fandomhigh | Library: Friday [28.09]

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Library: Friday [28.09]

Karal probably should have been in bed, but he wasn't. Instead he was opening the library.

Slowly, and he looked kind of pale, but he was there.

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"It," he hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "it is my presence which is the problem."

Aravis blinked. "...you?"

That drew a tiny smile from him. "It is complicated. But I will wait, and trust in Vkandis to guide those in Valdemar who try to untangle the mess."

"I'm still a bit stuck on how you, of all people, are at the heart of this," Aravis said, bewildered.

"Prejudice and desire for revenge, and I became the target of it," he said, putting his chin on his arms. He wanted to speak of it, wanted to tell someone, but he couldn't quite bring himself to do so.

Aravis sensed the reticence and wouldn't push. Not hard, anyway.

"Do you know why?"

"Because I spoke of something other than annihilation of the Empire's soldiers," he said wearily. "I only wanted to do what was right."

"How dare you," she said dryly.

The corner of his mouth pulled up. "Yes, I am only a Priest after all, it is only my duty to think beyond myself." He was verging onto the almost sarcastic. Clearly Aravis was a terrible influence on him. "How dare I."

"Why is it so focused on you, though, and not others who so foolishly insist on doing the right thing?" she wondered.

"In large part I believe it is because I am a Karsite," he said. "My country's history is not a kind one, and it is easy to fall into old prejudices. So I become a symbol of all that they hate and fear now, because I am the representative of all that they once hated and feared."

Aravis nodded slowly. "Sounds familiar," she said softly. "There's no way they can resolve it without making you ill from the stress?"

"There are people who are trying to fix it." He smiled. "At least you will be free of caring for Trenor for awhile, as I will not be returning until I am summoned."

"It's not really a hardship," she assured him, still looking worried.

"I appreciate your care of him." Karal could see her worry, but having no way to allay it, he took the coward's way out. "He seems very happy. Soon, he won't even miss me! Have you had a chance to take him out, yet?"

She nodded, trying to match his levity. "He's very easy to ride. Like Hwin, before I knew she was...Hwin."

"I'm glad you rode him," he said, and it did make him genuinely happy. "He's very willing. If you asked him, he would go until he dropped."

"I don't think that will be necessary," she said with a little smile. "You're sure there's nothing more I can do? Is there a way to get the stuff out of tea, so you won't be ill?"

"I...have no idea. I think it's best not to chance it," he said with a small sigh. "It was very good to see you, Aravis. Thank you for coming by, and for the tea."

Aravis nodded, picking up her teapot. "Take care, Karal. I'll see you at the room at some point, I'm sure."

"I hope so, Aravis," he said earnestly, because he missed seeing her. "Or at the stables."

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