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Jatin chuckled softly despite himself with her words, and immediately held up a hand in apology. The last thing he needed was for Zelda to get offended and defensive and start throwing around accusations. "I can tell you two things with one hundred percent certainty. Soyala has, without a doubt, taken notice of Klu'chud, and you're boy will never, ever side with her." He paused briefly, eyes flickering towards the ceiling. Speaking of Soyala always felt...dangerous somehow, as if she was listening in, but Jatin was confident that Soyala was not quite as omniscient as most believed, and soon went on. "Klu'chud feels that Soyala has outlived her usefulness. That the Daewl rank won't progress until they're done with her. Now, it is possible that Soyala might attempt to keep him from voicing this opinion... But she's on thin ice already, and I think she's too confident of her status to see him as any real threat."

He frowned, puzzling over his own words, then fixed his attention on Zelda once more, frowning faintly. "...You've been in the Village this whole time, you said. Have you tried to contact him? Scion?"

He lowered his eyes as well with her words, considering his glass and his words, and settling on holding his tongue. He wasn't sure whether it would be more or less painful for her to know that the white Daewl was still alive; he decided that it was best left alone. Perhaps Scion would find her on his own eventually, or Klu'chud would tell her.

There, that was a suitable subject change. "Perhaps you should speak with Klu'chud yourself, if you're still concerned. I think he would surprise you. I can show you where he's been living, if you'd like."

With her question, Jatin shrugged, but seemed unconcerned. "I don't see why not. Did something happen between you two? I mean, I know he left...but he is an adult, and I can't really blame him for wanting to be part of a community."

Again he shrugged, and slumped somewhat on his seat. His free hand propped up his chin, elbow resting on the arm of his chair, while he idly swirled his wine in his glass. "The foreseeable future? Anything is possible. Klu'chud is already viewed with a considerable amount of trust considering that he is a foreigner... Especially as Scion's son. But a Daewl equal to his ability could hatch tomorrow, and all the tides could turn."

Her question clearly troubled him, and he picked his words carefully. "Hypothetically speaking," he began, though his look told her that he knew this was anything but, "there is very little that could be done. If it became common knowledge that he was planning to challenge the Daewl, it would open him to mistrust. If anyone discovered that attempts were being made to accelerate such a goal through trickery or whatever other means, his chance would be lost entirely. No, Zelda, it's best left alone... He will have to win followers the old-fashioned way."

He gave a small shrug and held his tongue. It was true, Klu'chud did not seem the affectionate type....at all. But that said, he didn't seem the type to lose his temper and blow up a house. Jatin had his doubts about Zelda's story, especially based on the fact that Scion hadn't tried to contact her afterward. This seemed like the white Daewl's way of ending a relationship, in Jatin's opinion. Pity.

Jatin sighed. "Daewls are an odd bunch. No offense. But I really can't make predictions for that rank. Spawn's going to have to win each and every one of them individually if he wants to have a hope of taking Soyala's place. There's no way she'll back down if she still has the least bit of support from the Village. Even then, she may not."

"The Village will always fear Soyala... But I've found that sometimes hope can be more powerful." Jatin gave a small grin, taking a moment to sip at his wine before glancing off towards the spare bedroom with her question.

"You're welcome to it, if you want it. It's got to be better than the inn. I've been so busy lately that I haven't been entertaining many guests, but a roommate wouldn't go amiss."

"Make yourself comfortable," he insisted with a sweep of his free hand towards the bedroom. "As long as you promise not to set fire to my couch again, you're welcome for as long as you'd like. I'll probably be scarce for the next few days anyway, until things calm down again."

He raised a brow. "Of course, you know it's a regular habit of mine to impregnate every woman I invite to my home. I've fathered half the Village." Jatin rolled his eyes. "You're safe."