"Welcome back Commander," Justice said, ever the proper soldier. The others stood to attention. Well, Nathaniel, Anders and Sigrun did. Velanna was long gone, and Oghren was mumbling about tapping open a welcome home keg.
"Thank you Justice." Lyna nodded as she slipped from her horse, feeling just a little bit miffed. Nathaniel looked happy, but it didn't look like he was happy because she was back. He was joking with Anders? What had happened while she had been away?
"Welcome back Commander," Nathaniel and Anders said, both with the ghost of a smile on their lips. Varel had been waiting with them, and Lyna immediately turned to her steward for updates. She was more than confused by Nathaniel's behaviour. She was also a little bit hurt. She had treasured all the smiles she had won from him and now he was standing there laughing with Anders? She hadn't even thought they were friends, they SHOULDN'T be friends, after what she had done.
"Um, think that's our cue to leave," Anders murmured when Lyna started to walk into the keep with Varel. Nathaniel was frowning, it had seemed a bit rude. But he just shrugged and made to head off. He glanced at Sigrun.
"We're heading down to the town later, if you want to join us." Sigrun's eyes went wide.
"Oh, sure, just give me a chance to get settled."
Nathaniel nodded and he left them all. Anders was grinning, and Justice was asking Sigrun what the capital was like.
The Commander's return had not been as painful as Nathaniel had anticipated.