Like I said, some things you have to do for yourself.
Polaris shoved his nose into Eva's chest in a hard bump and turned to present his side to her. Get on.
"I take it the lesson is over."
Polaris sent her a look that asked what did she think.
"Very well then."
Not like Eva had a lot left in her to give anyway. Exhaustion was beginning to creep into her thoughts, threatening to drag her under.
She suspected when she finally found her bed tonight, she'd be out as soon as she was horizontal.
Eva climbed onto Polaris's back and slumped forward, her mind already turning to what awaited her in the camp below.
The minutes passed in a blur, seeming to fly by during Polaris's quick descent. Before Eva knew it, he had landed, waiting only long enough for her to dismount before he was gone again.
Eva watched him go, knowing she couldn't put this off for much longer. The rest needed to be told the change in circumstances.
Eva turned, almost unsurprised when she found the fire fox sitting a few feet from her.
"Did you know this was going to happen?"
The question wasn't a fair one, and she knew it. Even if he'd known, what could he have done?
As her friend and companion, it wasn't his responsibility to protect her from her own decisions. He also wasn't Trateri. He didn't owe them anything.
After observing her for what felt like an eternity, the fire fox paced forward, picking up speed. Five feet from her, he leapt. Eva caught him with a grunt.
Brown eyes met hers. In the fire fox's gaze, she read reassurance. Faith. Even without a voice he seemed to be telling her this wasn't the end. To hold steady and persevere.
Her mouth quirked as she gave him a squeeze. "Thanks. I needed to hear that."
The fire fox let out a yip, thrashing to lick her face and wipe away the last traces of her tears.
Eva giggled. The invisible weight she'd been carrying on her shoulders eased as she carried him toward camp.
She'd made it to the edge when a faint rustling drew her attention upwards.
Eva shook her head at Jane as the Anateri stirred from the shadows. Jane frowned but remained where she was, leaving Eva to handle the situation as she wished.
Eva redirected her gaze to the roof of the nearby tent, not entirely surprised to find a visitor perching on one of the structural poles that held it upright.
The Tenrin's posture was casual and unconcerned, as if she wasn't effortlessly balancing on something that could collapse under her weight at any minute.
"Hello." Absently, Eva stroked the fire fox's fur as she observed the female Tenrin.
Up close, her youth was even more obvious. Her frame small and her body still developing.
Eva doubted she was even Jason's age.
She was pretty. Her features sharp and her mannerisms even more bird-like than Ajari's. Most importantly she seemed curious—if cautious.
"Are you supposed to be up there?" Eva asked when the other Tenrin still didn't speak.
A part of her wanted to warn the tent's resident about his guest. If for no other reason than so they wouldn't be surprised if the tent unexpectedly collapsed.
The Tenrin leaned back and looked around, as if only just now noticing the awkwardness of her chosen perch.
"Yes?" The Tenrin's tone lifted at the end making the word almost a question. "Tenrin like heights."
"You don't say," Eva said dryly.
The girl gave a bird-like nod. "I do say."
Her response surprised a laugh out of Eva. Something she didn't think she was capable of given her current mood.
"We're similar to birds in that fashion," the girl said, encouraged.
Cute.
That was the impression Eva got from the girl. Not exactly a word she ever thought she'd associate with one of the most dangerous mythologicals.
But there it was. The girl was adorable. Her social skills a little lacking, but she made up for it in her mannerisms.
It was why despite knowing she needed to report, Eva lingered a little longer.
"I take it you've finally grown tired of taunting my apprentice."
The girl dropped from her perch, her wings spreading as she glided to land in front of Eva. Her momentum was a little too fast, forcing her to hop to catch her balance. "He is great fun. He makes the best noises when surprised. Squeak squeak. I wonder what other sounds he's capable of."
Eva's eyebrows lifted toward her hairline as she nodded slowly, already deciding not to share that particular tidbit with Jason when she saw him next.
The last thing she wanted was to have to replace him when he decided a Tenrin's interest was his line in the sand for weird.
"Ajari says you're a Caller." The Tenrin closed her eyes, her expression blissful. "I see why. You're like the sun in my mind. Warm but not as tiring."
At the reminder of all she'd lost this night, Eva's smile faded. The distraction of the Tenrin's presence no longer enough to hold back some of her emotions.
"I'm afraid not for much longer," Eva said, casting a glance in the direction Polaris had disappeared into.
The Tenrin's gaze held far more wisdom than Eva had given her credit for. "Ajari says a Caller either is or isn't. Others aren't to interfere."
"You seem to have a lot of respect for him," Eva observed.
The Tenrin lifted and dropped her shoulders, her wings rustling. "He is our axis."
Eva's gaze sharpened. "What does that mean?"
The female's expression grew thoughtful. "He is our guide. He puts the flock on the right path forward."
"Like a leader."
The female shook her head, looking troubled. "Covath is our leader. Ajari is our guide."
Although not entirely sure, Eva thought his role resembled an adviser of some sort. One whose words and opinions were important enough that even Covath had to listen.
The female touched her chest. "He sees the truth of what is inside."
Ah. A spiritual adviser maybe.
The Trateri had them too, though Eva didn't have much experience with them.
Their religion had room for many differing beliefs. From what little Eva had seen, it was much freer and gentler than the one she'd grown up with in the village.
The female's hand dropped as she cocked her head. Whatever she was about to say was replaced by a scowl.
The Tenrin bristled as Jane approached.
The Anateri shot the Tenrin a quick glance before focusing on Eva. "If you're looking for the commander, he's over there."
Jane pointed outside of camp and to the west, far from where Eva thought she'd find him.
Eva frowned. What was he doing outside the camp's perimeter?
She had no time to spare on her questions as the Tenrin bumped Eva, edging as close as she could to her. The Tenrin's glare was murderous even as she hid behind Eva.
Jane's expression stiffened, not knowing how to react.
Eva wasn't sure either.
The Tenrin made a bird like hiss, the feathers in her hair poofing out to make her seem bigger than she was.
The view was almost comical, especially since the Tenrin was still huddled behind Eva.
Jane drew herself up, looking insulted.
Eva sighed and waved her back. The Anateri's reluctance was obvious as she allowed Eva and the Tenrin to take the lead.