Dread Mage

"Daughter?" Curiosity peaked in Languor's tone. "I never thought you'd be the type to start a family. And who might the mother be?"

"Limerence," Vell replied, making himself comfortable in a chair within the older man's residence. “By all rights.”

"I encountered Lady Limerence just recently, and she didn't mention a daughter." Realizing that Vell was not inclined to offer further clarification, the old man conceded, "I suppose I'll let it go."

"I'm not here, neither to introduce nor discuss my family," Vell stated.

"Then why are you here?"

"I want you to examine her. I need to know if she is suffering from the same condition that affects your kind and all the other beings with extended lifespans."

“Huh,” Languor exclaimed. Languor expressed, "She's been in this world for about a decade; shouldn't this already be known?"

“Will you do it if I ask nicely?” Vell asked, his tone almost flirtatious.

"What are friends for? However, first, we must address another issue," he gestured towards the unconscious Inure on the floor. “This situation can turn into a real mess if not handled right.”

“Fine,” Vell said. "We'll seek the king's permission to reside here, in peace and solitude." He then addressed Sonder, "Would you like to meet King Aduaine?"

Sonder was unsure if she 'wanted' to, but it felt like an obligation.

Even if Vell left, her being the companion of the Dread Mage would most likely mean that she would have to leave too—chased out or worse.

And she didn't want him to leave in the first place.

“Yes,” she said without adding anything further.

"Could you look after Inure?" Vell requested of Languor.

They went outside again, with Inure’s men still waiting.

"Your captain is safe inside, being cared for. I'm heading to the palace to meet the king—just a brief meeting if he can spare the time. As I mentioned earlier, my intentions are peaceful, so this is your chance to completely step aside, or, what I'd prefer you didn't do, engage in combat." Vell said.

The men exchanged uncertain looks, their weapons still drawn, but seemed pacified by Vell's composed demeanor.

One of them stepped forward.

"If peace is truly your intention, then we, the men of Athy, will escort you. But, be warned, any sign of treachery and we will respond immediately."

"Fine by me. Anything to ease your tension," Vell replied, a hint of irritation crossing his face. "Lead the way."

As they journeyed towards the castle, he spoke to Sonder: "You'd think if I had malicious intentions, I wouldn’t have brought Inure to a healer or outright killed him."