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Chapter 92: Talking to Girls

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Nathanial gathered a tray of light food, including a large bowl of hot and sour soup, and brought it up to Dirk's room. Liam was naked, sitting cross-legged on the bed with his eyes closed. Nathanial carefully opened the door with his magic, since his paws were full, and slipped as quietly as he could into the room.

Liam's eyes opened, and the Rottweiler smiled wanly at the Akita. "It smells most pleasing, Nathanial. Thank you. You seem upset, however. I felt quite a variety of emotions from Faelen over the last half-hour; the most recent was a good bit of alarm." Liam's head tilted slightly to the side as he gazed up calmly at the Mage, despite still looking horribly sick.

Nathanial sighed. He didn't really want to upset Liam; his friend was doing so much for everyone and worried about everyone even while he was suffering through his own personal tragedy. How was he able to stay so strong all the time? Yet, Liam had asked and deserved an answer.

Nathanial put the tray down on Dirk's bedside table and quickly glanced around as he sat on the edge of the bed. All of the furniture was obviously Dirk's handiwork -- everything was made out of bones melded together to form seamless 'boards.' The bed frame for the queen-sized bed, the side tables, the armoire, the dresser, and even the steamer chest at the foot of the bed were all the same ivory colour of old bone. Even the wooden floor was stained the same ivory shade, but at least the walls and bedspread were a deep forest green.

The Akita kept his gaze down on the bedspread as he passed Liam a plate with a pawful of vegetarian sushi pieces. "W-Well, Geoff got me some roses from the garden. They were beautiful. U-Um, and I-I talked to Faelen some about him and Geoff..." Nathanial trailed off. How do you tell someone that a friend in a previous life just attempted to kill him? Sure Mr. Tanai seemed kinda angry and upset when he 're-met' Liam, but they seemed to have worked together for, like, decades when Lowell was here.

"That is not what caused the fuss. I assume that your reticence means it deals with me?" Liam picked up a yam roll and popped it into his mouth. He chewed a few times before a soft smile crossed his face. "Ah, my young friend, you are a most talented cook. The rice is perfect, as is the balance of textures and flavours." He picked up a second piece, an asparagus one, and arched an eyebrow at Nathanial. "Now, speak."

Nathanial smiled. "Arf?" His smile grew when Liam chuckled and shook his head, but it faded immediately. "S-Someone wanted to kill you. Um, Mr. T-Tanai was really upset; he demanded to see you, but Faelen, Mr. Ciaran, and I got him to leave. He h-had a gun in his pocket."

Liam popped the second piece of sushi into his mouth. "Indeed." He chewed and swallowed. "I do hate firearms; they are quite a nuisance." He grimaced. "It used to be that no amateur could face a professional in any form of combat, yet with these devices, the playing field is unfairly...more closely levelled. Fortunately, those with skill and dedication are still superior in combat, yet it gives thugs undue confidence." He picked up another piece of sushi; Nathanial couldn't believe he was so blasé about this. Liam waved his paw at Nathanial. "Oh, shush, you. This would not be the first time Tanai sought me harm. He does not trust me, nor any non-Spirit. He was against my acceptance into the Clan, he opposed my marriage to Lorena, and he always advised Ruarc against any one of my plans. We had an acceptable professional relationship, but we were not friends. He went so far to challenge me to a duel, once. Ruarc was furious, but it was done in a very public venue, so he could not interfere." Liam looked a little pensive. "Regardless, it is...not a pleasant thing, nor can I blame him. Not entirely. Muireann would still be alive had I done as I planned and kept my lives separate. She died because I returned. She died because I failed in my duties as a father." He placed the uneaten piece of food back on the plate with a heavy sigh, silently mouthing the name of his deceased daughter as he did.

Nathanial moved to sit behind Liam and hugged him. "I'm sorry, Liam. I didn't want to tell you; you have enough to deal with."

Liam shifted backward so he was pressed against Nathanial's chest. "It is better to know, Nathanial. I will avoid Tanai as best I am able tomorrow. He will likely calm down in a few days, well before I return."

Nathanial held Liam close while the Rottie finished off the sushi, then brought over the soup. Nathanial smiled when Liam's ears perked up again after the first spoonful. He loved seeing people enjoy food he prepared and Liam always seemed so happy and surprised when he ate something new of his. How could anything be surprising after so many lives? Or something as simple as food be enjoyed so much? Which, really, would be a good question. "Um, Liam, how...? I know you said you never really had much good food in most of your lives, but how can you still enjoy 'simple' stuff after living so long?"

