Glen
Amunet wasn't sure how the time had flown so quickly. It felt like just yesterday her son was taking his first steps, and now he was well on his way to being a young man, ready to start at Gaean College at age 14. She gave herself the grace, though, that she was always busy, not getting to spend every second of every day with him. And in the last 4 years, she'd ended the only real relationship she ever had as well as her father passing away. So now that she slowed down a moment to think about it, *That* Was where the time had gone...

Wanting to do something special to celebrate Sassan and the beginning of his higher education, she offered to throw a gathering at their family home in Thebamar City, inviting his friends and her acquaintances for a night of dancing, feasting, and drinking. She had no real close friends to speak of but had innumerable connections and allies that she worked like clay to help the people of the Empire. From the outside, it might look like she had a fun life, traveling all over and attending fancy parties. But for her, they were just work. The people she was with would never know that, she was able to make each one feel important and special; it was her gift, quite literally, from the gods.

The party was in full swing, her desert manor crawling with people from all over, loud with conversation and music. Sassan managed to find her alone for a moment, pulling her to the side, speaking tersely, "You didn't invite him, did you?" His frustrated, accusatory gaze said who he meant; *Kairos.*

**"No, darling. We haven't spoken in years, it wouldn't make sense. Besides, we don't know if he wants to see us or not."** She had to work hard to keep the strain off her face and out of her voice; of course he'd ambush her like this.

Shaking his head, hands fists at his sides, he said through gritted teeth, "I'm sick of this! You know him better than that–or you *Used* To. You *Know* He'd want to be here, he always supported me!" Saving his best venom for last, he spat as he walked away, "He was there for me more than you've been lately!"

With a bit of regret, she realized he was more like her than she wanted him to be; not that the alternative was much better, his father had been a terrible man, but... She pushed it aside in her mind. This wasn't the time to deal with this. Swallowing back her tears, she scanned the room, light blue eyes landing on a familiar face she hadn't seen in a while. She'd stayed away from Velaris to avoid her former lover, which meant her connections there were in need of some care. Making her way over to the count, she approached him with a dazzling smile and took one hand softly in greeting, **"Lord Nerijor, so happy to see you again! Thank you for coming to celebrate my son with me."** She let his hand go, her voice seemingly bright and happy though she felt anything but, **"I apologize for not making it to see you sooner; business has had me elsewhere. Tell me, what news of the Elven lands? How are your people?"** She still had a vested interest in helping the people of Velaris thrive, as they were such close neighbors; Kairos couldn't manage it all by himself.
Helen
Tyril had arrived at the soirée thrown by the beautiful and lovely amunet. He had known her for some time now after he had met her a few years back. The two were close but not close enough to be considered as friends. Tyril had a few shares of his friends yes but she wasn't amongst them. She was more of an acquaintance to him. An ally if one would. In this day and age one needed many allies. And tyril had set out to have allies which he believed would be helpful not just for him but for his goals. Which was why he made allies with those that were the closest to his goals both within and out of his region. That was something he constantly did and thus him and amunet had become allies. 


He had been invited here today to apparently celebrate the success of her son successfully getting into a prestigious college. He was more than happy to come here to celebrate and had brought some gifts along with him in a show of good faith and in the spirit of celebration. The man had been here for some time but he hadn't spotted her or her son there yet. He had met a couple other people who he exchanged pleasantries with. 


Eventually he spotted the elustrious host making her way towards him. He smiled at her for a moment and nodded his head at her before she took his hand. He had no idea about her personal life or any of her problems yet. Which was why he was completely oblivious to what happened just before.


Hearing her words he smiled and nodded at her. "Of course I am happy to be here. Congratulations to your son. I hope both of you are in great health. My people are doing well for the most part. Regardless of everything my homeland continues to thrive." He said before stopping. "You don't have to apologise my lady. I understand you are a busy woman. "
Glen
The Champion of Elira was quick to note which things in his words to prod more to get to what she wanted to know. **"Thank you so much!"** She gave a slight nod of her head. **"'For the most part' and 'regardless of everything' makes it sound like there are some troubles. Not that I wish to pry, I would just love to lend my aid to an old friend, if you're in need of it. How can I help you?"** She wasn't exactly excited to go the Elven lands, but if people needed help, she wouldn't say no for her own selfish reasons. Plus she wanted to be sure to take good care of Tyril as an ally. Neglect someone too long, and they tended to be less open or helpful upon next meeting.

