(Nathan)

Nathan sat in the dining hall, lost in thought. ‘Dylan will be fine,’ he told himself. ‘He’s got Wedge looking out for him, and Runemist is one of the best menders in the guild.’ Still, he couldn’t help but worry that he hadn’t done enough to prepare Dylan.

Ni’ot sat down across from him and asked, “Are you going to eat that?”

“Hmm?” Nathan glanced up from his thoughts.

Ni’ot angled her crystal fork toward the nickelback crab legs still sitting on his plate. He’d already eaten the succulent meat, and the carapace wasn’t easy for elves to digest.

“Help yourself.” Nathan slid the plate across the table toward her.

She took one of the empty legs and tossed it in her mouth, crunching down on the metal with a half-dozen sharp bites before swallowing the shell whole. Her stomach would melt and absorb everything effortlessly.

The digestive system and energy storage capacity of the draconi always fascinated him. Their bodies stored metal and minerals as raw energy, using it as sustenance and to power their racial alteration ability. He’d allowed himself to get sidetracked with physiology again.

It was a momentary distraction from replaying the memory of Runemist tearing him down—without regard to his feelings or cares. He sighed. The worst part was, she was right.

He’d been so preoccupied with his Undeath framework that he’d left the rest of his abilities to stagnate. Since yesterday, all he could think about was how selfish he’d been lately. And what a foolish venture that was—Undeath was already a part of him, and there was nothing he could do to change that.

Ni’ot was the first to notice the unstoppable elf. Before getting up, she cleared her throat to get Nathan’s attention, her eyes flashing from him to someone approaching. She quickly scooped up both of their dishes before heading for the tubs next to the door.

The bench protested with a sharp creak as Dorian plopped down beside him. Nathan couldn’t help but notice that Dorian wasn’t wearing his armor, just a casual outfit, and wondered how long it’d been since his brother had gone a day without it.

“Hey, big brother.” Dorian wrapped his arm around Nathan’s shoulders, embracing him in a side hug.

It was tight and comforting, but Nathan wouldn’t allow himself to fall for it again. “You’re… still here?” He eyed Dorian with suspicion, waiting for him to reveal his true intentions. It wouldn’t take long; Dorian wasn’t known for his patience—or subtlety.

“Yeah, I decided to take some time off.” Dorian tightened his hug briefly. “And spend it with you.” Then he let Nathan go. “So listen, I don’t want to say you’re derelict in your duties, but—”

“You’re too late,” Nathan said, his guilt grinding him anew. “Runemist already gave me an earful of what a worthless mender I am.”

Dorian tilted his head with a slight frown. “Don’t let her get to you. She just sees your potential, like I do.” He gave Nathan’s arm a gentle, reassuring pat.

‘That was… oddly mature,’ Nathan thought.

“Besides,” Dorian said, “I was talking about your duties as my only living family member…”

‘Kinship,’ Nathan thought with a sigh. That was the real reason Dorian was here.

“Are you even looking for someone to introduce me to?” Dorian asked as he got up from the bench. He took the most direct route, stepping over the table to take Ni’ot’s former place. The room quieted for a moment as the oversized elf made a spectacle of himself.

“Aren’t you too busy with adventuring?” Nathan said as he watched Dorian do Dorian things.

“I’d make time for a partner, just like I’m doing with you now.” Dorian settled himself on his side of the table.

“You’re only here because you didn’t want to get stuck on a ship with Wedge for two weeks.”

“I’m capable of doing both; it’s called multitasking. Also, why haven’t you ever introduced Meekan to me?”

“Meekan?” Nathan raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think she’s your type.”

“She’s hot and hot is definitely my type.” Dorian nodded.

“I don’t really meet new people that often.”

“I know. It’s rather boring. I think that’s why you’re struggling to find somebody for me.”

“Is there anyone you’re interested in?” Nathan asked and then quickly added, “Besides Meekan.”