Liam was silent as he ate a few more spoonfuls. "How can I not? Everything is transitory, illusory, even people." He snorted in morose humour. "Even cities, nations, and great landmarks. I have seen the pyramids in their glory. The sphinx when he still had his nose. The Great Wall of China before it was built of stone -- Qin's Wall." He carefully leaned over to grab a tissue and blow his nose; Nathanial waited quietly for him to continue. "I must take what pleasure there is where I can; else I would fall into such a depression as to become the precursor to insanity. The so-called 'simple' pleasures are the surest and, I find, the greatest." His voice became lighter as he continued, "I have said this before, my dear friend, but your cooking is most enjoyable. It is something everyone would be able to enjoy, regardless of age. If they do not then they must lead a truly miserable life." Liam leaned back into Nathanial and rubbed the side of his head against Nathanial's shoulder. "Thank you for the food and the company."

Nathanial wrapped his arms around Liam's belly and took in a deep breath of the herb-scented fur. He felt his muscles relax and some of the tension leak out of him. "I... Um, you're welcome." Liam saw all that stuff while it was...new? The Great Wall before it was, uh, great? "Sooo, the pyramids? They were built in, what, 3000 BC?"

Liam chuckled. "Indeed. I never said I saw them as they were being built, just that I saw them in their glory. They had not suffered the depredations of so-called archaeologists at that time, nor the pillaging of the limestone shell at the hands of some arrogant sultan, nor did they suffer much erosion. They were looted, but all of the casing stones were intact. The white, smooth stone shone remarkably in the desert sun." He sighed. "They were...glorious."

Nathanial pondered that silently while Liam finished his soup. 'Wow. I-I can't believe it. Well, I can but it's still... wow.' He took another sniff of Liam's fur. 'And I'm holding him in my arms. He saw the pyramids. He saw the, uh, pre-Great Wall. He's seen so much, lived so much, done so much, and he's still here, helping me, being my friend.' A tear ran down Nathanial's cheek. 'Geoff loves me, despite all the problems it causes. The only Dark Spirit in the world. Liam is my friend, a really good friend, and he's an Ancient One! How did... When did I become so lucky? And Faelen may not be "special" the same way, but he's really awesome, too.' He sniffled, drawing Liam's attention away from the remaining plate of food sitting just out of reach.

"Nathanial? You are not distraught, yet you seem..." Liam trailed off in some confusion. "You are crying in gratitude? A reaction I find perplexing, despite succumbing to it myself on occasion. Is that the reason you cry? Why?"

The Akita hugged his friend more tightly, but he did bring over the plate with his fresh udon noodles in teriyaki sauce. The plate also had a simple salad with ginger dressing. His voice was sheepish. "I can't believe you're my friend. I-I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed between you, Geoff giving me those roses, and Faelen being so nice, too. Then I started thinking about Dad coming back, Nick and Micah. I'm so lucky, I-I just can't believe it. I don't deserve any of you, even as casual friends, let alone as such good ones. You've done so much for me."

Liam turned and tapped his muzzle against the bottom of Nathanial's. "While I appreciate gratitude, I do not care for you disparaging yourself. I am your friend because you deserve it. You have a spirit that is truly rare." He smiled. "Though 'deserve' is inappropriate when discussing friendships; I am your friend because I wish to be your friend. I enjoy your company. I likely receive as much out of this friendship as you do."

Another tear ran down Nathanial's cheek, even as he smiled. "I'd be dead several times over if it wasn't for you. Or Turned. Nicholas would be Beriatana's slave. I don't know what would've happened to Micah. I win."

Liam sneezed with enough force to rock the bed, and then laughed. Nathanial could hear the burbling of fluids or something in Liam's lungs as the Rottie did. He thought he better go soon so his sick friend could sleep.

Liam patted the Akita's paw where it rested on his abs. "Perhaps. Perhaps. This is not a contest, though, Nathanial. You are a true marvel; those who consider themselves your friends value you as you are, and we think we are the 'winners.'" He pulled away and began coughing violently, his breath rattling on each gasping inhalation.

