Shan walked his rounds, his sharp ears attuned to every sound. He had taken out his earplugs again to catch more of the conversations around him. Trema had posted him upstairs today, where the servants’ gossip flowed freely. He’d have a headache by lunch from the constant noise, but it was worth it for the information. Jaina and Brallet were absorbed in their lessons, while Shri played quietly with her dolls. Wenda and Crellis, as usual, gossiped. Crellis was having an affair with Rantar and was getting nervous that Barta might find out. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep it hidden. Wenda, on the other hand, had her eyes on Marn and was scheming to have him in her bed soon. She was angling to match her next day off with his, con-vinced it was only a matter of time. The two also whispered about Lanni, clearly dis-pleased that she seemed to be interested in Jahree. Downstairs, Shan could just make out Trema talking with Lord Rantar about test-ing the children’s magic. Rantar didn’t like it. Lady Barta’s voice cut through the noise as she reprimanded Lanni, chastising her for using magic to prepare the food. “You’ll make it inedible!” she snapped. “I’ve been using magic to cook for years, and no one’s complained yet,” Lanni re-torted dryly. Shan stifled a chuckle. Crellis’s voice suddenly sharpened, catching his attention again. She was talking about Lord Rantar planning to marry off Jaina—arranged marriages were still a thing among elves, not exactly outlawed but definitely discouraged in Yarba, where women were supposed to have more say in such matters. Shan frowned, but it seemed like Rantar was still a few years off from actually introducing the boy to Jaina. She was only eight now. Probably just talk for now, but it was something to flag for Trema. By the time they were gone, whoever replaced them would need to know. Footsteps echoed on the stairs. Shan turned, slipping his earplugs back in just as Chapado appeared. She noticed his movement. Would signing be better?/> She asked, her hands moving in quick, graceful motions. Shan nodded. Easier on the ears,/> he signed back. Have you tried a healer?/> she asked, tilting her head. It’s not something they can fix.//> Shan’s reply was clipped, uncomfortable. I understand. Chapado’s gaze was soft but didn’t linger. I’m here to test the children’s magic, she signed. Already? Trema just spoke with Rantar. A slight smile crossed her face. I’m not the only one eavesdropping, it seems. Shan shrugged. It’s not eavesdropping if they’re so loud. How did you handle living in a foster home? It must’ve been loud. Shan’s expression darkened slightly. Wax plugs. Cotton. Sometimes a silence charm. Chapado considered this, her hands still. Lanni’s skilled with spell adaptations. Perhaps she could try adjusting a silence charm for you. Healer Cari already tried. Didn’t work, he signed quickly, wanting to move on from the subject. Did Cari, make it? Chapado pressed. She said her mom did. Chapado waved it off. Okay. Then it won't work. Shan looked unimpressed but didn’t press the issue. Thanks anyway. Chapado paused, looking as if she wanted to say more, but instead, she nodded and moved past him. Shri’s in the nursery. The older ones are in their lessons. Thanks. He watched her go, letting out a breath before pulling the plugs out again. The usual noise rushed back. Wenda had returned to her cleaning, and Crellis was muttering disapprovingly about the magic tests Chapado was performing. Meanwhile, Jaina and Brallet’s lessons droned on—nothing unusual, just the typical education he re-membered from his own youth. Sifa arrived with his lunch, and he sent her off with a message for Zan to meet him at the stairs. “Problem?” Zan asked, arriving a few moments later. “Trade with me for a bit. I need to grab some green bough,” Shan said, rubbing his temple. “What’s wrong?” “Headache. Too much noise,” Shan muttered. “Put your plugs back in.” “I need to listen,” he said as he started down the stairs, heading toward Loka’s office. His head throbbed, but a small smile tugged at his lips when he saw her. Despite his discomfort, he always enjoyed their talks, even if her gaze sometimes wandered, much like Marn’s did around women. It amused him, especially from someone over two thou-sand years old. “Are you here to soak? I just drained the tub for cleaning,” Loka said, noticing his approach. “I’m on duty. Just hoping for some green bough. Got a headache from all the noise.” She frowned and placed a hand on his forehead. The pain ebbed away instantly. "Have you been going without your plugs?" “I need to hear what’s going on. It's better than Marn sleeping around. I don’t want him getting Areen—or himself—into trouble.” Loka smiled warmly. “That’s sweet of you.” Shan let out a sound of displeasure. “Don’t call me sweet.” Loka raised an eyebrow. “Did you just squawk?” He hesitated. “I don’t know. Sometimes I make that sound.” “That’s the noise rocs make when they’re annoyed—like dragons growling.” She chuckled. “Makes sense. You are a roc.” He frowned. “Yeah. But seriously, don’t call me sweet.” “I didn’t mean anything by it.” "I know, most people don't. But the boys at the home made it sound bad when they teased me about not having body hair.” His voice turned bitter. Loka’s expression softened. “Kids can be cruel. I’m sorry. I won’t call you that anymore.” Then she grinned mischievously. “How about I say it’s ‘vomar’?” “What’s vomar?” Shan asked, suspicious. “It’s Ertonian for ‘sweet.’” Shan sighed, shaking his head. “Great. Just what I need.” She handed him a vial of green bough. “Take this for later. If you keep skipping the plugs, stop by in the mornings, and I’ll give you enough for the day. Come back after your shift, so I can make sure you aren’t doing any damage.” “I will,” he muttered, taking the vial and heading back toward Zan. He slipped back into his duties. #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands