“Asrin!” a wordless voice echoed in him. “Where are you going? And in such a hurry! Come! We have much to talk about!”
Asrin winced slightly. If there existed a Dragonkin who could talk him out of something incredibly reckless (or into something incredibly stupid), it was Beoch. And Asrin was not in a position to have either discussion.
“Beoch,” he responded, hoping the grin he was forcing reached his voice without sounding, well, forced. “How are you, old friend?”
“I am well, old friend!” Beoch responded in delight. “I was looking for you.”
“You have found me,” Asrin intoned, turning to face his friend.
“Indeed I have!” Beoch agreed merrily. Asrin was unsure how this Dragonkin could be so carefree and happy with all the horrors happening in Thal’Pyrae. Still, he was a bit of a refreshing pause in the ire-laden moments in which Asrin had been ensnared. “Tell me, Asrin, where were you going?”
“Away, Beoch,” he said with a heavy sigh. “I was on my way to go away.” He paused a moment. Beoch’s sapphire eyes glistened, and Asrin frowned. The mirth had faded and was replaced, for the moment, by a deep sadness that Asrin could feel in his bones. He looked away and continued, “I cannot abide it here any longer, Beoch. They are killing us!”
Beoch nodded, saying nothing.
Asrin continued, “Please, Beoch, do not weep for me. I am choosing this.”
“I know,” came a mirthless, pensive response. “I know you are, Asrin. And I understand the choice. How you feel about the War is valid. I just hope that—”
“Do not talk me out of this, Beoch,” Asrin spoke, a hint of a genuine smile on his face.
Beoch gave a wry chuckle. “I was not going to, Asrin. I was simply going to say, do not forget me, for I will miss your presence greatly.”
Asrin smiled softly, his shoulders gently relaxing, and his emerald eyes moistening. “How can I forget you, old friend? You have been a constant source of merriment and joy in my life. I fear it is you who shall forget me!”
A pause.
Then laughter erupted in the halls of the Palace as the two embraced and settled into seats for a final meal together.