dull ache began to creep into her head, like a band too tightly wound. “It’s barely been a day, I thought…thought I’d have more time to relax.”

“Evidently not.” Graham took a step closer, concern in his eyes; his voice dropped to a whisper. “When do you plan on telling them to leave?”

“What?” Werond whispered back. “Who, Serena and everyone else? I’m not.”

“Ma’am, as much as I enjoy seeing you enjoy their company, they become ammunition for him if they stay. I’d prefer if they didn’t get hurt.”

“And I would too, but I’m not casting them out on the street Graham.” The very thought sent a jolt of anxiety through her. “Not after everything. They need a place to stay, and we have room. They can take care of themselves.”

“If they stay, then they become something he can use against you. Especially the half-elf. Is that something you want?”

Werond’s chest tightened further as her head began to swim. “Serena.”

“Serena. My apologies.”

“It-it’s fine.” When had the room gotten warm? “But I’m not kicking them out.”

“This hasn’t been an issue with the other short-lived relationships you’ve entertained.”

Werond’s hands balled into fists, then opened, then closed again. A nervous energy seemed to course through her, causing her to fidget in the archway. She could barely breathe.

“It’s different. W-we were together longer than the other ones, I can’t just throw her out. I-I don’t want to throw her out. It’s d-different.”

“Ma’am, with all due respect, you said the same thing about Tai, and he –”

Werond went as taut as a bowstring; a wave of fear washed over her, sending her heart slamming into her chest. Instinctively, she swung her hand and slapped Graham, sending the servant stumbling.

“I said!” She whispered harshly, out of breath, her eyes wide. “I said! I never want to hear his name again! Graham you –”

Graham straightened up and rubbed his cheek; a bright red handprint stood out against his weathered skin. He turned back towards Werond, but without a trace of anger or fear in his eyes. Instead, he offered her a sympathetic look.

Heat flooded through her body, sweat beginning to bead on the small of her back; her lungs constricted, and her body began to shake.

“Oh, gods, Graham, I didn’t –” Werond could barely speak; she grabbed her head and leaned against the archway. “I didn’t, Graham, I –”

Instantly, Graham stepped closer and placed his hands on her shoulders, smiling gently at Werond.

“Now, just because you’ve been away for a bit doesn’t mean you don’t remember how to breath. Like we practiced, with me.”

He breathed in through his nose, held it, then exhaled slowly, making sure to breath to the side of Werond.

“With me ma’am.” Graham repeated.

Neck stiff, Werond nodded. As Graham breathed in, with great effort, she pulled in air through her nose, body still trembling. She held it until her chest was liable to burst, before exhaling sharply, blowing in Graham’s face.

He turned his head to the side and laughed quietly.

“Your breath smells awful ma’am.”

Despite the fear that lodged itself within her, Werond laughed with him.

They remained where they were, matching their breathing together, Werond aiming her breath away from Graham’s face. Slowly, the tightness in her chest began to disappear, the fear and anxiety she felt just a moment ago dissipating ever so slowly, until it had melted away completely. As it did, Werond suddenly became aware of just how much her body burned, shivering slightly as the air began to whisk away her sweat.

After a minute, she dropped her hands and leaned her head against the archway, closing her eyes.

“Okay.” She whispered. “Okay. Okay. Think I’m better now.”

“Are you sure?” Graham asked.

“P…positive.”

Graham dropped his hands from her shoulders. “Glad to hear.”

He handed Werond the dish towel that was slung around his shoulder, pressing it into her chest; she opened her eyes and accepted it, wiping the sweat from her face.

“I’m sorry.” Werond said through the towel.

“It’s fine. I understand the frustration.”

“No, it’s –”

“Werond.” Graham laid his hands on her shoulders again. “I should be the one apologizing. That was a sore spot that I shouldn’t have poked. I can’t blame you for that, not after all that happened. Trying to keep your best interests in mind gets me all confused and I forget about those things. It’s not that big of a deal.” He grinned. “Besides, I’ll take a slap to the face than a kick to the shin.”

Despite everything, Werond laughed again.

“You make me out like I’m abusive, don’t say that.”

“Well, you were rather wild ten years ago. It’s a miracle you’ve mellowed out.” He squeezed her shoulders.

“Maybe.” Werond’s smile dropped as she offered the towel back to Graham. “Regardless, I’m sorry. I don’t…I don’t know where that came from. That will never happen again. Please, take the day off, I’d –”

“It’s quite alright ma’am. And I don’t need the day off for something like this.” He accepted the towel and flung it over his shoulder. “That being said, will you be alright?”

Werond glanced down to her still shaking hands; the thought of returning to the kitchen and letting them – letting Serena see her like this, made her want to curl up on herself. She shook her head.

“I – yeah, once I get some fresh air. Tell them I’ll be back later, had to run a business errand or…something.”

“Of course. And will you be going to the office tomorrow?”

“Well, if I don’t, I’m sure they’ll start talking about my abdication.”

“Quite true. Alright, I’ll let them know then. Please take care of yourself ma’am, and if something happens, promise me you’ll come right back.”

Werond smiled joylessly. “Of course.”