Logan partook of the soft punch, leaving the spirits to the other gala-goers. Oftentimes his sobriety got questioning, even suspicious, commentary from those around him—doubly so in the Guard. 'Twas a simple fact of the matter: he simply did not enjoy the feeling of intoxication. Perhaps he could as well put forward discussions on responsibility, of whether one truly liked doing something if they could take no joy in the activity whilst sober, the awful hangovers which chased after a night of flowing wine. But no. At base, it was as simple as that.
Outside and underneath the garden pavilion, Logan settled into his seat. There was something about the soft glow of the firelights in the serene twilight that reflected wonderfully off of
Kailani's countenance. The transformation was breathtaking, all things considered. Had he not seen another side of her, the one who served in the Guard and still so as a Ranger? The one which had been covered in grime and blood on a river bank not far from the Marjeune Bridge? Yet here she was now, Kailani Tal'deneshaar, the very picture of elegance and beauty.
Logan, with something a little knowing smile as he thought, had to wonder how much he "cleaned up" wearing this finery and not armor. Mayhap his hair could do with a trim. Never was it enough for Theodore though, who scowled at anything but short and immaculately trimmed hair for men.
Tell me how you have been, Logan!
"I've enjoyed a brief spell of peace in the North. Certainly you must have noticed as well," he said.
"As the Republic has settled in, my duties have been thoroughly defensive in nature. I suspect that could change within short notice, but, as it lasts, I'll take what opportunities arise to engage in other affairs."
He spread his hands.
"Hence, even a gala held in Vel Anir itself was not out of reach." He laughed.
"I suppose we shall have to attribute Mina's invitation finding me and the wayward fate of your most recent letter as a conspiring of luck against our meeting! Still, Lady Luck's best efforts proved to be for naught." Logan took a drink of the punch and set the glass back down.
"And so here I am. Reconnecting with family and friends. Kress, seeing with my own eyes what changes the Revolution has wrought!"
He hadn't seen much, and in fact had departed from the city soon after the fighting was done and the devastation still littering the streets. It was perhaps a story for another time, but he'd convinced his father Theodore to stand House Banick down—what a woeful day which might have come had he not, a fate House Sirl was living through at present.
There was the topic he wanted to speak with Kai about, but presently he would enjoy the pleasantries and the simple pleasure of her company after a couple of years spent apart.
"And, of course, defying destiny and chancing across a woman to whom I owe much and of whom my fondness has not dimmed in the slightest."
He smiled warmly.
"And of you, Kai? How have you fared? Tell me and I shall count it as a blessing that your letter went astray, such that I could hear it from you in person."
* * * * *
Everyone here tonight had plans, didn't they? Some of them might even had something to do with a bunch of commonblood orphans, the verminous riff-raff.
Garron, of course, had a tidy little plan of his own. One Walter wanted no part of. Such a strange thing, that. Despite some of his more bold powerplays in recent times down in Ostia Anir, Walter had gone soft in other ways. He seemed to have forgotten that, Republic or no Republic, there was still a great game to be played.
Oh yes.
And who didn't adore a good encore?
Kailani Tal'deneshaar
