Free storm by Unknown

mine.  Do as you see fit, but don't involve me."
     
                Cal laughed sadly.  "That's ironic.  I said that to him too."
     
                "You might be binding over a wound.  In that, you will be doing me a service."
     
                "You know he still loves you, don't you?  It shocks me how much."
     
                "He will say that to you, because to say otherwise would show him in a bad light."
     
                "You're wrong.  I think you've misjudged him.  When I first came here, the three of us stood together in the Hegalion, united.  I thought that would be the beginning of strength.  We need it.  All of us.  And love is strength."
     
                "In the Hegalion, I got carried away with the moment," Pell said.  "I wish I could maintain it, Cal, but I can't.  Too much has happened.  It is difficult to misjudge somehar for over twenty odd years.  You forget that life went on for me while we were apart."
     
                "Please think about it."
     
                "You be for Rue what I cannot.  I'm generous enough to concede that."
     
                "It means nothing without you."
     
                Pellaz rose from the bed and went to his wardrobe, discarding towels along the way.  "Perhaps you should be more concerned about your son.  I've spoken with Swift and Cobweb about him." He pulled out some clothes and dressed himself.  "We think Tyson should come to Immanion, but I predict it won't be easy for you."
     
                Cal put his hands behind his head, stared at the ceiling.  "I haven't seen him since he was a tiny harling.  It doesn't feel real.  I remember going through it all, but now..."
     
                "Difficult to imagine he sprang from you.  The thought of you and Terzian together hurts more than anything Rue could do.  You were making pearls with the Varr while I was almost senseless with grief over losing you.  That's bizarre."
     
                Cal's tone was defensive.  "I can barely remember what Terzian looks like.  I thought you were dead."
     
                Pell laughed awkwardly, in an attempt to lift the atmosphere.  "We don't have to discuss this.  It's history.  After all, I did the same thing with Rue.  Let's drop it."
     
                Cal, clearly, didn't want to drop it.  "Grief over you did terrible things to me too.  I was out of my mind.  Tyson sprang from that, if anything.  I'm not sure I want to go back to that dark place.  Do I really have to see him?"
     
                "He's yours, Cal, and none of what happened was his fault.  I have an abysmal relationship with my own son, and it's not something I'd recommend.  Build bridges."
     
                "Then you do the same."
     
                Pell closed the wardrobe doors carefully.  "What's on the agenda for today?  I doubt I'm allowed the luxury of rest after my journey."
     
                "Later this afternoon, an audience in the Hegalion with delegates from various tribes, all wanting Gelaming aid.  It's not essential you're present for that, as both Vaysh and I have been vague about your return time from Galhea.  This evening, you're booked for the caste ascension of some high-ranking young har in the High Nayati.  You offered to officiate last week, when you were drunk at that party, remember?  The parents have requested, most humbly, that the Aralisians turn out in force."
     
                "Damn.  Oh well.  Let the unholy Trinity of Tigrons and Tigrina do their worst.  I'll pass on the delegates, though.  Will you handle it?"
     
                Cal jumped up from the bed and wrapped Pell in his arms.  "It's part of what I'm here for, isn't it?  To take on some of the burden."
     
                Pellaz was assailed by a poignant image of Thiede that