The streets of Valoria hummed with quiet life as Kon and Trevor stepped out of the infirmary. The light of the setting sun cast long shadows over the cobbled pathways, and the cool evening air carried the faint scent of blooming flowers from the nearby gardens. Kon walked in silence, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.
Trevor, ever the observer, noticed his friend's unease. He didn't comment at first, waiting until they had walked a fair distance. When Kon's brows furrowed even further, Trevor finally broke the silence.
"You know, you're terrible at hiding it," Trevor said with a grin.
Kon glanced at him briefly, his scowl deepening. "Hiding what?"
"You've been restless since we left her," Trevor pointed out. "What's the matter? Scared she's going to run off or something?"
Kon let out a low growl but didn't deny it. "I don't like leaving her there, that's all."
Trevor stopped walking and turned to face him, his grin fading into something more serious. "Speaking of which, you still haven't told me where you found her. And how is it even possible she's alive? You were the only Tiger Tracient anyone's known since the war."
Kon stopped walking as well, his eyes distant as he stared past Trevor. "I don't know," he admitted quietly. "But I know what I saw. She's a Tiger Tracient, Trevor. My eyes don't deceive me."
Trevor folded his arms, studying Kon's face. "And what do you plan to do about it?"
Kon's scowl deepened further as he straightened his posture. "I'm going to call an emergency Narn Lords Summit."
Trevor blinked in disbelief. "You're serious?"
Kon nodded firmly.
"What's the meeting for?" Trevor asked, still processing the unexpected announcement.
"You'll find out at the summit," Kon said shortly. His voice lowered as he muttered, "We've already wasted too much time."
Trevor raised an eyebrow but decided not to press further. "Alright, then. Speaking of the Grand Lords, do you even know where Adam and Darius are right now?"
Kon turned toward him, tilting his head slightly.
Trevor smirked. "Darius is off in Velmar, smoothing out alliances and trying to wrangle those stubborn bulls into cooperation. Adam, on the other hand…"
Trevor trailed off as the duo crested a hillside overlooking the vibrant valley of Anvard, the homeland of the Fare Clan. The sight below drew Trevor's grin even wider.
The rolling fields of Anvard were alive with celebration. Music filled the air, cheerful and rustic, accompanied by the stomping feet of the Fare Clan and their guests as they danced in joyous rhythm. Rodent Tracients of all shapes and sizes twirled, clapped, and stomped to the beat of their countryside music.
Among them, a particular figure stood out—a deep blue-furred Wolf Tracient with a crescent moon pendant swinging around his neck. Shirtless and carefree, Adam Kurt moved with the music, his steps perfectly in tune with the dancers around him. The black birthmark on his right chest gleamed in the sunlight, contrasting with the striking yellow strand in his fur, which seemed more vibrant than before. The rank number #3 with the Hazël symbol was perfectly placed on his right shoulder.
Trevor couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "Well, well. Look at that. Our dear Adam has found his calling as a dancer."
Kon groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is your fault," he accused.
"My fault?" Trevor exclaimed, mockingly indignant. "I didn't teach him to dance like that."
"He's completely out of control," Kon muttered, shaking his head.
Trevor only laughed harder, slapping Kon on the back as they made their way down the hill.
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The music began to die down as Kon and Trevor approached. The Wolf Tracient noticed them and lit up with excitement. He broke away from the group of dancers, rushing toward them with unbridled enthusiasm.
"Kon!" Adam shouted, throwing his arms around him in a tight hug.
Kon froze in surprise, his arms pinned at his sides as Adam pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I've missed you! It's been years!"
Kon's face flushed, his composure completely shattered. "You're drunk," he muttered, his tone flat but tinged with embarrassment.
Trevor, standing off to the side, pouted dramatically. "I never get any kisses," he complained, crossing his arms.
Adam turned to Trevor with a wide grin, but Kon stepped back, brushing himself off with a scowl. "Cut it out, Adam. This isn't a social call."
Adam tilted his head, the smile slipping from his face. "What's wrong? Why are you back so soon? I thought we wouldn't see you for another two years."
Kon's expression grew serious. He glanced at Trevor, who nodded in encouragement, before turning back to Adam. "Things have changed," Kon said quietly.
Adam raised an eyebrow, his drunken haze momentarily clearing. "Changed how?"
Kon took a deep breath. "I'm calling an emergency Narn Lords Summit."
The weight of Kon's words settled over the group. Adam's expression grew somber as he straightened his posture. "A summit? Now? It's barely been a year since the last one."
"This isn't a decision I made lightly," Kon said. "But it's necessary."
Adam's gaze sharpened. "An emergency summit can only be called for matters of the utmost importance. If we're gathering at the Hall before the annual meeting, it must mean…"
Kon held up a hand, stopping him. "All will be made clear at the summit. Until then, prepare yourself. It's time we stopped wasting time."
Adam stared at him for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. I trust you, Kon."