[spoiler]thank you for reading this far along! 💕 I appreciate every one of you 💕[/spoiler] Variks paces back and forth, tapping his staff. Shadow keeps her head lowered solemnly. "I'm sorry..." She would never forget what she owed to Queen Mara. After all, she was the one to replace Variks' arms. She took him in, let him have the prison. Variks would surely be dead if not for her. She respected Mara, unlike other woman. Something about her... "Not eliksni, no... but true Kell and Queen." [i]So then, he is able to care for others not eliksni? [/i] "Yes..." She finds herself at a loss for words. Variks lets out a sound akin to a hiss. "They do not believe I love the queen," he mutters. "But I do." He looks at her almost desperately. Shadow's heart swells. She's never heard him use this word before. "Of course. I believe you." He blinks slowly, perhaps a silent thank you. "House Judgement honors her." It was quiet in the outpost. Too quiet. A sense of grief hung over the place like fog. He continues pacing, moving. Petra is nowhere to be seen. Variks has told Shadow that Petra is in mourning. The fur of his robes brush past her shoulder. Her heart warms. Somehow the smallest gestures from Variks are comforting. She allows him to continue. Perhaps this was a custom for eliksni while grieving. Traveler knew she needed the comfort. The echo of Oryx still haunts her. She shivers, struggling to recollect herself. "I'm going to the dreadnaught." The abrupt announcement causes Variks to turn to her, eyes wide. "You're more than welcome to listen in. I know you'll want to see this." He looks at her like she's gone mad. After a moment, he shakes his head, rattling his mask. "You saved our home. You are a friend to Variks. Be careful." Heat flushes through her chest. [i]Does he care about me?[/i] He stares at her for a moment, almost pityingly. She returns his gaze steadily. [i]He doesn't think I'll be coming back...[/i] "Oryx will not forgive you," he warns her. Shadow opens her mouth, but Variks continues, sending icy claws of fear down her spine. "You were there. His son is dead. He will want you to.”