Korik listened as Varen recounted their journey: the storm that kept them holed up for days, their slow journey down the mountain, and the hot springs, where they rested before continuing toward Solitude. He explained how they found the razorfang kittens along the way, and left one with the Master of Hounds at Solitude, where they regrouped and resupplied before making the final stretch of the journey back to Drol Kuggradh.
He said nothing about their brief encounter with the mountain clan. He said nothing about how Korik’s abilities allowed them to track the camp and guide them safely down the mountain. It had been the same when Varen had explained their adventure to the commander in Solitude; begrudgingly, Korik was thankful that Varen still upheld his promise about Korik’s powers, even in front of the orc king. He didn’t think it would have mattered if Varen had mentioned meeting the mountain clan, but he supposed it was decent of him to respect their privacy in such tumultuous times.
Finally, Varen’s story concluded, and for a moment, they sat in silence. King Zorvut looked pensively down at the map spread before them, while Prince Taegan was looking sidelong at the king.
“I am glad you made it back safely,” the king finally said. “You both displayed great resourcefulness and determination in facing such a predicament. Your skills as head ranger remain impressive as ever, Commander Petkas. And Healer Korik, I commend you on your bravery. I know this situation has gone far beyond what was initially asked of you, but you have stuck it through to the end. Thank you.”
Korik flushed, bowing his head. “Glad to help,” he said stiffly, unsure of what else to say. Luckily, it seemed no one expected him to say more, as the king spoke again.
“The news is recent and hasn’t spread far, so I doubt you have heard this, Commander,” he continued, now addressing Varen once more. “But between the information you provided and some further assistance from the High Sorcerers in Aefraya, we were able to locate the rebel camp you were tracking and have mostly taken them to heel. A few…outliersare still being flushed out, but the primary host has been scattered, and all elven prisoners have been freed.”
Varen sucked in a sharp breath, then sighed. “That is a relief to hear. I’m glad we could help. And if more needs to be done, I’m ready to go back out at a word from you.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” King Zorvut replied, shaking his head. “But you will be among the first to know if anything changes.”
There was a beat of silence, then the prince spoke.
“I’m sure you’re relieved to be home after all this, Healer Korik,” Prince Taegan offered. Korik nodded.
“I am,” he agreed—then hesitated, thinking it would be prudent to tell the prince of his intentions now, rather than take him by surprise later on. “I... do wish to inform you of my intention to leave Drol Kuggradh in the coming weeks.”
He felt, more than saw, Varen’s head turn toward him quickly, but Korik kept his gaze firmly down at the table.
“Oh?” Prince Taegan said, also sounding surprised. “Is this a temporary leave, or...?”
Korik steeled himself, then shook his head. “No, Prince Taegan. My apologies. Traveling has made me... miss my former clan. Being in the wilderness. I’ve decided to join back up for a time. But I do not know how long, exactly.”
“I see,” the prince said. “I don’t suppose there’s any way to change your mind? Zorvut and I have been very pleased with your service to us. Nahara likes you best of all the physicians, and we do hope to have more children, sooner rather than later...”
He felt some guilt at that, but his mind was made up. “I’m sorry, Prince Taegan. King Zorvut. But the roads are safer by the day, especially if the rebellion is quelled. I’m sure an elven physician would be just as suitable in the future and simple to procure.”
For a moment, they were all silent. Taegan and the king glanced at each other, some unspoken conversation happening between them. Then, King Zorvut chuckled, which was a relief to hear. The young king had never been quick to anger and did not seem the type to force the matter; but some small part of Korik still worried he might be ordered to stay, even against his will.
“We will be sorry to see you go,” the king said. He lightly squeezed Prince Taegan’s hand in a soothing gesture. “But I understand. You are, of course, free to roam as you wish. If you ever decide to return to Drol Kuggradh, though, there will always be a place for you here.”
Prince Taegan nodded in agreement. Korik bowed his head slightly, his hair falling in front of his face with the movement.
“Thank you both,” he said. He could still feel the weight of Varen’s gaze on him, but he kept his head down.
“If that’s all, then,” King Zorvut said. When neither he nor Varen spoke, he waved his hand in dismissal. “Get some rest, both of you. You’ve certainly earned it.”
Korik stood and bowed, then turned away. He could hear Varen trailing just behind him, and the sound of the heavy wooden door closing.
“Korik,” Varen said, his voice impossibly loud in the now-empty foyer. Korik cringed, but his feet stopped moving of their own accord. He turned back.
Varen was looking at him with his brows furrowed, a slight flush to his cheeks. His mouth worked silently again for a moment, long enough that Korik nearly turned back around. “Is that truly your intention? You’re going to leave?”
“Yes,” Korik answered, as plainly and neutrally as he could manage, but still Varen flinched.
“Where will you go?” he asked, frowning.
The frustration in Korik’s chest flared anew at that. He had been holding it together quite well, all things considered, but now Varen had the gall to be disturbed by his plans to leave?
“Why do you care?” he retorted, scowling. “You said we do not ever have to see each other again. I am ensuring it.”
Varen’s expression crumbled. He turned away from Korik as his brows somehow furrowed deeper. At least he had the decency to look ashamed—to look just as hurt as Korik had been, when it was Varen saying those words to him.
The elf did not respond, stricken. Korik gave him one last look—hating how his heart still ached to see Varen’s obvious displeasure—then turned away.
