"Considerate of her. You will attend."

"I'm half-tempted not to after you made that a statement rather than a question. I'm a Rusadhan now, I don't have to listen to you."

"You are still twelve."

"But a Rusadhan nonetheless." 

"And do you consider it wise to decline the Rekhanthai's invitation to dinner?"

"... You're doing the thing where you deliberately try and rile me, aren't you." 

"Took you long enough. If you can't endure an order or two from your trusted servant without questioning them, what are you going to do when someone above your station has a task for you? That contrarian streak of yours is dangerous, Rusadhan."

Ishara sighs. 

"You've made your point. Yes, I'll attend the dinner."

"Wonderful. At this rate, we might actually survive the week."

"Stop chiding me and help me unpack, will you?" 

"Yes, Rusadhan."

And that evening, a servant appears to direct them to Rekhanthai Kelora's quarters, where the Rekhanthai herself is waiting, seated at a small but well-laid table.

She looks... composed. Almost unnaturally so. She looks like someone who could face fire, storm, or earthquake with exactly the same calm, watchful expression.

Ishara's first thought is: I want to be like her. 

Her soul chimes in the pocket of her dress, rather more loudly than she would have liked it to. 

"Rusadhan Ishara," she says, declining to comment on any noisy pockets. "I hope you are well. Please, sit."

Ishara bows precisely. "Rekhanthai. Thank you for extending your protection to me." 

She takes her seat, and waits for her hostess to speak.

Tamor bows, and takes up a servant's position beside his Rusadhan.

Tamor gets a slight acknowledging nod before she turns her full attention on Ishara.

Rekhanthai Zierni Kelora's full attention is a hell of a thing.

"I am glad to have been able to do so," she says. "You plan to accept my offer, then?"

Ishara nods resolutely. "I do."

She nods.

"Please let me know if there is anything further I can do to help you. I may not always be able to accomplish it, but I can try."

Ishara decides -

Click.

- hesitates -

Crack.

- winces.

Kelora waits.