Zaeryn returned the kiss without attempting to hurry her. When Ysmeine finally released his mouth, she remained close enough that her hand stayed against his cheek.
"You will be fine," she told him quietly.
"I know."
After Ysmeine, Zaeryn said farewell to the others as well.
When it was finished, he retrieved his luggage unit. The entire farewell had remained so familiar that it had prevented the morning from becoming as heavy as he had expected. Nobody had spoken as though he might never return, and nobody had demanded promises beyond a call when he arrived. They had kissed him, teased him and treated his return as something already decided.
That was easier to carry with him than fear.
"I will contact everyone once I reach the Capital," he said, looking at the four women together. "Individually, apparently."
"You had better," Aeris replied.
Ysmeine touched his arm one final time. "Go before Kayla comes back here and drags you out herself."
"Okay."
