Orhan

When Nova excused herself, Orhan bobbed his head in understanding, but when she reached out to touch him he froze in surprise, and watched her stroll away with an incredulous expression. It was an unexpected gesture considering how little they still knew each other, but it was appreciated all the same, and he wondered if it was her way of thanking him for being supportive. He wondered, too, if she had ever touched Koray in the same way. Somehow he doubted it.

After a pause, the buckskin stallion rearranged his expression into one of composed serenity and looked back to Shamwari. With an awkward chuckle he replied, "Don't worry about it. Every family has their moments." He sighed heavily with relief that the tense situation was over, and reappraised the chestnut stallion with a more solemn look. "Of course. In fact, I'd like it very much if we could stay in touch. Not just for Vita Nova's sake. I have too few friends on these islands." His gaze dropped to his feet momentarily.

"Are you sure you won't stay longer? You're more than welcome to rest here before making the swim back."