Page 77 of The War of Four Winters

"Tomorrow's Assembly vote may not go as Tarathiel expects," Niro said thoughtfully. "The Wolfhearts waver, Redrock hesitates..."

"We're still short of the majority needed," I reminded them, counting the houses in my head. "Even with Stoneriver, that's only four houses against Tarathiel's five. Deepfrost, Longclaw, Seashore, Ivygrass, and Turtlefall."

"Which leaves the vacant Duskfell seat and the Runecleavers in chaos following Vinolia's death," Seagrave summarized. "A delicate balance indeed."

A knock interrupted our strategic conversation. Maelis entered with uncharacteristic haste, her composed demeanor showing cracks of excitement. "Representative, forgive the intrusion, but riders have arrived claiming to represent King Ruith's coalition forces. They request an immediate audience."

My heart leapt. Could reinforcements have reached D'thallanar already?

"How many?" Niro asked, hand moving instinctively to where his sword would normally hang.

"Just three. They claim to be advance messengers for their main force."

Seagrave glanced at us, seeking guidance. I nodded once, hope rising despite my caution. "Let's hear what they have to say."

Minutes later, the door opened to admit three travel worn figures, still dusted with snow from the roads. The leader threw back his hood, revealing golden curls that caught the lamplight like a captured sunrise.

"Katyr," I breathed, rising from my chair.

A sound of disbelief came from Niro that I had never heard from the composed commander before. Something between a gasp and a sob. He stood frozen, staring at Katyr as though afraid he might disappear if approached.

Katyr's eyes found Niro first, widening with recognition, with relief that went beyond words. In an instant, the careful composure he normally maintained shattered completely. He crossed the room and pulled Niro into a crushing embrace, burying his face in the older elf's neck and clinging to him as if afraid he might vanish.

"I thought I'd lost you," Katyr whispered, his voice breaking with emotion usually so carefully controlled.

"Never." Niro's arms wrapped around him with equal fervor. "I promised I would find my way back to you."

They held each other for a long moment, foreheads pressed together, the world around them forgotten. Then Katyr placed his hands on either side of Niro's face and kissed him with a desperate intensity that spoke of weeks of fear and longing.

When they finally separated, Katyr seemed to remember where they were, his eyes finding mine. A flush colored his cheeks. "Forgive the breach in protocol, Lord Consort. I should have greeted you first."

"There's nothing to forgive." I moved forward, clasping his arm. "Some bonds transcend formality."

Katyr smiled, relief washing over his features before he pulled me into an embrace of his own. "Thank the gods you're alive, Elindir. When we heard about Homeshore..."

I returned his embrace with equal fervor, suddenly understanding how much we had come to mean to each other through our shared love for Ruith. We weren't just allies; we were family now, bound by something deeper than blood or politics.

The second figure lowered his hood, revealing Aryn's silver hair gleaming like moonlight, his ice-blue eyes as coldly beautiful as ever. But there was something different in his expression as he regarded me. A warmth, subtle but unmistakable, that I'd never seen directed my way before.

"You made it."

"So did you," I replied, offering my hand.

He ignored the formal gesture and instead pulled me into a brief but fierce embrace. Coming from Aryn, who rarely touched anyone willingly, the gesture left me momentarily speechless. He released me quickly, almost embarrassed by his own show of emotion.

"I told Ruith you would survive. I told him nothing could keep you from his side for long." A rare, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "It seems I was right."

The third figure remained hooded, lingering near the door until Aryn gestured him forward. "Daraith was instrumental in our journey here."

With slow movements, Daraith removed his covering, revealing his somber features, silver Silfein tattoos catching the light with an otherworldly gleam.

"The necromancer," Representative Seagrave murmured, making a subtle warding gesture that didn't escape my notice.

"My friend and ally," I replied firmly. "And a man who has saved both Ruith's life and mine. He deserves our respect."

Daraith inclined his head slightly, the closest he came to acknowledging compliments.

"The Duskfell seat stands empty in the Assembly," Aryn said, moving to stand beside Daraith. "It's time it was filled by someone with proper standing."

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