It took Farek a few days longer than he intended to get everything in order for his trip to Noress-That-Was. He spent a few hours enjoying a meal with Simi one night, to make certain she’d watch out while he was gone. He also had to make certain all of his work responsibilities would be handled by the subordinates he chose, and a few conversations with Jannia ensured both his plots in Soros and his finances for their House would be handled if anything in need of attention came up in his absence.
Farek woke early on the day he was finally to depart. It was only a four-day journey or so, but he wanted to make certain they were full days of travel. He donned a woollen tunic but put a studded leather tunic on over that. His riding boots were of the highest quality, perhaps the feature of his outfit that was most like to give away his position. He wouldn’t exactly be travelling as the Prince of Soros in any rate. Nonetheless, he strapped his family sword to his back.
When he reached the patio in front of his house, he was pleased to see the selection of companions provided by Captain Vergo. Sievus, with a shortsword at his waist and a long blue cloak, was helping Matek buckling a pair of daggles to the scabbard on his back. He had another at his waist. Diaren watched them, while braiding his long black hair and smirking. Spotting Farek approaching, they all stiffened, nodded respectively, and then tilted their attention to a fourth figure, leaning against a tree in the garden.
“Silea,” Farek said, grinning. She stepped onto the porch, grinning. They’d spent another night together, a few nights ago. “What are you doing here?”
She leaned in for a kiss, then said, “I thought I could walk with you to the edge of town at least.”
“I suppose,” Farek said. “You three ready?”
“Yes sir,” Sievus said, scratching his beard. “Diaren, you’re first with the bag.” Diaren followed the order without a word, and heaved the largest of their packs up onto his shoulders. They followed from a polite distance as Silea and Farek led the way through the property gate and across Coin Hill.
Farek’s present lover did not say much until they descended the polished steps into another of the districts. When they were on an empty street, she moved closer, putting her hand on his shoulder with her elbow folded behind his, as was a custom for a respectful display of affection in public. “Did you sleep well?”
“Not as well as the night before…” Farek replied.
Silea smiled. “Wait until I’m finished this before you say anything, alright? I want to be honest with you. At first, I was interested just to have some fun with a prince.” She shrugged, feigning discomfort. “But between your charm, your continuing kindness… how good you’ve been…”
“Go on,” Farek nudged, grinning ear-to-ear.
“I’m just hoping you’re not gone for long,” Silea said, hiding a blush. She really wasn’t one to be embarrassed by anything.
“Well, don’t die of boredom while I’m gone,” he replied. They were getting near the gate. “I’ll see you when I get back.”
They paused, and kissed again, and then went their own way. When Farek left the gate, he looked back, to see her looking back too.
Then he ordered his men to keep up with him more closely, as friends on the road. It would be a stiff four-day journey if they kept acting like soldiers. Farek got them loosened up by evening, thankfully, and they spent their brief campfire dinner that evening telling jokes of both the clever and crude varieties.