200 and some odd years ago...

Still straining to smile politely, Xeit stepped to the side and gestured into his room, “come in.”

Ves’hil’n went in first without a word and collapsed into the comfiest looking chair in the room. He pulled his legs up under him, rested his elbow on the armrest, and laid his chin in his hand while the others filed into the room.

Xeit turned his fake smile on Eun, “I guess you are to be part of our merry band as well? Could you tell me your name, good sir?”

Eun gave him a quick look up and down before responding, “Eun.”

Xeit’s eyes widened, “the... the Swordmaster!” he bowed deeply, but briefly, “it’ll be an honor to fight alongside a renowned warrior such as yourself.”

“I suppose we will find out if the honor is shared.”

Kliali interjected, “she’s also joining us.” He put an arm around Tejara’s shoulders and pointed at her. Surprised by the sudden contact, Tejara jumped and pulled away, leaving Kliali’s arm hanging in the air.

Xeit’s smile fully slipped away, the shadow of a sneer overtaking his features, “another woman? Was two not enough already?” He looked at Uling, “I’m starting to lose faith that your ‘prophecies’ are leading us to a victorious future, soothsayer.”

Uling balled her hands into fists, “you dare doubt the spirits... the gods?!”

Xeit pursed his lips, “I’m not doubting the gods, I am doubting you.”

Before Uling could make a response, Eun, who had been staring at the floor with furrowed brows, suddenly spoke up, “two...?”

Kliali finally lowered his hand, bringing it to his chest, “he thinks me a woman.”

Xeit slid his sneer over to Kliali, “because you are a woman. I have seen your chest unbound.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Xeit’s lips were pressed thin and his eyes were narrow as he said, “she is a woman pretending to be a man. Whether it is because she wanted to steal a life amongst the Rangers or for perverted reasons, I don’t kn-”

Xeit was cut off by Tejara’s fist connecting with his jaw. The blow was unexpected and Xeit hit the ground hard. It took a few long seconds just to sit up, holding his jaw, “...wha...?”

Tejara, still standing over him with her chin raised and her fist clenched, didn’t let him speak, “he is a man if he says he’s a man.”

Xeit’s jaw visibly tightened and he pursed his lips but didn’t try to say anymore.

Tejara turned to face Prince Ves’hil’n and dropped to her knees, bowing her head, “I apologize for committing violence without permission, Your Highness. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit.”

“Huh? Aaah, I’m no good at these kinds of things...” Ves’hil’n tilted his head up, staring at the ceiling. He closed his eyes and flapped his hand dismissively, “whatever, I didn’t really think you were wrong anyways.”

Xeit’s jaw dropped as if he had been hit again. Still on the ground, still holding his swelling cheek, he stuttered, “Y-Your Highness, what do you... why would you.... Wha...?”

Eun responded for Ves’hil’n as the prince sat completely unmoved and disinterested, “if we are to be comrades in arms we should have each other’s backs not be at each other’s throats.” Eun seemed to include everyone as he locked eyes with each person in the room while speaking. His eyes landed on Uling last, “now that we’ve all made each other’s acquaintances I suppose it’s time to prepare to leave for Daraien.”

Looking nervous, Uling sighed in relief then smiled, “yes.”