“The whole point is for you to find someone for me.” Dorian pointed to Nathan and then to himself. “Not for me to find someone for you to find for me. That’s just confusing. I don’t know how all the other races do it.”

Nathan raised his hands up. “I don’t know how anyone does it. Relationships are hard, but it would help to know what you’re looking for. Do you have a type?”

“I’m not picky. Although, I like them with.” Dorian looked down and cupped both hands in front of his chest. “You know.”

Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose, pausing as he tried to take a steadying breath and forget the gesture his younger brother just made. “So no draconi then?”

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Dorian raised his hand. “Let’s not rule anyone out. You never know where true love lurks. Besides,” he said, tapping a finger to his chin thoughtfully, “just because draconi don’t usually have ‘em doesn’t mean they can’t make a nice set with their alteration ability.” A devious smile crept across his face. “I wonder how flexible their tails are?” He nodded, wagging a finger at Nathan. “You might be onto something.”

“A bountiful bosom is your only requirement?” Nathan tried to keep his brother on task.

“I mean, everyone’s got to eat, right? Might as well find someone who can prepare a decent meal.” Dorian adjusted his seat on the bench.

“You could learn to cook. I’ve heard that makes you more attractive as a partner.” Nathan found it ridiculous that his brother refused to learn how to cook for himself.

“See, you get me. I’m just looking for a pretty lady who knows how to cook. With, you know…” Dorian made the gesture again.

Nathan held up a finger and said, “That’s not exactly what I meant.”

Dorian exhaled deeply. “I feel we should’ve had this talk a long time ago, you know?” He reached across the table and gave Nathan’s arm a hearty smack. Nathan flinched, knowing from experience that the stinging would go away, eventually.

“Oh, and what about you?” Dorian motioned toward Nathan and said, “You’ve never been interested in any of the ladies I’ve introduced to you. I thought they were all pretty. What didn’t you like?”

“We’ve been brothers for over 40 years, and you’re just catching on now that I’m not interested?”

Dorian leaned in and asked, “Wait, you aren’t interested in women?”

Nathan shook his head. “Not really.”

Dorian tilted his head. “So you like guys?” He didn’t wait for a response. “I know tons of guys! All my buddies are guys!”

Nathan held up his hand. “Stop, please stop before you embarrass us both. I’m not really interested in men or women right now.”

“Really?” Dorian sounded discouraged.

Nathan nodded slowly. “Actually, I’ve decided to focus on preparing for my Adventuring exam for now.”

Dorian’s face lit up with a grin. “Brother!” He reached across the table, pulling Nathan into an enormous hug. Nathan gave up breathing as Dorian’s massive arms squeezed him tightly, the pressure sending a cascade of cracks down his back. He wasn’t entirely sure whether that was a good thing.

“That’s such good news!” Dorian yelled into Nathan’s ears. “I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.” His squeeze continued.

Nathan gasped for air as Dorian released him. The large elf sat back down with a grin still plastered across his face, beaming at him.

“You’re finally going to become an Adventurer with me.” Dorian swelled, threatening another hug. Instead, he said, “I mean, we’ve already got a mender for Tome & Key, and she’s technically the team leader, so it would be really awkward to have you replace her. But I’m sure you’ll find your own team. Every team needs a mender.”

Dorian sat back in his seat, spreading his arms wide. “Just think of all the places you’re going to go. All the new people you’ll meet.” His eyes gleamed mischievously as he added, “I’m sure loads of them will be pretty ladies with big—” He made the familiar gesture, grinning. “You’ll be introducing them to me in no time.” He tapped Nathan on the chest with the back of his hand.

“I don’t think that’s a good reason to become an adventurer.” Nathan frowned.

“Don’t worry.” Dorian waved a dismissive hand. “I’ll show you how to multitask. You’ll be able to help everyone, including me. I can’t wait.” He leaned in eagerly. “What do you need? More glyphs?”

