(no subject)
"You're needed at the Realm." Her voice was quiet, but a little too neutral. Emotionless. "Samael and the others need you. So do those of your people you're not watching closely enough."
It's not a request. He stares her down, shaking his head. "They don't--"
"I'm not here because I like the scenery, boy." Whipcrack of temper. "I know why you felt you had to leave. I can't tell you what to do about Miri. Whether she'll want you still, or it was passing fancy, and only you can decide what feelings you'll act on. Or won't. But the Arcana have had struggle after problem after crisis since you left, to the point that your Eldest is with Lady Arcana now, trying to persuade her to seal the Realm as she did last December."
"Need me for what?" Mix of hurt, confusion, anger. "I was there before. I tried. I was
...They don't need War's presence. Nor do I know that--"
Cerridwen's hand flashes out, a hard slap that makes his ears ring.
"Speak for yourself." His sister's voice was like arctic winds. "No one is better off for your absence. You are missed. Don't presume to tell us what we need from you. To know our minds, or intentions, better than ourselves do. For now, we need you back.
Rider as well as sibling, brother, friend."
He goes to the Lady Arcane, next, and listens, hearing confirmation of what they've said, not that he really needs it.
The Realm's warm. Clear sky and air that doesn't smell of smoke, explosives, blood,fear. He pauses then goes first to his rooms, changes out of armor and overjacket, into simple jeans and a T-shirt. Walking through the halls, he takes the route that leads to the library.