Nathanial floated the empty plate back to the tray. Even though Liam was sick, he still managed to pack a good amount of food away very quickly. His alarm grew as he rubbed Liam's back while the Dog continued to cough. Liam did stop coughing after a few minutes and sat hunched over his hindpaws, trying to catch his breath without triggering another fit.

Nathanial sent his mind down to Faelen; the Wolf was standing in the dining room with Geoff staring up toward Dirk's room with a worried frown on his face. *He's done coughing, Faelen, but he sounds terrible. I don't think he should be left alone tonight -- Geoff or Dirk needs to keep an eye on him. Should I ask your dad to come up to look at him? He needs to know Liam is here, anyway, but I do think it'd be simpler if I just slept in your room and moved Liam to Geoff's.*

Faelen glanced at the Dark Elemental, who gave a distrustful glare at the sushi before popping a piece in his mouth. Geoff's grimace turned to a grin, and his tail began wagging as he merrily popped another piece in. Faelen smiled fondly at his master before answering, *Ask Da to join you in his room. I'll bring Geoff along. I think Da either needs time alone to collect himself or some time cuddled up with someone for comfort.*

The front door clicked open and Dirk and Ciaran walked in. Nathanial saw Faelen's ears swivel toward the door, so the Wolf probably heard it, too. Nathanial sent his mind over to Dirk as Faelen began talking to Geoff. Nathanial hadn't really spoken to Dirk often this way, so he decided to be a little discreet. *Dirk, this is Nathanial. Can I talk to you for a second?*

Dirk jumped a second after Ciaran did; the assassin's ears were pointed toward the dining room. He probably heard Faelen start talking to Geoff about how sick Liam was. Dirk sniffled, but he seemed far more composed than he did earlier. *Sure, Nathanial. What's wrong?* He shut the door behind him a little loudly, causing Kiera's ears to perk in the crowded living room. She got up off of the couch and carefully made her way past several Spirits Nathanial didn't know-toward the hall.

*Liam is really sick. We don't think having him sleep in Faelen's room is a good idea and he needs to get some more yin. Not through sex, necessarily, but just sleeping next to you or Geoff.*

Kiera pushed through the door; Dirk nodded at his sister and began walking toward the stairs, ending up a few paces behind Geoff and Faelen. Ciaran momentarily looked torn between following and acting as if nothing were wrong. He looked at his niece and said, "We're back, Kiera. Did you need to talk to Dirk or me?"

Kiera shook her head. "No, I was just checking to see who came in or if someone left. Is something wrong? Why are they heading upstairs? It's not like Dirk or Geoff to go anywhere when there's food to be had."

Ciaran shrugged. "Dirk didn't say anything to me, but he looks pretty tired. He may even have just wanted to wash his paws or go to the bathroom. If we need to know about it the Dark Spirit will tell us, or Dirk will."

Kiera looked at him closely, then over toward the stairs with a thoughtful expression. "Can you tell me more about Poppy Lowell, Uncle? He seems to be on everyone's mind today, as if he were still alive."

Ciaran's ears twitched backward for a second in surprise. He sighed. "Today may not be the best time. Perhaps next weekend, or whenever you come back here from Cork. I'm proud to call Lowell O'Conall my da; he was a remarkable person."

Nathanial kept an ear on their conversation while he spoke to Liam. "Kiera is wondering why everyone is talking about Lowell, Liam. Do you think you should tell her who you are?"

Liam leaned back into Nathanial's chest, still breathing carefully. "There is no pressing reason to. I would prefer to be in better health when meeting her; I am far from being 'presentable' at the moment. She should also hear of Dirk and Faelen's story first, as it is far more relevant."

Ciaran went into the dining room to fetch a plate of food, accompanied by his niece. Their conversation was diverted back to Kiera's studies at the university so Nathanial let them be.

The three other Spirits walked into Dirk's room. Faelen immediately trotted over to the bed and sat beside Liam, rubbing his lover's thigh. "You scared me, and don't go telling me this is 'just a cold.' I've heard people with 'just a cold' and you sound far worse than they did."

Liam smiled wanly. "Very well, I shall not say it, however true it may be. I have some fluid in my lungs, along with a copious amount of mucus. The medication is taking effect and shall make great strides in clearing this up by morning. I do regret that I cannot sleep with you tonight, but I require a dry environment and some extra yin." Liam looked over at Dirk. "Would you be put out if I slept here tonight? With you? I believe Nathanial and Geoff desire each other's company, else I would sleep alongside Geoff."

