Rarely, at least any more, was an expression of any emotion seen in Alkawen. One exception would be the moment Balisan awoke. Was it a choice that the elf suppressed outward expression of emotion or was it something that had left her demeanor over the years could have been debated. But the moment her friend and partner in the Order returned to her, she shouted like an excited child who had been given a gift of sparkling ribbons and paper.
The Knight attempted to rise up from this bed, likely with the idea of getting back to his duty, but the Iaurmenel bade him to stay still. He did as he was gently told, then the friends had two years of conversation in the span of an hour. It was necessary. As if irony was a spiteful goddess, Alkawen was to leave the compound on a journey that same day.
Knowing Balisan as well as she did, she knew the last of what she was to tell him would not please him in the least. The Elf told the Man it had been decided that a highly skilled attendant had been chosen to look after his daily care in Alkawen's absence and assist with the long road back to his strength and mastery in arms.
What she did not tell Balisan was that the attendant was not only to help him with his full recovery but to keep watch over him. Once Balisan learned she had left the compound on her journey, he would insist he join the mission as her guard. If he should attempt to follow, at least Alkawen was assured he would not be travelling alone.
"Irony, old friend, you are ever near," Alkawen thought to herself as she left the room as the Knight fell into a deep, peaceful sleep, "Balisan awakes the moment I must leave him. Ironic, like the Order, waging quiet war to secure peace. Irony." She walked immediately to the stables to meet Lindovor, they would leave at once.