Putting a hand very lightly to the small of his back and gesturing forward with the other, she led him away to a veranda nearby right next to her small garden; a somewhat quieter place for them to catch up. She took one of two cushy outdoor chairs with an excellent view of her collection of plants. Looking out at the garden as Tyril took his seat, she tried to push away all the memories it held. Meeting the elf's eyes again, she spoke in honeyed tones with a friendly smile, **"Also don't forget, while I care a great deal for the people of the Empire, it isn't just them I tend to. As a champion of the Rhakotian goddess of beauty** ***And*** **Nature, I am also a protector of the wilds. Any issues in that regard, I can also lend my aid to."** She laughed softly, a tinkling sound, **"Though, I am no druid. My druidcraft is... Sparse at best. But I will help however I can."** Her garden was a testament to her love of nature, lush and well-tended. It was partly due to her magic but also the skill of expert gardeners.
Helen
Tyril looked into her eyes for a moment and nodded his head at her words. "You're welcome. And thank you for your offering your assistance but rest assured everything is good now for the most part. Just some problems with bandits and some tension at the borders have made things a little tense. But nothing we can't handle at the moment. You know if I need your help I will come to you immediately you can rest assured. " He responded to her with a warm smile. Of course he would be a fool to actually turn down the help from a champion. Someone who had been chosen by the gods. It was natural for anyone to want her help because of her abilities. But he didn't think things were at that stage yet. 



He then let her lead him towards the veranda. Once there he sat down next to her and looked into her eyes for a moment before smiling softly at her. It was nice being at the varenda. He enjoyed the cool air that swirled around him and ruffled his hair. He listened to her words before chuckling softly at her. "How could I ever forget. I haven't but you can be rest assured that it's not something you have to worry about. I promise if I need your help I will rush to you first thing. "
Glen
With a nod and gracious smile, she spoke warmly, **"I see, rather common issues the guard are plenty capable of handling."** She had to admit a mild feeling of disappointment; a more reckless part of her *Wanted* To go to Velaris, though she was unlikely to give in to that part. Yet, she couldn't help asking, looking out at the garden trying to act nonchalant but failing, **"Any news of the Tidecaller? Kairos Ordo, I mean. As a demigod** ***From*** **Velaris, he's typically quicker help than me. I haven't spoken to him in some time."** Her voice faltered a little and she cleared her throat, trying to cover it, **"I've just wondered how he's doing."**

She and Kairos didn't hide their past relationship. They'd been out in Luminia City some together, sometimes even with Sassan in tow. They certainly were all seen together often here in her home city. So it wasn't precisely a secret. Though a few years ago, people had typically stopped asking her how he was, both due to her reaction and not seeing them together anymore. She wasn't confident Tyril would've heard anything about him; he tended to stay alone at his cabin if he wasn't away from home. But she found she couldn't resist asking.

Thinking she remembered Tyril to be an avid reader, she also asked, **"What have you been reading lately? I'd love some recommendations, I'm nearly done with my current one. It's fascinating, a history of great swordsman of the Empire."** Reading was one of her few pastimes, and she lit up again talking about it.
Helen
Tyril nodded gently at her words and smiled softly at her. He could tell that there was a little disappointment in her words regardless of what she said. Perhaps because she wanted to visit velaris for some reason but needed another reason to do so. He thought to himself for some time before clearing his throat to look at her for a moment. "You know you could always come to visit velaris if you want. I would be happy to host you. In fact I would love to invite you over one of these days. " He responded to her for a moment. 



After hearing her next words he couldn't help but raise his brows at her for a moment. But he had a strong feeling as to why she asked him about the tidecaller right then and there. Judging by the way she was acting and speaking it was kinda obvious. The man couldn't help but smile softly to himself for a moment before speaking to her. "I haven't spoken to him in some time as well. But last I heard he is doing good so there's that. You know he is. Always preferring to stay away on his own. " He finally responded to her. 


