Despite regular battles with both Dyrain ships, often carrying necromancers, and the occasional pirate ship, Li felt more at peace over the next several months than he had since Ash's death. Ash had visited him twice more since Ardlac had obtained his powers again. Seeing and speaking to him had helped Li find peace with Ash's death, though he was still not willing to forgive Catanere for her actions. He still hoped for her to pay dearly for what she had done to the man Li had loved above life itself. Ash and Ardlac were both prepared to assist in that when they were able to return to Mahlon.

Ardlac was happier than Li had ever seen him, and it made him happy to know it was Ardlac's true demeanor, unlike the miserable and hurtful man he had been when Li had first met him. It was how Aricka and Garstin had known him before Seith's death, and why they had been so hopeful that Li might be able to help with his healing. In truth, Li knew it was the return of Ardlac's powers that made him so happy. Certainly, the establishment of their emotional relationship to compliment their sexual one had helped, but Li knew that Ardlac at last felt as he should. He had explained that he no longer felt as though a vital part of himself was missing. He felt whole and complete once more. Li did not think well enough of himself to even consider believing he was the sole reason for this change. He was only a small part of it.

Captain Mond kept Hayel and Elri with the Gryphon, despite Ardlac's powers having returned. Ardlac had been truthful with Mond about the return of his powers in those first days after they had returned. Ardlac was able to assist Hayel when they came upon necromancers, though his skills for combat were minimal. He was able to prevent the necromancers from consuming the souls of the dead to fuel their magic, however.

"I simply escort them into the Spirit Realm before the necromancers can pull them into their souls," Ardlac had explained. "When the souls of necromancers consume the souls of the dead, those consumed cease to exist souls and instead become a quantity of necromantic magic."

At least, he had tried to explain. Li did not fully understand the way Asir magic worked. Much of it was confusing to him, but he did his best to learn about it. It was a part of Ardlac, the man he loved, after all.

In an effort to keep Li and thereby Ardlac safe, Captain Mond no longer permitted Li to be a part of the boarding parties when the Gryphon captured ships. He remained on the Gryphon with Ardlac, and during battle he stood ready to defend him from attacks and protect him from debris while Ardlac remained focused on his work with Hayel. Li appreciated the added safety of not fighting the Dyrain sailors and necromancers, though arrows often flew heavily during combat and the shield he used to protect himself and Ardlac was occasionally filled with them by the end of a battle. When ships did not contain necromancers, Ardlac and Li were assigned to the boarding parties as they had been previously. It was the only time Mond allowed it.

The intimacy of their relationship had greatly increased, as well. Li marvelled at it, appreciated how often they touched and how much Ardlac evidently enjoyed kissing him. Li had no complaints. He was very much in love and enjoyed spending as much intimate time as possible with Ardlac.

They were in the midst of their watch one night when Ardlac abruptly gripped the rail, his gaze distant. Li watched him, now somewhat familiar with his expression when he was silently communicating with a soul that was no longer living. It was Seith most often, he had learned, but others spoke to him as well. Some were old crew members of the Gryphon, and others were simply those nearby who sensed Ardlac's presence and ability to communicate with them. He had even spoken to his mother. Li's parents, he'd been disappointed to learn, were not nearby because they had yet to locate him. It seemed they had not been with him when Ash had been killed and he had been imprisoned and therefore weren't certain where he had gone. Even if the dead learned much after entering the Spirit Realm, they were not all-knowing or able to view the world widely. Such skills were reserved for the gods. Ardlac expected to be able to reach them once they were in Mahlon, whenever that would be.

"I need to return to Nariume," Ardlac said abruptly, pulling Li from his extended reverie.

"Why?" Li asked, curious.

"My father died last night," Ardlac replied. He took a deep breath. "My mother just informed me. There is no one to settle his affairs and the court will be looking for me."

"I'm sorry," Li told him, though he knew Ardlac had not been close to his father. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Come with me?" Ardlac asked, his tone hesitant. "I don't want to return alone."

Li gripped his hand. "I will gladly go with you. I don't know that I can make the decision myself, though."

Ardlac nodded. "I'll speak to Mond. He may allow it. Cuffers are allowed to leave the ship for special circumstances. He would need to write you a pass, but most likely no one will care all that much in Nariume."

"Whatever needs to be done for me to go with you, I will do it. I won't make you endure that alone if I can help it."

Ardlac gave him a slight smile. "Thank you, Li."

Li leaned in and kissed his cheek. "You're welcome, Ard. I love you."

"And I love you," Ardlac replied. He took another deep breath and stepped away, toward Captain Mond's cabins.