The room was small, but comfortable, and had two large window seats which overlooked the front porch of the house. After Elam had lit the numerous sconces which dotted the walls, he'd left, looking as subdued as Darun felt after the altercation that had just taken place downstairs. Arislan immediately crossed to the bed just to the right of the door, and, after pulling off his boots, flung himself face down onto its cream and tan etched length with a tremendous sigh. Darun smiled indulgently as he crossed the thick carpet to the room's other bed, and settled himself onto it more sedately so he could remove his own boots. Arislan stirred, then levered himself up again so that he could light the candle sticks on the commode in between the two beds from the nearest wall sconce. He pushed the basin and pitcher further back so that his candles' light would not be blocked, then collapsed again onto the bed, this time with his head at its foot.

"It's a pity we can't stay long enough to unpack." Arislan smiled over at Darun, jerking a thumb in the direction of the two enormous wardrobes which graced the wall opposite the beds. He sighed regretfully, then scooted forward until he was hanging off the foot of the bed so that he could rummage in his pack for some bedclothes.

"We haven't enough clothing with us to begin to fill even one of those monstrosities, Highness." It was a pity though. Darun let loose his own sigh as he stood and moved over to the window seat nearest his bed. He folded himself into it, putting his feet up and leaning his head back against the window frame. Vague rustling noises sounded from behind him as his Prince readied himself for bed, but Darun ignored them, not yet ready for sleep himself. He lost himself, staring through the warm glow of candles that was reflected back at him by the windows and into the depths of the night darkened forest which surrounded them.

"Aren't you going to sleep, Darun?" Darun started, brought him back to himself by Arislan's quiet question. No, Arislan, I'm not. Please go to sleep. I don't want to have to think any more this night. Let me lose myself again. Lost, he wouldn't be consumed by the fierce emotions he was feeling. Guilt, both old and new. He'd hurt Narsus three years ago, and he'd hurt him again just that night. Confusion. He was unsure of what to say to Narsus, unsure how to make things right again. Frustration over his inability to find the words he needed to express all that he felt in his soul. And, finally, fear. No, what he felt was closer to terror. Stark terror that he wouldn't be able to make things right again.

Darun brought his feet to the floor and swung out of the seat. Even if he felt tired, Darun doubted he'd be able to sleep. Arislan was already in his bed, seated cross-legged with the blankets around his waist. He looked altogether too young in just his nightshirt, with his hair brushed out and completely unadorned. Too young to have to face all that they would have to face. A sigh fought to escape instead of the slight smile Darun allowed to settle on his lips as he slowly made his way over to his own bed. "I'll sleep in a little while, my Prince."

"We've a long way to go and must leave early tomorrow. You need to sleep, Darun."

"And I will, my Prince." Darun settled himself atop the covers on his bed and leaned back against the pillows and headboard. "In a little while." He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

"Oh. All right. Goodnight, Darun."

"Good night, my Prince." Darun listened, eyes still closed, as the rustling sounds of Arislan settling himself for sleep came from the direction of the Prince's bed. Sleep well, my Prince. Solitude would be a relief. Arislan's slumber would free him from the necessity of maintaining the crumbling facade of control he currently wore.

"Darun?" The softest of murmurs.

Darun suddenly felt like screaming. Oh, Arislan, please go to sleep. Give me a chance to regain my balance. He forced any sign of frustration from his voice as he mildly acknowledged, "Yes, Arislan?"

"Darun, do you think he'll agree to join us?"

There was such hope in Arislan's voice that Darun could barely control a flinch. The last thing Darun wanted was to crush that hope, but he just couldn't lie to the youth. Arislan trusted him. Eyes still closed, he softly replied, "I honestly don't know, my Prince." I don't know if he'll come, I don't even know if letting our pursuers see us come this way will be enough to drive Narsus from his sanctuary. Not sure if it's enough. Oh, Goddess. A kind of panic began in the pit of Darun's stomach and tingled its way out to his every extremity. It was entirely possible that he had very little time to set things right between he and Narsus. Abruptly, all the emotions churning deep within him crystallized into a single, aching need. He had to talk to Narsus. Now. Tonight. Before he went to sleep. Tonight might be all he had left, the only chance he'd ever have to get Narsus to forgive him, the only chance for them to be together.

