Helly held the sliding door open for the Cynn. < You had best go out the back way, > ne said, and the Cynn hurried out onto the outdoor walkway that ran around the tree garden, murmuring in agreement, with the overstuff bag hoisted on his shoulder. It was still early enough that the shadows of the thick trees fell darkly across the walkway.

< Ah, er--Highness--Mari-- > Helly called softly after the Cynn, who paused and looked back. Ne emerged from the doorway and stood in the morning light, clasping nir hands--or what passed for them--somewhat anxiously. Ne said, < No matter what happens today, with the Assembly and with Hawk, I am very proud of you and all the work you do. You should be as well. >

The Cynn looked at nem for a moment, his expression exhausted but otherwise strangely impassive. He then bowed his head a little, smiling just barely, and replied, < Thank you, Helly. >

He shouldered the bag again and set off up the walkway. Helly watched him go, and whispered after him, < Please be careful. >

A pothos was overtaking one corner of the white window ledge that it shared with a small brochure stand. There were posters taped up beside it on the likewise white wall, of the anatomy of different types of wings, and of a pain rating scale.

"So, what kind of changes are you noticing so far?"