Dri stopped her searching and began heading out to the hallway, when she heard Drake reply. "I am Draekkor, the Arisen's pawn."

Well, that shut Heraldo up, Dri thought, noticing the silence at the remark. When she brushed aside the curtain, Dri almost burst out laughing at the stunned look that Heraldo was wearing.

"Drake, it's okay. Heraldo here is the person that watches my home while we're traveling."

That seemed to snap Heraldo out of it, as he was beginning to shake his head loose of whatever thoughts he had. "Ah, if you say so, Master."

"Now Heraldo, what can I do for you? Would you like to come in?"

Heraldo shook his head. "No thank you, cos. I just came here because Benita and I heard the news about you being proclaimed the Arisen."

Dri groaned. "Please tell me you aren't planning on some big celebration.
Heraldo smiled. "Nothing like that. Instead, we figured we could make you some dinner as you got back so late."

Dri smiled brightly. "Thank you! Now I won't have to cook."

Heraldo smiled, and picked up a pot that he had placed on the ground. "You just need to reheat it."

"Drake, would you mind taking this and setting it on the rack above the fire?"

"Not at all, Arisen." Drake took the pot from Heraldo and walked back into the main room.

As soon as Drake left, Heraldo whispered something to Dri. "I don't know how you can stand those…things. And is he sleeping with you tonight?"

Dri felt her anger bristle. "One, he may be a pawn but he is still a person. Two, yes he is sleeping here, in a separate bed. Though really, it's none of your business who I bring into my bed."

Heraldo blushed. "Th-that's not what I meant cos. I just-"

"Thank you for the meal, Heraldo. It's late and I'm tired. Good night." Dri shut the door, a little harder than she meant to.

Fuck. Just…Rrragh! What is so difficult to understand about pawns? Sure, they're a bit different, but so am I! I remember the teasing I used to get as a kid just because of my ears. Screw it for tonight. I am going to enjoy Drake's company and not let Heraldo get to me. Dri walked back into the main room, releasing her anger as she went.

"Is everything all right, Master?" Drake was by the fire, stirring the pot.

Dri smiled, "As right as it can be, I guess."

Drake stepped back from the pot, and looked at her. "I heard what you said to the man, Heraldo. Did he…" He trailed off, looking for the right word.

"Upset."

Drake nodded. "Did he upset you?"

He heard that? "He did, but I will have to deal with it later. Right now, all I want is dinner, company, and a bed. I have all of that, so I'm content."

"Did Quina upset you as well?"

Dri looked at Drake, seeing that he was concerned. "No, Quina and I have always teased each other. That's all it was earlier."

"Teasing? I…don't quite understand."

"Give it time, Drake. We have a long journey ahead of us, you'll learn. Try asking me again when I'm not so tired, I'll probably give a better answer."

"If you say so, Master."

"To put your mind at ease, I am slightly upset with Heraldo. Quina, I am not." I don't want to tell him why I'm upset with Heraldo. I don't want to let him know about prejudice against pawns, especially not here in Cassardis.

Drake nodded, and continued stirring the dinner that Heraldo had brought.

A/N: I will keep trying to post at least once a week. Work has been crazy, and so has school!