"Oh." There was silence for about three seconds before Arislan was speaking again. "Darun?"

The disturbed note that had entered his Prince's voice helped Darun break free of the storm of distress that had descended on him. He clenched his eyes shut even tighter and fought for control, thankful that the room's shadows masked his expression. Somehow, he managed to still sound calm as he answered, "Yes, Arislan?"

"Darun, I was only 11 when Narsus left court, and I never knew him, but I had always believed that the two of you were very close friends. You've always spoken of him with such respect and fondness. Will you tell me what happened earlier downstairs? Such deep anger hardly seems normal for two close friends."

Arislan was sometimes too perceptive. With a sigh, Darun finally opened his eyes and looked over at his Prince, who was curled on his side, hugging his pillow, and looking for all the world like a child who was about to be told a bedtime story. I'm sorry, Arislan, but this story would just give you nightmares. Somehow, Darun knew that of all people, he could trust his Prince with the truth. Arislan would not condemn his feelings for Narsus, nor would he judge Darun if he knew of the horrible mistake he'd made when he'd thrown Narsus away. Of all people, Darun was sure that Arislan would support both he and Narsus if they ever did have a relationship. Yet, how could he expose the pain both he and Narsus obviously felt? What was between them now was so raw. He had to try to talk to Narsus first, try his best to resolve the mess he'd made of things. He couldn't, just couldn't force a confession past his lips just yet. Slowly and carefully, for Arislan did deserve some sort of explanation, Darun replied, "We were once the best of friends, Arislan, but a short time before Narsus left court we... fought. I am very fond of him, and I do respect him tremendously, but... I guess neither one of us has ever completely recovered from that fight. The anger is still there."

"Ah. Do you think it will effect his decision to join us?"

"It certainly could, Arislan." Darun didn't doubt that Narsus was torn by indecision. In Arislan lay the realization of every dream Narsus had ever had for their country, but was that enough to stand up against the fact that to be a part of bringing those dreams to fruition, he'd be forced to work hand in hand with the man who'd hurt him so badly? Darun didn't know.

"Oh." Arislan's voice was very quiet, his blue eyes hooded in thought. Darun was still watching his Prince and waiting when those blue eyes were raised again. "Darun, I realize that personally, any conflict between you and Narsus is none of my business, but as your Prince, I need to take notice of anything that may jeopardize our purpose. Please, forgive me when I ask this. Are you sorry about that fight?"

More sorrowful than I'm capable of expressing. No, I have to be able to express it if I'm ever going to regain Narsus. Darun leaned his head back against the headboard again and stared up at the wood paneled ceiling as he tiredly admitted, "I am immensely sorry for my part in our falling out."

"Then maybe you should go talk to him tonight, now, in private, before he's asleep. Tell him you're sorry."

Darun realized he was staring at his Prince with his mouth hanging open, and abruptly closed it with a snap. He didn't know why he was still continually surprised by his young charge. He should expect Arislan's insight and perception by now. Beginning to smile faintly, he softly confessed, "I was going to sneak out after you were asleep, Highness, and do just that." His smile grew as Arislan began to chuckle.

"There's no need for that, Darun. Just go, and much luck to you." More soberly, the young Prince added, "We need him, Darun, so as your Prince, I need you to fix this trouble so that it doesn't prevent him from accompanying us, but as your friend, I'd like both of you to solve your problems since I can see that both of you are hurting."

He proves once more how justified we are in placing such hopes in him. Darun smiled as he rose from his bed silently and gracefully. "I want to end this conflict, my Prince. With your permission, I'll go now."

"Go on, this way I can fall asleep without your snoring."

There was a smile in Arislan's voice, but Darun couldn't respond to his Prince's tease as he considered just what he was about to do. He was afraid, more afraid than he'd ever been while facing screaming hordes of enemies on the battlefield whose sole purpose was to kill him. Oh, but what he would gain if he were successful. Controlling a grimace and praying his anxiety was not evident in his voice, Darun replied, "Don't count on that, my Prince. I'll be back quicker than you can blink if he refuses to speak with me." He tried to smile into blue eyes which suddenly held a wealth of compassion, but failed miserably.

"Just go, Darun. It'll turn out right." Arislan's soft reassurance followed him as Darun slipped out the door.