Roakev and Azerian never showed up for dinner. Lyssia didn't think of them again until Magnor left her at the door to the first lodging house.

  He had been a perfect dinner companion - polite and conversational, eager to answer her questions though not too inquisitive. The pictures he painted of growing up in Dunival, where he could hear the ocean from his room when his window was open and where he and his brother would sneak down to the caverns at night to find gemstones that glowed in the dark, were vivid and distracting.

  She did not have time to miss her cousins until she was alone. Perhaps I should have awarded the title of champion to him instead of Roakev. He deserves it for his performance tonight.

  Lyssia glanced around for fear someone might be able to read her loud thoughts. Gathering her skirts in one hand, she hustled inside and up the stairs to her room. She had a treaty to read in addition to her nighttime routine, and her cheeks felt more chafed than normal. She had gotten used to not working her jaw so much in one day.

  I may have to get used to it, she thought with a smile.

  She should have taken the time to doctor her scars before dinner. They would need extra care tonight - a wash and a second layer of salve under her sleep mask - if she did not want them to come alive and keep her from getting any rest. She hadn't even tried to sleep, and yet she felt it was a lost cause. Her dreams would be full tonight.

  **********

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  HANDSOME PRETTY LITTLE SONGBIRD ??

  thus titled and recorded by Magnor of Dunival

  Lullaby attributed to his mother, Anitra, wife of Rijek the Peaceable

  and Drottingr of Dunival in the years leading up to the Second Age of Aonta

  Pretty little vine climbing towards the sky

  Staring at the flowers by and by

  Don't lose hope, Don't you cry

  Your moment to shine will arise

  Strong and proud, Stand up tall

  Higher than the sun you will climb

  Pretty little bird with your wings tied down

  Afraid to sing your songs out loud

  Don't back down, Don't look around

  Spread your wings and leave the ground

  Strong and proud, Soaring high

  Higher than the sun you will fly

  Pretty little fawn with the awkward gait

  Never run fast so you're always late

  Have you tried to jump, tried to break free

  Of the ground you were never meant to be

  Strong and proud, Lift your feet

  Higher than sun you will leap

  Pretty little one sitting at my feet

  Your eyes wide and your smile sweet

  Hush, my love, Soon you'll see

  The wondrous thing you were meant to be

  Stand proud and tall, and never doubt

  My love for you, You'll make me proud