"You...remember that?"

"Of course," Numair said matter-of-factly. "You were to arrive home in Aetheri the day after my father died. He would not stop talking about it, in the days leading up." He paused, and then quietly continued, "...Hawk saved me from slavers just a few days ago. So I'm...visiting."

"He did?!" Vlad exclaimed.

"Y-yes."

Vlad couldn't help but laugh a bit at that. "The big lunk," he murmured. "Saves the Cynn of Aetheri from slavers, and doesn't even mention it to me."

"Ahh, well, he didn't recognize me, I think," Numair said, and added bracingly, "In fact, I've been visiting Enodia for months, and you're the only one who's recognized me. But I would very much like to stay incognito. Please keep quiet about this? I am just trying to take a break from my work here."

A very weird expression crossed Vlad's face. "Okay," he said.

Numair stared at him. "You're going to tell someone," he said, resigned. Vlad placed his palms together, grimacing.

"J-just my friend Luu!" he said honestly. "Sorry!! I'm awful at keeping secrets!"