Administrative Tower
Lorith had not been in her workroom, nor the assembly room, nor any other usual place. He eventually asked Tocohl to find her, and was told that Light Keeper Lorith was in her quarters, resting.
Gods knew she had earned as much rest as she wished. Indeed, he was relieved to hear it; she had been looking very thin, and he made no doubt her fears were heavy. Rest was surely her best tonic.
He sat down in his chair—and froze, suddenly smitten with the knowledge that the Tree-fruit in his pocket was ripe.
There was no thought; he had it out and eaten before he considered what consternation he might cause, by falling unconscious in his chair.
But, he need not have worried. Far from falling into a swoon, he felt somewhat energized, and reached to his screen with a will.
The comm pinged.
“Jen Sin?” Theo sounded breathless and gay. “Can you take an hour off? Tea break, maybe? I’ve got something to show you, on our dock.”
Tea break?
He glanced at the clock. Had he been working a full shift already? He moved his shoulders, feeling not the least tired—and recalled that Ren Zel had wished him to take time off of duty.
He touched the comm.
“As it happens, I am overdue for a tea break, Cousin. I will be with you soon.”