A few weeks passed, and eventually things settled back down to normal.

Miryanna was taking another walk in the woods, seeking some peace. It was winter, and cold, but she enjoyed the freshness. It was sunny, and though the sun didn't give much warmth, it reflected off of the snow covered trees made them sparkle like diamonds.

She was thinking deep thoughts, contemplating all the things that had happened. She'd heard some news recently that had upset her about her cousin Nynesi. Not everyone in the camp knew that she was the nephew of the king. new development everyone, she's actually the nephew of the king. not the niece. the nephew. A person who'd recently made a trip to Campel had brought back news that apparently the princess had a suitor. Miryanna had been happy at first, for she knew that Nynesi had always wanted one, but when she heard more about it, she wasn't so sure that this was good news.

yeah remember that guy from day 1 when miryanna was teasing nynesi about her suitor, what was his name, balso? yeah, me neither

The guy was from Amani, and apparently an alliance could be formed between the two countries if Nynesi and the guy married. Miryanna knew that an alliance between the Empire and Terinnia would be nice, but something about the suitor and the way the person had described him bugged Miryanna. His name was Naksul Kenoshi, and he was a lord of Amani. It was strange, but when the person was talking about him, his charisma, his good looks, his courteousness, she'd seen a pair of ice blue eyes watching her, and look in them told her that someone was up to no good. She didn't know how Iphnis knew all that he did, but she trusted him, so she now felt dubious about this Naksul Kenoshi.

yeah, iphnis is supposed to be the super cool guy who's on top of everything and knows his stuff, but miryanna, my girl, stop trusting people so blindly and altering your outlook on life because of an inkling of a dubious acquaintance

Her thoughts then turned to the recent decline of the king's health. The death of his wife and new threats from Fasik had done things to him, and he was no longer the strong ruler he once was. A part of Miryanna wanted to go back and help her family, but she also thought that maybe, just maybe, it was a foolish decision and she should stay in the mountains. She sighed and pushed the troublesome thoughts from her mind. She'd gone on this walk to enjoy the scenery and relax.

She turned her attention back to the glittering land about her. She sat down on a fallen log after brushing the snow off it. She did her best to just close her eyes and think of nothing. It didn't work. Her mind was still buzzing with unanswered questions and ideas and theories.

"Anything you have to say to me at this point is welcome," She spoke into the air.

favorite iphnis scene. now we get to delve into little snippets of personality instead of just him being Super Cool Ninja Expert Wise Cool Guy. which is a lot less interesting

A lithe figure seated himself next to her.

"What should I do?" She asked him.

don't be like your author. actually think and apply yourself to solving a problem before turning to the answers in the back of the math textbook

"I'm a smith not a counselor," Iphnis replied.

see he is like the least qualified person to give anyone advice about politics

"You can still give me some answers," She turned to look at him. "Andarin and I are both thinking about going home. Is that a good idea?"

"Depends on your definition of good idea,"

yeah, he knows his stuff

She sighed, "What sage words do you have for me?"

"I have none,"

see miryanna, all he can give are really vague impressions about people. you should not put nearly the amount of trust you do on him

"Isn't there anything you can tell me at all?" She asked him, starting to get irritated. "You're a Gnome. You live longer than humans. You're probably, what, sixty by now?"

"Seventy-four last week," He replied, not skipping a beat.

he's like a teenager. i think i had him as more mature like in his "twenties" when i wrote this, but looking at this character now... yeah he's a barely an adult. hmm that's a really long maturing period, and gnomes aren't immortal. idk how long they live, but i also dk whether i want to shorten the growing up years, or make a part of their culture that a lot of their life if spent as a youth and what that would mean for a people. hm.

"Yes, you're seventy-four, but you look like you're still in your twenties, and you'll live a long time. You're wise and learned, why can't you give me good advice instead of just speaking in riddles to me?" She asked, her voice getting louder.

"Advice abo--" Another voice joined in, but stopped abruptly.

who did andarin think she was speaking to?

Miryanna's gaze shot up in the direction of the voice. It was Andarin, and he looked completely stunned.

Miryanna stiffened immediately. Iphnis was still right beside her. Andarin could see him.

Silence reigned. Iphnis didn't seem at all unnerved or ill-at-ease. Andarin was just standing there, still in shock.

"A--A...Gnome?" Andarrn finally broke the silence.

Miryanna gulped. She wasn't at all sure what he was thinking right now.

She glanced at Iphnis, and he glanced at her. She could see an impish delight in his eyes and a playful grin on his mouth.

a child.