Better Safe Than Sorry – Orianna Èirigh – 1.12.2022

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“We saved the High Priestess and the High Prelate. Henri was there… Lucky was the one to slay Steppenwolf, thank the stars. Henri was acting cagey all the while and it was a little awkward… We had a good chat with the temples afterwards when we returned.”

Orianna is about to mention something else but instead wrings her hands, holding the thought back.

“Good, I’m glad to hear it. I felt better knowing Lucky was going, and it appears for good reason,” Gerhard says, eyes falling to her twisting hands. He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “But Henri. Do you need me to talk to him?”

“No. No no no. I wasn’t- It was unexpected to see him there. I- I said- I could have probably handled things better. But, perhaps, a chance to have him over, a lunch or dinner perhaps, will help clear the air a little?” Her hands continue to twist into knots, a manifestation of her roiling stomach.

“I’m sure you handled it perfectly, Orianna.” He steps closer, slowly pulling her hands up to his lips as he places a light kiss on her knuckles. “We knew this would happen when Emil wrote to tell me he was coming back. And if it helps to invite him over, we can do that. But you don't owe it to him.”

“But what about to you? He is your friend still, is he not?” she asks, tilting her head. “I might not owe it to him but for you I would try…” Her brow furrows as a thought occurs to her. “And I might see him again if I do any more ‘adventuring’.”

“He is, yes, and will always be my friend, but…” His brow furrows. “Something about this troubles me. And while ‘adventuring’ seems to fit Henri like a glove, I don’t like the Staircase intruding in our lives. Ah. Er- more than it already does.”

Gerhard’s lips purse as he thinks it over, the new developments spinning in his mind. “Maybe dinner would be good. Until we know more about why he’s really here, we should keep an eye on him.”

“Okay. Yes. Dinner. Perhaps after the Winter Fayre?” Orianna asks, brushing back a lock of hair from Gerhard’s face tenderly.

He grins, pulling her closer. “Of course. Next tenday, it’s just us. No adventures, no Staircase, hmm?”

“Yes,” she beams, wrapping her arms around him. “Just us.”

There is a little roar from Valethra, whilst Maurice gives the two a particularly disgruntled look. They both laugh.

“And the menagerie, too, of course.”

“Of course! It wouldn’t be any fun without our whole family. And Maurice, don’t give us that look. I’m sure the fair will have something for you too.”

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OBSERVATIONS & EXCERPTS from the JOURNAL of SECOND ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST ORIANNA ÈIRIGH of ASHKHA

Father would be disappointed in me. I haven’t written anything about what happened during my last trip to the Sunset Spines. I have been occupied with other… things.

Everything took off when I came to Daring Heights. My life is not the same as in-… the other place. But what I have built here is entirely my own.

I have Gerhard and Valethra and Maurice. I am in the Academy almost daily now observing and recording the stars. They are no different here than back home, which eases my heart. I spend time with Lucky on my Draconic lessons, and Ilthuryn in the woods observing the cosmos. The others I see around the town, at Fayres and shops and all manner of places.

Like celestial bodies following the paths of our orbits we spin and dance around each other, coming together for meetings or passing and it is… nice.

The calm. The quiet.

I hope it will last…