"She cares about you." Leave it to Eliqinor to open his big mouth and make Shafir even more guilty. Just because he had no problems going to see his mother any time he wanted didn't mean Shafir did. Shafir gripped the reins and Nabu threw her head once again, causing Eliqinor to move his steed away a bit to prevent him from getting skittish. 

"I know." Shafir loosened the reins as he tried to calm himself down. There was no need for him to get angry. He had to remind himself that when on a mission, he must always remain professional and not cause any problems. So what Eliqinor was probing into his life? It could be easy to ignore, just like he ignored that bastard in his dreams. This just required more energy. 

"And you care about her," Eliqinor stated, and Shafir nodded in agreement. He cared for his mother. She had always been his rock since his father's passing, and he was determined to make them both proud.

“I do.” Shafir felt the anger leave his body as he let the conversation flow. It was nice being able to take so matter-of-factly without being afraid that the other would make the conversation into a fight. Nabu also noticed the difference in Shafir and brayed with happiness, throwing her head back and forth. 

“I see…” Eliqinor focused back on the dirt path and Shafir followed suit. The path winded, and he could see the light at the end of the trees. Shafir's thoughts raced and danced about. What if he could finally be able to talk to Eliqinor without fighting? At least for this mission, that would be nice. As they prepared to enter through the bright opening, Shafir sat up straighter. 

“How is your mother? The lady of the house,” It took Shafir a while before he said anything, afraid the conversation went stale from his lack of communication. The only thing he could think of was to continue the talk in the best way he knew, which was asking the other party the same thing. Eliqinor didn't seem phased by Shafir's question and just shifted on his saddle a bit. It might have been a touching topic since Shafir knew very little of Eliqinor's mother, the proper leader of the House of Honors. He knew she gave up her position to her brother because she was often ill. 

"She is still weak. Having my youngest sister has taken a toll on her body." Eliqinor didn't mention more about the topic, and Shafir didn't pry too much. He knew that Eliqinor's mother had been with child again, but knew little about the baby. Shafir knew when he had seen the lady of the house. She was always big and round. This was her 10th child? If Shafir could remember well. There was always a large ceremony for the lady when she had a baby. It must have been exciting for Eliqinor to know he was a big brother once again. 

“I hope she gets well soon.” Shafir could only offer his best wishes for Eliqinor's mother's speedy recovery. If she was still anything like she had been when Shafir was young, then she would be fine, especially with all that warm energy she had. 

“Thank you.” Eliqinor nodded as they rode on down the path. Their horses were in perfect sync as they trotted along.