Page 93 of Guiding Reason

It should have been too much, having and holding the one person he would do anything for, the person who meant everything. But when Col relaxed against Hyran’s chest, it was just right, the most at peace Hyran had ever felt. He glanced at the screen, sure, but in reality, Hyran had eyes only for Col.

30

ORREY

Butler Bot 20: Tower AI noticed Conduit Orrey and Guardian Senlas brought food for a celebration when they returned. Do you need help?

Butler Bot 35: Oh, not at all. My team has flawless manners, and they even tend to serve themselves.

Butler Bot 20: I see. That is good. TowerAI says Conduit Yamara left the Tower earlier today?

Butler Bot 35: Yes, Guardian Vin accompanied him. I cannot say for sure where they went first, but they talked about sparring before, and Conduit Yamara was surprised to learn Conduit Col spars regularly with the team. They also went outside the Grounds to the Judiciary where Guardian Vin was conducting an interview for Conduit Coldis.

Butler Bot 20: They left the Grounds together? And went to the Judiciary?

Butler Bot 35: That’s what I gathered. Guardian Vin only mentioned that Pinota wasn’t a leader either and that Alesa deserved his nose broken. I am uncertain about who broke it.

Butler Bot 20: I see. TowerAI says Conduit Yamara asked Guardian Vin what would happen if he wanted to go elsewhere. If he changed his mind.

Butler Bot 35: I cannot speak to that. But why do you ask? Why would a Conduit not go wherever he pleased?

Butler Bot 20: …I simply wondered how Conduit Yamara was doing.

Butler Bot 35: I checked with him before he went to sleep the last two days, and he never needed anything. I think, apart from going out today, he has been getting adequate rest, and I paid special attention to his meals. There is nothing on that front you should worry over.

Butler Bot 20: Thank you, 35.

Butler Bot 35: There is no reason to thank me. I remember what it was like when the suite was empty. I helped out on the other floors when there were gatherings, but it’s nice to have people that come home to your suite where you can take the best care of them. I knew this wasn’t going to last forever, but I preferred to ignore it.

Butler Bot 20: What do you mean?

Butler Bot 35: They decided during the celebration. Day after next, most of the team will return to Argentea. Conduit Yamara will leave Ferrea then.

Butler Bot 20: He’ll go outside the walls. He talked about that a lot.

Butler Bot 35: He won’t be unprotected. Three Guardians will be with him, and Conduit Orrey is a shooter. You need not worry.

Butler Bot 20: Are you making them food for the trip? I can help with that.

Butler Bot 35: The trip is not so long that it would require food, but perhaps a treat would be nice. Something to make them miss Ferrea and the Tower. That is an excellent idea, 20!

Butler Bot 20: There is nothing here that Conduit Yamara will miss. Thank you for telling me, Butler Bot 35.

Butler Bot 35: You are welcome, but I’m sure he will miss something if only it’s you checking on him.

(TowerChat, Champions’ Tower bot network.)

“You know what I think, kitten?”

Senlas’s voice was rumbly as he cozied up to Orrey in the elevator.

“That you’re excited to help feed protectors?” Orrey’s whole body jerked, spine going rigid. “Oh! Should we have brought them leftovers? There is so much food.”

Senlas sighed. “No, we’re not feeding the protectors leftovers. I’m sure everyone actually qualified to do some real cooking is doing it. We’re just going to smile at the cam bots for a few minutes, and then—”

“We cannot possibly stay for only a few minutes, Sen. Shoda is still driving donations.”

Orrey knew Senlas’s power by the intimacy of its exploration, and to give his Guardian something, he pulled Senlas toward him for a kiss. The elevator arrived before they were done, but the building AI was nice enough to keep the doors closed for them, possibly anticipating more.