Geoff hovered by the door. Nathanial could tell he was worried about Liam, but still seemed to be hoping Dirk would let Liam sleep here. Nathanial felt an itch only Geoff could scratch and knew he was, on some level, hoping the same thing.

Dirk looked at his son, then back to Liam. He seemed to be considering something. "Yes, I would. There are almost always other people going through the house, and you, Liam Smith, are fourteen. Avery, at the very least, would be furious. Gwen isn't one to talk much, but it isn't worth the risk. And what of Kiera or anyone else? No, I won't jeopardize Conor's reputation like that, or get Avery riled up unnecessarily. If we were back in Nova Scotia I wouldn't mind at all, but not here."

Liam looked surprised. Nathanial could understand why; he didn't think any of them considered the optics of a fourteen year-old pup sharing Dirk's bed, even if that 'fourteen' was only a physical age.

Liam shifted in Nathanial's arms before speaking. "That is most understandable. I apologize for not considering such a thing earlier. Now, please, help me to Geoff's room so I may retire. The medication is taking effect, and I am close to falling asleep. I did not realize it hit so heavily, having never taken it myself; I must ensure to stress this to all those who are prescribed it."

Nathanial let him go and Faelen moved to pick his boyfriend up. Nathanial scanned around. "There's no one near; just carry him over. I'll bring his clothes." He suited his actions to his words and quickly followed Faelen to Geoff's room. Together they tucked him into bed, where Liam seemed to fall asleep instantly.

Geoff stepped in behind Nathanial and pulled him close. "Are we still going to have sex before going to bed?" He nipped on Nathanial's neck, making the Akita whimper and tilt his head to give Geoff better access.

"Y-Yes. Please, stop, you're making me hard." Nathanial blushed after he admitted that, but it was true. He ached to have Geoff inside him. Just having those strong arms holding him close was arousing. "I need you, Geoff. I love you."

Geoff nibbled on Nathanial's neck for a few more seconds before turning him around. He whispered into Nathanial's ear, "I love you, too." The Dark Elemental tipped his head and pushed his tongue into his lover's muzzle.

Dirk cleared his throat quickly. "As hot as that looks, pups, we are expected back downstairs and raging boners aren't appropriate. As it is, Dark Master, I may have to call you 'Bone Puppy' until you get yourself under control."

They both blushed and stepped apart. Nathanial looked down at Liam, smiling fondly, before remembering what was going on around them-a wake with a funeral tomorrow. Liam had just lost a daughter, Faelen and Dirk an aunt. He sighed sorrowfully and rubbed his thumb along Liam's tan eyebrows before leaning down to kiss the broad forehead, just like he did to Micah and Nicholas whenever they were sick. "Sleep well, Liam. I love you." He straightened up and wrapped an arm around Geoff's waist. He spoke quietly, "We should let him sleep, guys. Are you staying here awhile, Faelen?"

Faelen was gazing down at Liam in loving concern and gave a small start when Nathanial spoke to him. "Ah, no. I'll go, too. I'm still hungry."

The four slipped out of Geoff's room. Nathanial disengaged from Geoff and closed the door behind them. He put a cautious paw on Dirk's arm, drawing the large Wolf's attention. "You should talk to Kiera. She knows about Geoff and me and doesn't have any problems with it. It's just that she's getting really scared about Mr. Aedan; she's heard him muttering about Lowell and thinks he's losing his mind because of what happened to Muireann. Liam wants to get over his cold before meeting her officially first, but I think you should still talk to her."

Dirk glanced back at the closed door, then at his son, before nodding to Nathanial. "Yeah, you're right. I planned on talking to her sometime today, but things got out of paw. I'll talk to her after we eat." Dirk led the way back downstairs.

---

Faelen followed Kiera and Dirk into Conor's office and closed the door behind them. Kiera looked at her brother and nephew in amusement. "Let me guess." She looked at them closely for a minute; Kiera enjoyed trying to guess what people were thinking or going to do, it's why she took psychology in university. She loved seeing Faelen predict what was going on in Geoff's head and wanted to be able to understand people a lot better -- for her own amusement and to better protect Gwen when she became her bodyguard. Kiera tapped her muzzle. "If it was just you, Dirk, I'd bet a lot you were finally going to tell me you're gay." Dirk jumped in surprise. Kiera smiled in triumph. "Hah! I started thinking how much sense that made after my first year of university, but it doesn't explain why Faelen is here." She leaned against the desk, facing them, as they stood side-by-side. She was really enjoying this.

