The World of Rhune

“Oh, yes of course, but, we had more prepared, are you sure you wouldn’t care for something,” Trei’s mother said to Sunste. He replied, “No thank you, I’m quite full.” Good, Trei thought to himself, he was done with this meal. He needed to get back and plan out for the trip, first he needed to speak with his parents though. Trei picked up his goblet, much of his wine was still left, Trei didn’t particularly care for alcohol, though he did drink wine with meals occasionally. He swirled it around and took a last, small sip. Unfortunately, Trei couldn’t speed up the process of getting Sunste to leave. His parents and Sunste exchanged pleasantries, Trei waiting all the while. Sunste bowed to Trei, as was custom due to title, Trei gave him and nod and wave of the hand.

Once the guards had shut behind Sunste, Trei turned to his parents. He began to talk but his mother beat him to it, “Honestly, Trei, there is no need to be so cold.” Trei groaned, “Mother, didn’t he bother you too. He was treating me as if I knew nothing.” “Actually, I get you on this one, Trei. He was kind of arrogant. I thought that as well,” His father commented. Trei sighed, at least his father supported him on this one. His mother sniffed, “I thought he was personally reasonable.” “Oh please, mom,” Trei said, “You only like him because he complemented the food and asked for the recipe. One you didn’t even make, actually.” Trei’s mother gave a huff and sat back in her chair.

Trei continued, “Actual I was wondering about the details of the Prince and Princess’ arrival tomorrow.” “Ahh, yes,” Trei’s father said, “Well obviously we will be down at wharf to welcome them. The arrival is expected, so I’m sure a crowd will be there. I was thinking you could have them ride back with you on horses, maybe give them a quick tour of the inner circle grounds,” Trei nodded, “Yes, I can do that of course. Will they be staying at my quarters?” “Well, yes,” the Queen commented, “I think it would be good to keep them close to you. You should all get to know each other.” Trei raised an eyebrow at his mother, wondering if she was hinting at something but she seemed passive enough. “How long until we leave?” Trei asked. “A week, enough time for you to show them the city and some of the surrounding land,” His mother answered. “Okay, that’s good. I will be allowed to bring a Cavalli Volanti as well as my howlers, I assume,” Trei stated. “Is it really necessary for you to bring them?” His mother asked. “Oh, it’s fine, Beth, if he wants to bring them,” Trei’s father interceded. “Yes, I guess so,” She agreed.

“Well that’s fine then, and will you be accompanying us around the city?” Trei inquired. “Occasionally, we’re not quite sure when. You will be dining with us each evening however, we do want them to be our guests,” Trei’s father answered. “Yes, of course,” Trei conceded. “I think that is pretty much settled then. We will have a page come for you when they seem an hour of shore,” His mother remarked. “Alright, night,” Trei responded. Trei gave a bow and left the large dining chamber.

It had turned twilight already, outside, unusual being than spring had just ended and it was only half-past six, Trei would guess. Trei didn’t turn towards his quarters, but in the opposite direction towards his sisters. It had been a few days since he had seen them, something of the extraordinary for him, being that he was very close to both Hailey and Grace. It was a short walk to the building where they shared their quarters.

He knocked on the door, it was quickly opened by a servant who bowed to him and allowed him in. “They’re in Grace’s room, Prince Trei,” The servant said, guessing at his purpose. “Thank you, could bring in some cookies and milk.” Trei didn’t really ask but the server bowed and hurried to the kitchen. Trei made his way from the entry hall to the door of Grace’s room. He stood in the open doorway for a moment, watching unnoticed at Grace and Hailey played a game that seemed to feature perfect figurines of the Cavalli Volanti and little people. Then Grace noticed him and she made a little sound and raced up to hug him, small for her age, she only reached his waist, “You we’re gone for a long time.” Trei ruffled her blonde hair, “Yeah, I’m sorry Gracie. Hey, Hailey.” Trei looked up at his other sister; she was average height for her age, with the same mixed browns for the color of her hair. Her eyes we’re a bit different green then his, darker, though not quite as dark as the green of Grace’s. “Hey, Trei. Mom says you’re going on a drip,” She cocked an eyebrow in the same way Trei did. Trei pried Gracie of his leg and swung her up into his arms, carrying her as he went and sit beside Hailey on the wood floor.

Grace let go from around Trei’s neck and slid into his lap. Trei answered Hailey, “Yeah, I’m going to go on a trip for a really long time.” Grace turned around to look at him, “You mean we’re not gonna see you?” “No, but you’ll still be my two favorite little sisters,” Trei said, giving Grace a kiss on the forehead. “We’re you’re only sisters, silly,” Grace patted his cheek with her small hand. “Yep, that you are, Gracie,” He said to her. “Can’t we go with you?” Hailey pleaded to Trei. “No, I don’t think mom will let you. I wish you guys could come, but I’ll be back before you know it, and I promise to send letters,” Trei told them. Hailey looked a little crestfallen but before she could say anything the server came in with a Trei of fresh chocolate-chip cookies, followed by another server with a tray for the cups and pitcher of cold milk. They set the cookies on a low stand beside them and poured the milk before leaving the room.

“Are those all for me?” Grace exclaimed. “Nope, they’re all for Hailey and me,” Trei teased. “You’re lying, Trei,” Gracie giggled. “No I’m not,” Trei took two cookies from the platter, “See here’s one for Hailey,” he handed her one, “and he’s one for me.” Trei took a bite from his cookie, the chocolate melting and the cookie perfect and soft. “Hey!” Grace cried. “I’m just teasing you,” Trei said, handing her a cookie. “I know that, I just wanted my cookie,” Grace said, taking a big bite out of her cookie followed by a sip from her milk. “So what are we playing here?” Trei asked. “We’re playing winged horsies!” Gracie blurted, obviously happy to be back to her game. She picked out a flying horse out of the multitude and handed it to Trei, “Here, you can be this one Trei.” “Alright,” Trei grinned at her. He set her down beside him and followed obliging to Gracie’s instructions in the game, quite Hailey adding things in occasionally.

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Trei left Grace and Hailey’s rooms, having tucked each into their bed and have followed all of Gracie’s pre-bed rituals, and boy, had those taken awhile, but he was well accustomed to them. His belly was warm from the cookies and he was in a good mood after seeing the two of them. He would really miss them on his trip, he had been serious when he had told Hailey he wished they could come. He was content for the moment, though, and returned to his own quarters in a good mood, having forgotten his frustration with Sunste.

Lili wasn’t at the door, probably off sleeping, but the other servant bowed to him as he came in. He asked if his guests were about and after being told they were in their quarters Trei went and knocked on their door. He heard Karillian’s hello from the other side and entered. The two seemed to be in the middle of a conversation so Trei went to sit on the chair by the door, closing the door behind him. When they didn’t resume their conversation Trei said, “I get why you don’t like him, Kar-I mean Katya, whatever your name is. There are enough people in this world who hate him, without him working so hard to get another one, as far as I’m concerned. He was just being a jerk.”