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A/N: Sorry about the lack of a Whisper update this week. I’ve been busy with my job hunt (on the upside I had an interview this week and have three more this week).

—

“Sonia-ida, Matthias-idan, it is an honour to meet you and your children at last.” Even though Indaturan had not had chance to introduce the dragon he had returned with, the grey eyes and resemblance to Indaturan made it clear he was Kandarian. “My brother speaks of you often, though I must admit I am more sceptical of your alliance than he is.”

“I hope you will give us chance to dispel your doubts, Kandarian-mirian,” Sonia said.

“Perhaps,” he said. “Young Adrian likes you as well and that speaks more to your favour. Ind doesn’t always have the best taste but his alran is more discerning.”

“That was once,” Indaturan said. “And I learned from the mistake. Are you ever going to get over that?”

Kandarian gave a half smirk. “Maybe in another couple of millenia, little brother.” He turned back to Sonia and Matthias. “But whether I trust you or not isn’t an issue in this situation. We can all agree that Mitakrian needs dealing with.”

“He does indeed.” Alaryia was standing in the doorway. She inclined her head to Kandarian an spoke a welcoming phrase in draconic.

“Alaryia-miria.” There was something studiously neutral about Kandarian’s tone as he made the ritual response.

“Don’t take Kandarian-mirian’s attitude personally. He doesn’t trust me either.” Alaryia seemed more amused than anything at first but her tone suddenly turned challenging. “Anyone would think he considers himself a danger to the people and causes I’m loyal to.”

Kandarian flinched backwards in a way that told Lydia that Alaryia had hit a nerve.“You deserved that, Kand,” Indaturan said. “You know as well as I do that even in descent Alaryia-miria only ever betrays those who threaten the targets of her loyalty.”

Kandarian had recovered quickly and smiled sadly. “Alaryia-miria, I apologise for any offense I gave, but we both know your assessment of my thoughts is accurate. I am a danger to the things you are loyal to.”

Alaryia laughed out loud at that. “Void take you, you grey idiot! I like you, you’re almost as bad as Anda. And yes you are, but never intentionally and I’m not in descent so everything will be fine between us.”

“We can hope.” He folded his arms. “But more importantly, Ind says you’re trying to gather ten of us so we can pass judgement on Mitakrian without Sonia-miria being ready to challenge him yet.” He looked over at Chaya. “What do you have in mind? I presume that we want to spare Lady Chaya since she is innocent of any crimes.”

“Essence trimming and permanent stasis.” It was Estara who replied. “Chaya is going to take over his court until Sonia-ida is ready if we do manage to gather the ten we need.”

Kandarian’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh! She can do that if he’s out of the picture, can’t she? It’ll be worth it just to see how the worst of his followers react. I guess Endaria is the ninth but who will be the tenth? Gerian? You two can’t stand each other.”

“But we hate Mitakrian worse than each other,” Alaryia said. “And if anyone can persuade him, Tak can.”

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