[Ridge]
The letter continued on for several more pages detailing how I can assist her. Does she think we're going around spreading some great cause to the Empire? I mean that would be a reasonable conclusion.
The GWs are known for their fast rising influence. Part of that had to do with their very public political and social views. They're all about equality or something. Which is ironic for a mercenary group.
Lady Glissa probably caught on that something big was happening and assumed that because Sileena was there the GWs were making moves against the patriarchy again. Could her letter be considered treason then?
She's endorsing what she seems to think is a movement against society. It involves the GWs, so it's outside of the law, and she knows it'll be violent, since Marquess Heidi showed her that list of weapons.
If she hadn't mentioned what a great honor we're doing by protecting our country or something, I probably would've thought she wanted us to create a rebellion against the Empire. Although... maybe she meant we're doing the Empire good by overthrowing the current government...?
Y'know, for how much writing she managed to cram into one envelope, I really have no idea what she's trying to say.
"Got you a drink," Kadeeth reemerges from downstairs, "beer's stale though."
I tuck the contents of the letter back into the envelope. He eyes it suspiciously as he hands me a pint of beer. Does he think I'm gonna drink all this? He clearly doesn't remember the last time I got drunk. Yeah, not looking to do that again anytime soon.
"So, uh, you're not gonna tell me what that is.* He sets his own mug on the ground, sitting on the box beside me. This bastard just wants me drunk so I'll tell him about the letter.
"I'm surprised you're even curious." I pour mine out, the yellow liquid sloshing over the edge of the deck and into the water.
"Hey I worked hard for that." He scoffs.
"Oh, I'm sure you did. You're definitely not the kind of person to send Raforn to grab all your shit and then make him stay behind so you can trick your best friend into spilling all their secrets." He rubs his neck, sighing and leaning forward with his forearms on his thighs.
"That's not fair, you know me too well." He hesitates, studying the floorboard a little too deeply, "We're, still best friends?" He asks meekly. Kadeeth doesn't do meek. How long has he been worrying about this?
"What is this, primary school?" I laugh.
He shoves me, very, very lightly. Aw, how considerate. Too bad I'm not feeling quite as generous.
"Why would we suddenly not be friends?" I tease some more, smiling contentedly. I watch the dark clouds roll in. They're thick and shaped like the spirals of snail shells.
"Whatever, man. A lot has happened." He explains softly. He's so vulnerable right now. I'm still not used to it.
"Nah, just yesterday you were climbing through my second story dorm window and leaving baskets full of yarn behind just for the hell of it." I laugh lightly as a raindrop hits my cheek, "Shit, let's go inside." I suggest.
"Hey."
I look at him, his arm is up. I smile a rare toothy grin and hit my forearm against his.
"Go down humble?" He chants.
"Or stay standing."
Lightning strikes.