Halveth was in the middle of reviewing correspondence when the mansion door opened and Lexel walked in.
He looked up. At Lexel. At the party behind him. At the easy posture of someone returning from an errand rather than a skirmish.
"You're back," Halveth said.
"Yes," Lexel said. "You want a souvenir or something?"
"I... did you bring any? I heard the bakery is a must-try there," said Halveth.
"The baker is dead."
"Fuck," said Halveth, cursing at the floor.
"I'm just kidding, I don't know if the baker is alive or not, but the building sure is not in one piece anymore," Lexel shrugged.
Halveth looked at him for a moment. At the silver greaves. At the gauntlets. At the expression that had not changed from when he left.
"How long were you gone?" Halveth said.
"Day and a half," Lexel said.
"Beth is a border settlement," Halveth said. "Under active occupation. By an organized faction."
"Yes," Lexel said. "And you ask if I bring any souvenir."
