**
The meeting was less than dull. The Brothers had invited Fake and Andin as only a formality. The admiralty droned about the yearly activity and reports of heightened piracy in the northern and western isles. Andin was used to bureaucracy, Fake was not. The illusionist fidgeted.
Lin finally addressed them, “We would like to thank you personally for your heroism at the Hinge; the reports say that were it not for your efforts none of the three attacking ships would have been stopped.”
Andin replied, “Percaphia-Blanca of Silver Chain was responsible for destroying one of the vessels, will she be honored as well?”
“The Pelagic Navy does not extend honors to females outside of the service,” answered Lin.
Before he could stop himself Andin shot out, “That’s a stupid policy.”
Qin’s eyes widened, “You will not disrespect my laws before my own ears!”
Andin stared back refusing to concede just yet. Fake eagerly wished to leave. Andin swallowed his pride and tried diplomacy, “My lords, I meant no disrespect; both Fake and myself are deeply humbled and honored by your sincere thanks; I understand this is not the forum for such comments and they will not be uttered from my lips henceforth.” Fake couldn’t help but smirk at the light dusting of scathing tone in the prince’s apology.
It wasn’t enough to satisfy the gods of Pelagos but it was enough to afford Andin some breathing room. The prince decided it was the best note he could leave on at this point, he rose and Fake followed suit. Andin addressed the board, “Qin and Lin, Lords of Pelagos; gentlemen of the admiralty; we shall take our leave now.” They bowed and left.
“You’re a real charmer,” teased Fake.
Andin rolled his eyes, “They’ll let women serve but won’t honor them as civilians? What a bunch of idiots.” Andin kept cursing under his breath as they left the Bitter Chain. In Beldur merit was the only requirement for praise.
Fake intervened, “It’s alright; I know you’re upset but we still have work to do.” Andin pulled the cool evening air into his lungs.
“Don’t let a cryptic note from your father and a silly policy get under your skin,” Fake knew Andin well enough to know what did and did not bother him.
“You know I’ve never seen you get angry,” noted Andin.
“Impossible when you’re as handsome as I am,” joked Fake.
“Master of illusions and humility.”
“You can’t even imagine it, can you?”
Andin thought about it before answering truthfully, “No.”
They reached their room. Once the door shut Fake cloaked himself. Andin waited for him to finish before propping the door open to let the breeze roll in from the harbor. Fake slipped out and headed towards the portal site. A year before and the illusionist wouldn’t have been able to make the trip in one go. They were both stronger now; Fake particularly had learned how to stretch his limited supply of sand.
Forty minutes later Fake reappeared in the room, “Your necklace is buried.”
“I wear it around my neck for safe keeping,” replied Andin.
“That still makes it a necklace.”
“Do I look like the type to wear jewelry, Fake?”
“Well until now you’ve been wearing a crystal necklace since I’ve met you.”
Andin couldn’t think of anything witty to stab back with. He buried his nose further into his book. “Heeey Aaaandin,” said Fake wearing his goofiest face. Andin was still coming to terms with being a closet jewelry wearer. “Aaaandin,” Fake said again.
“What?” shot the prince.
“Guess whose cabin I visited last niiight,” Fake wore the look of a half-conqueror half-jester.
“Spare me the details.”
“I know you want to know.”
Andin tried to resist, but some dark part in his heart savored hearing about his promiscuous friend’s adventures. “Okay fine, who was it?”
“You have to guess.”
The fire prince chewed on the thought for a while. Fake eagerly awaited his guess. In situations like this Andin tried his best to find a reasonable answer. “Well, you wouldn’t be gloating if it wasn’t someone I know or know of,” he reasoned out loud. “It might be a long shot, but I think Gunrow and Delphi might be… open,” hypothesized Andin.
“Oh good guess,” complimented Fake.
“But that’s not it?”
“No. However, now that you mention it…”
“Don’t. Please just don’t,” begged Andin.
“All right, shall I tell you?”
“Get on with it you sensationalist.”
“Pria.”