Kael's room was simple but comfortable. Books were stacked in corners, folded maps rested on the desk, and an ajar cupboard showed armor reinforced with elven runes and cloth. The smell of freshly brewed tea mingled with that of old wood and soft incense burning discreetly in an earthenware bowl.
Amelia was sitting cross-legged on the sofa, holding the cup in both hands, the steam rising gently into her still slightly tired eyes. Irelia was reclining in a nearby armchair, eyeing the contents of her cup with typical suspicion - tea had never exactly been her type of drink.
Sylphie was lying on her side on one of the cushions on the floor, resting her head on one hand, her eyes following Kael as he carefully folded a change of clothes.
"So that's it?" Amelia broke the silence. "You're leaving. To the middle of a war between elves..."
Kael kept packing his backpack, but his voice came out calm:
