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“You’re not the first person to ever try and reach him.” Alessio muttered.

Leana stared at his eyes a moment more. I hope I’m not the last. Her gaze followed his hand, and her heart tightened when she saw the scars on his wrist. Did he do that to you? Or… did he lead you to do it to yourself?

“He…sees kindness as consent,” Alessio spoke even softer. “or weakness at best-We should find out who’s here and what assets we have so we can come up with a plan.”

Leana was all too familiar, with the first part of his comment. Too many men saw kindness as an invitation when all she wanted to do was remind them they weren’t alone. Leana looked toward Nithel who limped toward her, that sad peaceful look in his eyes. How do you have peace? Even here?

The smallest flicker of a smile in his eyes, as Alessio approached everyone else, and Nithel put an arm around her shoulders and kissed her head. “What is it your grandfather said?” He whispered, with some pain. “Right before I left with Dom?”

Leana burrowed her face into his chest, wanting to weep again.

“Do you remember?”

“Yes, Papa.” Muffled into her father’s clothes.

Nithel breathed a moment, eyes resting on the glowing pool. Wanting to jump in, in all honesty. Just get everything going. But the others were discussing. If asked, he’d share whatever opinion he could muster, if not? He welcomed remaining silent on the matter.

He squeezed his little girl tighter, so many questions running through his mind, about home, her mother, her siblings, Kisan… He kissed her head. There might be no time. “Always remember.” I struggle to. But… I would have been overcome long ago, if I didn’t remind myself every day.

-”

*Ohel feels Alessio, at least so far as how princes are supposed to act… except… he’s failing in the relaxed area, at the moment* He looks stiff as a board, but slowly, serious as death. “Ohel bar Oz bar Hezekiah. Nephew to King Manasseh bar Hezekiah.” Whoop-dee-doo… The statement filled him with no pride. He bows his head the smallest bit, dark eyes narrow, but curious. “And you?” He looks at the others, gaze resting on Leana and Crorie longer than necessary, looking them over from stem to stern.

Nithel catches it, when Ohel’s eyes land on Leana, and his eyes narrow, chest stiffening, in turn.

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@hannahrenner @ragnarok @hannahrenner