Tyril much like everyone else had known about thete being something together between them. It was obvious and everyone and their mother knew that. But from what he could tell they weren't together anymore although it wasn't his place to know why exactly. 


Eventually he looked into her eyes again as he heard her next words. The man bit his lower lip before clearing his throat at her. "Well I have been reading on the history of the gods and the demi gods lately. It's a really good read. I can send have it sent to you once I am done reading. "
Glen
The Wind Dancer pondered the count's offer for a moment. She had, apparently, been neglecting Sassan without intending to, so she was loathe to leave again until he was well-settled in school. But once he was, maybe it wasn't a terrible idea to take a trip to Velaris. She had more connections than just Tyril to revivify there, and her visits had been sparse, at best, in the last four years. Her network was as useful a weapon in her arsenal as her scimitars were, and she was worrying that she had let it get rusty, so to speak. With a warm smile, she nodded at the other noble, **"I might very well take you up on that, in a month or so, if you truly mean it."** The light in her eyes didn't waver, for she was as much a lover of nature as she was of reading, **"It's been too long since I laid eyes on those gorgeous forests; it's time. Plus, my blacksmith in the Capitol tells me her brother has a fine jewelry shop in Velaris," She began twisting one of the many bangles on her arm, **"And I do** ***So*** **Love my jewelry."**

Though it didn't show on her face, Amunet was a little miffed at his raised brows; mostly because it was proof of her slip-up, and that really irritated her. These things were happening too often, and she didn't want to admit it but she was becoming all too aware of what the best solution would be. With her cool composure back in place, she nodded and said with a small smile, **"Of course, I should've known."**

The baroness inclined her head in interest, **"Yes, I'd love to see it! I'd be a rather terrible representative of the gods if I had no interest in that. I've read different versions and different authors from various places across the Empire; it will be interesting to see how this one compares."** Thinking on the subject brought up a question that she thought Tyril might find interesting to discuss. **"I wonder sometimes if the gods struggle, like we mortals in power do, to balance it all. Since they're so all-powerful, perhaps some issues are easier for them to deal with, but still, surely they must care for themselves in some capacity, as we do."** She leaned forward, almost conspiratorially, and asked quietly, **"I'm curious what you think... Which is more important to tend to for someone in power: duty to oneself or duty to others?"** Leaning back, she shrugged slightly, **"I used to think I knew. Duty to others seemed like the obvious answer; but perhaps that's a more Rhakotian way of thinking not everyone shares, or maybe it's just me."** Her light blue eyes watched him with sharp curiosity as she awaited his thoughts.
Helen
Tyril stayed silent for a moment both of the lost in their thoughts. He looked off into the distance watching over the garden silently. He didn't say anything until she spoke again. The male turned his attention towards her again and listened to her words. He couldn't help but smile softly at her for a moment as he nodded his head at her. "Of course I truly do mean it. I suppose I shall see you again in a month or two. " He responded to her. At her next words he nodded as he could understand fully what she meant. Much like her he too was a big fan of the nature as well and loved being in the forests. 


He then went silent again pondering over her words. Tyril wasn't an expert when it came to romance as he hadn't been with someone for some time. But he suppose that in a way he could understand her and her hesitations. Still it wasn't his place and he would very much like to not to dwell on it anymore. Seeing her excitement about the book he couldn't help but smile softly at her. He was glad to see such excitement in her. "I am really happy to hear you say that. I am certain you are going to enjoy it. " He said before falling silent again. 



