I feel like there's nothing I can do, and I really need some help, but Karayan is making it impossible, and, and..." She trailed off, winded by her exclamation. She sighed deeply, and looked over at Iphnis, who was just sitting there quietly, listening to her vent.

Miryanna stayed silent, waiting for him to speak, but after it became apparent that he wasn't going to say anything, she spoke again, "Aren't you going to say anything?" She prompted.

Iphnis shrugged, "What do you want me to say?"

Miryanna's shoulders dropped and she leaned back in her chair. "Anything. I want to hear what you think about... everything."

"You want to hear what I truly think, or what you think I should think?" Iphnis said.

good gosh iphnis

Miryanna leaned forward again and rested her elbows heavily on the table, "Iphnis, for being so subtle, you really do know how to tell it straight. I want to know what your thoughts on the subject are."

The corners of Iphnis' mouth turned up. "You need to stop carrying the world on your shoulders. Help will soon come. Meanwhile, keep your temper intact and don't let Karayan fool you into telling him things he shouldn't know. Don't let anything cloud your thinking. Other than that, keep your head on your shoulders and remember to think things through before acting." Iphnis stated matter-of-factly. He stood up and went to the window, preparing to climb out.

that's very simple and generic. which is good i guess for miryanna to do with as she wishes because goodness knows i've undermined her intelligence enough

Miryanna also rose and followed him, not ready for him to go. "Wait, Iphnis, are you leaving so soon?"

Iphnis turned back just for a moment before disappearing, "Care to explain to your cousin who the stranger in your room is?"

??????????????????????

Miryanna had no time to reply before a knock came at her door. Miryanna quickly glanced over, and when she turned back to the window, Iphnis was gone. Her brow furrowed. "My cousin?" She whispered under her breath before going to answer the door.

She opened it, and there was Nynesi.

"Miry, hey, mind if I come in for a bit?" She said.

"Sure," Miryanna replied, wondering how Iphnis knew that Nynesi was right outside.

??????same????? x-ray vision?????? telapathy???????? foresight???????????

"Thanks," Nynesi stepped in. "So, how have you been?" She asked as she took a seat on Miryanna's bed.

Miryanna joined her.

"Can I play with your hair?" Nynesi asked immediately.

"Sure," Miryanna hopped off the bed to grab her brush and comb, and a few other hair accessories.

She handed them to Nynesi and sat down again.

Nynesi undid Miryanna's hair and started brushing it. "It's been awhile since it was just talking. How've you been, Miry?"

Miryanna shrugged, "Fine, I guess. What about you?"

"I've been great. Naksul and I were just on a walk and had a good time. He's always so sweet and charming."

Miryanna could hear the smile in her cousin's voice. It almost sent chills down her spine to hear someone talk that way about someone she knew to be a ruthless killer and a cruel sadistic person otherwise.

"You know, I've noticed that you seem to be on edge whenever Naksul is around. Is that just me? Or do you have something against him?" Nynesi asked.

okay good she does notice

Miryanna wasn't sure how to respond to that. She couldn't tell Nynesi what she knew about him,, that he was actually Karayan Batal, the evil leader of the organization known as the Vanags who were trying to cause discord and conflict in the kingdom of Terinnia to make it easy prey for the great Empire of Amani. So, Miryanna sighed and just said, "There's just something about him that makes me nervous. Maybe it's his eyes."

yeah not exactly a subject for casual conversation

Nynesi nodded, "Yes, when I first met him, his eyes unnerved me too," She said, continuing to brush Miryanna's hair.

"How did you first meet Ka--Naksul?" Miryanna asked, catching herself just in time.

Nynesi stopped and pondered for a moment. "It wasn't too long after you left. About a month later, some emissaries from Amani came and proposed