"I think he was more confused than anything else," Adinar said gently.

-----

"No one does, but I have to at least act like it," Nellethiel said, biting her lower lip before continuing. "Ithilwen and I both do. It's not just expected, it's sort of demanded."

Brenodie laughed. "I can imagine him rolling his eyes. Really, why I'm his second in command I really don't know."

Ragnoth shook his head. "I don't demand anything of you." he added softly reaching a hand to touch her cheek.

"I can think of a few reasons," Adinar said, giving her a kiss. "You're smart, talented. You recruited us."

Brenodie raised her chin. "I guess I am all of those things." she said pretensciously, obviously joking though. "I think I should be leader in fact."

"Dunno, Carmine might fight you for that one," Adinar said with a laugh, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

------

"I know," Nellethiel said quietly, leaning her head into his hand. "Thank you for that."

Brenodie yawned. "For his birthday we should all stage a takeover as a joke. No one listens to him all day, and only to me. then at the dinner we'll announce that I'm the new leader and everyone will cheer."

Ragnoth nodded waving a hand toward him, coazing her over. "Things are rough now, but you're a strong woman. You'll get through this."

"For his birthday or yours?" Adinar said with a grin.

----

Nellethiel stood up and moved over to him. "I know I will. The process just isn't exactly fun."

"I don't know...I just thought that would be an awesome prank. Lets make it mine, since I know when mine is coming up. What a perfect birhday. Pulling one on Carmine." she grinned.

Ragnoth nodded. "No one expects or demands you to enjoy it, surely." he said with a sigh. "And if they do, then shame on them."

Adinar smiled and shook his head a little. "You do seem to like to give him a hard time," the draegloth said.

------

"Not to enjoy it. But to carry on as though nothing happened...like business as usual," Nellethiel said with a sigh.

Brenodie shrugged and sighed. "I've always been like that. Find my target and stick to him. My last was a fat dragonborn. He was a loser...Carmine I'm a bit nicer too, actually."

Ragnoth sighed with frustration. That sickened him. "Horrible, keeping all those feelings inside."

"Yes, you told me about that," Adinar said with a smile, stroking her hair. "I'm glad you're a little kinder to our fearless leader."

-----

"It's not as bad as you might think," Nellethiel said with a shrug. "Besides, in private is a different matter."

Brenodie grinned. "Fearless. Right. We should try and scare him too." she rubbed her chin in thought, already concocting an evil plan.

Ragnoth ran his fingers through her hair. "That's good..." he said softly, calming her down. He wasn't sure if she'd want to talk about it anymore.

"Have fun plotting, ussta xukuth," Adinar said with a laugh.

----

Nellethiel didn't say anything more, leaning into his chest and closing her eyes. If he wanted to start a conversation, that was fine with her, but she didn't feel any need to.

Brenodie looked up at him in thought. "You're going to be my second in my attempt to quell Carmine." she said. "I've just appointed you. HELP ME THINK!"

Ragnoth simply held her.
"When the wind blows, the trees are listening,
through the leaves, the earth and moss.
When the waters move, the wind is watching,
with subtle movements influencing."
He began to sing in a lower voice. He was calm, not the best singer, but it was soothing.
"When the earth grows, the water is tasting.
Laping at the soil and bark.
The roots then grow and the wind just blows, the water
then moves and the earth drinks up.
But the fire, what a demon. Destroys the earth.
The wind aids, but the water defends.
But the fire is a blessing in disguise,
giving new earth a chance to listen."

Adinar laughed. "I think I'm better at distracting you than helping you think, I'm afraid," he said.

-------

Nellethiel smiled faintly, her eyes still closed. She liked the soothing feel to his voice and just being held. It made her forget about everything else for a little while.