He then stayed silent and pondered about her question and about her words. Those were some heavy set words for certain and her question definitely gave him something to think about. The man stayed silent for a long time not uttering a word before he finally responded to her. "I am not really the best person to ask about the struggles of gods or even if they do. But to answer your question I say the first and most important priority must be the duty to others. Especially if you have that much power to hold. And your thinking just tells me you are a good person and has nothing to do with where you are from. People from the same place as you may have completely different thoughts. But I will also add that sometimes you must take care of yourself. You can't possibly be asked to fulfill a duty to others while completely ignoring

Yourself and letting yourself go astray. " He responded before falling silent again. "Hopefully that makes sense. "
Glen
Smiling radiantly at him, she agreed, **"It's probably obvious I'm quite passionate about the gods... While Elira, of course, is my chosen goddess and patroness, I find all the pantheons and their deities quite interesting."** She looked thoughtful for a moment, **"The demigods, I'll admit, I know somewhat less about. I've read a lot about the Age of Demigods, but which ones have survived and what their domains are, I don't know; other than Kairos and Pride. I don't think any warrior of Aeterna doesn't know Pride, our guide in the darkness of war."** Her expression was curious, **"Perhaps your book can teach me more in this area in which I lack, which would be most appreciated."**

Her eyes scanned the crowd further into the house for a moment, as she waited for Tyril to speak. She'd been so busy focusing on making sure she spoke to everyone that she hadn't had a chance to dance yet, and the music called to her like a siren song. Turning back to him, her expression more neutral, she nodded solemnly, **"Being a favorite of the gods doesn't necessarily mean one understands them any better; any of us can only guess."** Her sky blue eyes flitted to what she could see of heads bobbing up and down on the dance floor before quickly returning to him, **"I quite agree about duty to others being first; otherwise I worry our society might collapse, if we were all too selfish. But,"** She gestured gracefully with her hands, **"When one has much power** ***And*** **Much responsibility, where then is there room for the self?"** Her elegant brows were furrowed, **"This is where I keep getting stuck, and no tome of religion or philosophy has seemed to have a good answer yet."**

Gently waving her hands outward as if to dismiss the words, with a playful smile, she stood, **"But I don't intend to keep you to myself all night.** ***That*** **Would be selfish. Would you care for a dance or two, before we part?"** Her joy was quite clear; dance was her one true passion in life.
Helen
Tyril smiled softly at her words and looked into her eyes for a moment. He couldn't help but feel happy at her words and her interest. He had read through the book and had a feeling that the book would be good for her. Frankly he had a strong feeling that she would get everything she wanted from it. Because he had read it a couple of times already and it seemed just up her alley. 



He then took a glance at the sky. He could tell that it was starting to get late and he would have to leave soon. But right now he was much more focused on their conversation. He turned his attention towards her for a moment as he listened to her words before nodding his head at her. She brought up a good bargain that he knew for certain. And her words definitely had truth to them. "My father always told me balance is important. You must help others but you must also make time for yourself too. Although these days achieving balance is more and more difficult. " He said before letting out a deep sigh. 


At her next words he raised his brows at her for a moment before smiling softly at her. With a nod he stood up and gently took her hand in his. "It would be my utmost honour to get to dance with you my lady. " He responded cordially.
Glen
Though she only nodded in agreement to Tyril's words, they stuck with her. The necessity was clear enough on paper. But it was indeed getting more and more difficult. At least for her. She thought she'd set herself up well, had enough things to both keep her busy but help her relax, and she certainly had a lovely family to spend time with. The ache in her heart spoke of those missing, but she tried to ignore it. She felt she had no good reason to struggle so, yet she was struggling more and more with each passing year to feel like she could balance it all. Pushing away these troubled thoughts, she took the count's hand with a big smile, letting him lead her to the nearby dancefloor.

The next song up was a currently popular waltz, a quickly paced song with graceful steps. Amunet found she was able to get lost in the moment briefly since Tyril, as most nobles were, was quite a skilled dancer and good partner. It wasn't hard to encourage him to do one more dance, another peppy number. She had asked for just one more before she realized it was a very slow, romantic song. She kept her word, however, focusing more on the steps and her joy at catching up with an old friend rather than the last time she'd danced a song like this, so close to someone who as now so far away.

Amunet said warm goodbyes to the count after the third dance, making plans to visit him in two months, at most. The champion continued to make her rounds at the party, happy to have more distraction to keep stuffing down the things she didn't want to deal with right now.