Faelen could smell the uncertainty coming off his da; Kiera's insight unnerved him. 'How many more people know?' was a question likely running through his head. Faelen hid his own smile. "Relax, Da. I don't think that many people would guess the truth; O'Conalls have a reputation for being all business and duty. It isn't going to even cross people's mind that your lack of skirt-chasing is due to your not liking skirts."

Dirk glared at his son. "Now I know why Geoff hates it when you do that. It's bloody annoying."

Kiera smiled at her big brother. "Relax, Dirk. I don't mind, and I still love you. You're my big, tough brother. I just wish you'd told me earlier. Are you gay too, Faelen? It isn't supposed to run in families like that; the gene or genes are linked to the X chromosome, not the Y."

Faelen looked at his father, then Kiera. "I am, yeah, but there's a lot more. Da should start."

Kiera crossed her arms. She'd changed her clothes for the wake: a tight white blouse, a black vest, and black leather pants. The leather creaked when she crossed her legs at the ankles; it appeared she wasn't expecting to like the news. Her eyes bored into Dirk. "So?"

Dirk didn't like the change in tone or posture. He sighed. "C'mon, Kee. It isn't that bad." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Maybe." He shifted uncomfortably. "No one is around, Faelen?"

"No, Da. I would've said something." He noticed one of Gwen's rocks under Conor's desk and walked over to pick it up. "Just relax, she'll understand." He bent down and pulled out the rock. "It's not like Gwen to lose a rock, nor to bring them into Conor's office. I wonder why it's here."

Kiera cleared her throat. "I won't understand if you get off topic. What is it, Dirk?"

"Mary Anne wasn't a Spirit." Kiera's jaw dropped, but Dirk kept going. "She... She was a Fur I paid to have Faelen. She'd just been laid off from her job and needed the money. I paid her and promised to help her have a pup when she found a partner or just wanted her own... She was a lesbian. I, um, gave her a flask every two days until she got pregnant, then picked up Faelen when he was born." Dirk's voice broke and tears leaked from his eyes. "She died because of me." He quickly explained Liam's theory and ended with, "So, when Faelen was born, she couldn't heal properly."

Kiera looked away from him, extremely troubled. Her voice quivered. "I-I looked up to you, Dirk. I wanted to be bodyguard like you. You broke the law, the biggest law we have, and someone died because of it. Why!?"

Dirk tried to shush her. "C'mon, Kee. How could I have a pup with a Spirit? Who would've understood why I didn't want to have sex? Or get married?" He had trouble keeping his voice quiet, too. "I'm gay, sis!" He paused to collect himself. "I just thought the law was a bunch of bigotry, not because of...that. Don't you think I grieved for years, and still do? I've never dated, even up to today, because I was afraid of someone else suffering her fate."

Kiera smelt like a welter of emotions, primarily disappointment, sympathy, and horror. She pushed herself off the desk and hugged her brother. "I can see why you were afraid to tell anyone. I still can't believe you'd break the laws like that." She sighed heavily. "What does that make Faelen? Why is he here? I mean at this moment; you didn't need him here to tell me this."

Faelen chuckled, humourlessly. "My turn-it's much more complicated."

"Gods."

"I'm gay, I'm in love...and, well, he's an Ancient One. Our souls got bound together somehow and, well, when he dies, so will I. When he's reborn, I should be, too."

Kiera froze. "Oh." She was silent for a few seconds before saying, "I was going to ask what an Ancient One is, but it sounds like they're something that gets reincarnated a lot."

"Yeah, that's an understatement. Liam, my boyfriend, has been reborn around nine times or so. He thinks he's on his tenth life. His last one was Lowell O'Conall."

Kiera's voice was barely audible as she clung to Dirk for support. "Oh. Shit." She took a few deep breaths. "So, Poppy Aedan... That Rottie with you, that's Poppy Lowell? Poppy Aedan was talking about his da like he was still around because he is?! You're dating my great-grandfather!?" She laughed a little hysterically. "Oh, fuck." She sobered up quickly. "I guess all of his...children know. Did they know earlier, or did he keep it secret...last time?"