Nathan nodded. “You were right the other day. I’ve got a couple stashed away that I plan on using today.”

Dorian clapped his hands together loud enough to silence the din of the dining hall. All eyes turned to him, but he carried on as if he hadn’t noticed.

“Oh, this is so exciting.” Dorian got to his feet and shadowboxed to release some energy. He stopped. “Almost as exciting as when I unlocked my own abilities.” He turned and leaned on the table. “How many more do you need for your powerset?”

Nathan had to think for a moment. “I’ve got nine abilities unlocked and two glyphs saved up.”

“That means you’ll need nine additional glyphs. Come on, I’ve got an idea.” Dorian motioned for Nathan to get up.

Nathan narrowed his eyes at Dorian. “Your ideas usually involve getting yelled at.”

“Do you want more glyphs or not?” Dorian didn’t wait for him to respond, and took off toward the exit.

Nathan had little gems or credits. Nightshade had helped him get started with his Physician orb when he agreed to pick the mender archetype. What he earned by working at the hospital went toward his remaining orbs: Lawful, Prismatic, and Ranged. The two glyphs he had were lucky pulls from lootboxes while working at the hospital.

He might have enough to pick up one of the cheaper glyphs, but he really wanted more of the Life types. Those were more expensive, but they were also his best shot at getting mending abilities he could use in combat.

Nightshade had taught that it didn’t matter which glyph you used, because the archetype system made sure you had the bare minimum abilities required to perform your role. He’d used four glyphs in total since unlocking all of his orbs.

Not counting the dreadful Undeath ability, he only had two mending abilities. One was a combo piece he had nothing to combo with. The other ability was a ritual, only usable out of combat. It created consumables—something anyone could use once they were made.

Against his better judgment, Nathan hesitated, then took off after his younger brother. Dorian led them outside to the front field, where the airship had picked up Tome & Key, Dylan, and the rest of the initiates earlier. They’d left a couple of hours ago, and a familiar worry gnawed at Nathan: Dylan might get hurt, or worse, fail, because he wasn’t prepared.

That wouldn’t happen again. When Dylan got back, Nathan would have more abilities and be better equipped to help him. Nothing would stop him from helping people, even if it cost him his soul.

Dorian stood with a wide stance, his hands planted on his hips as he surveyed the area from his advantageous height. It reminded Nathan of Dorian’s teammate P’reslen, who strove to be the next Lo’kai—the next big hero.

It made Nathan curious and a bit worried. ‘He’s actually looking for trouble,’ he thought, shaking his head.

He took a risk and asked, “What are you looking for?”

“A big rock,” Dorian said.

“A… rock?”

Dorian continued to peer out over the fields. “The biggest rock you can find. Help me look.” He reached out, palming Nathan’s head like a sports ball—elfhandling him as he swiveled Nathan’s head to look.

Nathan swatted at the unstoppable elf’s hand, freeing himself. He frowned, glaring at his brother before reluctantly helping him look for a rock.

‘It’s just a rock,’ Nathan thought. ‘How bad could it be?’ He shrugged.

Immediately, he felt Destiny turn its back on him. Most of the stone in the area had been used to construct the Nightshade stronghold. He wasn’t sure there would be any rocks left on the surface.

“There’s some.” Dorian pointed.

Nathan followed his brother’s pointed finger, his gaze landing on a spot suspiciously close to the large rock wall. He watched, a sinking feeling growing as the unstoppable elf headed toward it without a second thought.

“What are you doing, Dorian?” Nathan demanded.

Dorian stopped abruptly and spun around. Nathan skidded to a halt, nearly colliding with his brother.

“I’m going to show you one of my secrets,” Dorian said. He looked down, grinned, and without another word turned and took off again in the same direction.

Nathan’s worry deepened as they continued to approach the stronghold’s border. He knew exactly how close they were to the border, because the large rock wall demarcated the line. Dorian halted next to the wall, bending over with an intent look as he began a closer inspection.