< I was beginning to worry about what might happened when it did end, > Numair confided. < But then, when the vote passed...we could hear the cheering outside, even down on the chamber floor. And even the angriest of them must have realised they couldn't do much to me then. >

He paused. The crowd must have been large, waiting in the evening light for the news--large enough still that the sound of it caused some of the Assembly members to actually look up from their seats in alarm.

< ...So that's bought me some time, anyway, > he mumbled.

He'd drained the teacup already; Helly refilled it, temporarily wordless with outrage. Finally, ne got out, < Perhaps I'd better start accompanying you to these hearings. >

< You know that isn't allowed, Helly, > Numair replied tiredly.

< Oh, burn what's allowed...! > Helly sputtered. Numair looked up at nem, bracing his head on one hand.

< ...Hawk is all right, yes? >

Helly blinked. < Hm? Oh, yes, > ne assured him. < He was resting quietly when I left. >

< Good. That's good. >