Dirk rubbed her back and rested his head against hers. Faelen shook his head and looked up into her eyes as he tried to gauge how she was taking this. Dirk answered her, though. "No. No one, other than the alpha knew, as far as I know. Granny Lorena suspected, as did a few others, I think. Aunt Muireann didn't take it well."

"How is he, L-Liam, taking this?"

Faelen's voice was wry. "As well as can be expected, I guess. He's blaming himself; he thinks he should never have mixed his lives at all, but he didn't plan on falling in love. I can't say I ever did, either." Faelen shrugged uncomfortably. "Ancient Ones live much like normal Furs. His lifespan, for this body, is no longer than theirs." Dirk's grip tightened around Kiera, making both her and Faelen wince. "I'm sorry, Da."

Kiera gently pulled away from Dirk. "Can I talk to him? What do I call him?"

Faelen chuckled. "Most people call him 'sensei' because he's a healer. That Japanese honorific started as a joke, but it stuck. Most of his descendants call him 'Da' or 'Poppy.' I think Poppy Faeden calls him 'Poppy Liam.' Ask Liam what he wants to be called when you see him. He's got a really bad cold right now, so he's sleeping. He wanted to meet you, as family, when he was feeling better."

Kiera nodded. "I can understand that. I-I'm going for a walk. This whole weekend has been a bit much."

Dirk nodded glumly. "It has. Do you want company, Kee? I can ask Conor and then go with you; I could use some fresh air, too."

"Sure. I'm going to the cliffs, though." Dirk just nodded as he followed her out.

Faelen sighed as he tossed Gwen's rock into the air and caught it. He smiled. "What would Gwen say about all of this? Probably something along the lines of we're making a big fuss about nothing; we're family and love each other, everything else is irrelevant. She seems to be able to cut through all of this drama so easily." He looked at her rock pensively. "She does seem to hear a lot. I wonder how good her hearing is? Or does rock amplify her hearing like water does for Conor? If that's true, then the whole Cork Clan village must be nearly deafening, especially the caves." He rubbed the rock pensively. 'Poor pup. I hope she doesn't hear things that way. I wonder how often she'd hear really horrible things, or people talking about her behind her back?'

He walked to Gwen's room and put her rock on her bed. He'd walked out and closed the door when he heard soft pawsteps approaching. "Hey, Gwen."

"You're going to die?"

He turned to stare at her in surprise. She was standing in the hallway, paws at her sides and most of her weight on her left hindpaw. She often shifted her weight like that when she was uncertain or upset. He shook his head and knelt to pull her into a hug. "Not any time soon, Gwen, but yes, far earlier than normal for a Spirit."

Her eyes were shiny with tears. "I don't want you to die. You're my brother, more than Geoff is. You care about me."

"Geoff cares too, Gwen. You just have so little in common it's hard for you two to talk. Don't worry, sweetie, I'm not dying for almost another century; you'll be sick and tired of me by that point." He gently smoothed out the fur on her head and felt her ears twist to the sides; she must be rolling her eyes at his comment.

"No, dummy. You don't get sick of family, unless it's an annoying older brother."

He pushed her back slightly and kept his paws on her shoulders. "You shouldn't be listening in on people's conversations like that. It's spying, and it's wrong. I try very hard not to, and so does your da."

Her head drooped. "But no one ever talks to me; it's the only way I can learn about stuff. Would you have told me about Liam? No, you could've lots of times and didn't. Or about you dying young? Or lots of other things? You and Mom, and sometimes Da, are the only people that talk to me, and you guys still refuse to tell me lots of stuff I want to know."

He lifted her chin so she was looking him in the eyes. "Just because you want to know doesn't mean you should know. Many things are none of your business, and many more things should wait until you're older. I need you to stop trying to listen in on people or I'll have to tell Conor what you're doing."

The small Wolf cub suddenly reeked of fear. "Okay, I'll try."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

She seemed very sincere, so Faelen smiled. "Good. Now, obviously, everything we talked about with Kiera is a secret, even more than the stuff about Geoff and Nathanial. Da could be killed if the wrong people find out. So could I. Even Conor and Geoff would get into a lot of trouble."

Gwen whimpered and nodded emphatically. "I won't say anything. It's not like I talk to people much anyway. I don't want you to die."

Faelen made himself grin cheekily. "Neither do I."