So, one long rest later, the foursome rouses and is faced with deciding how to proceed; there are more reasons than the mission from Anicetus to continue to Mysos; Payl Gower's daughter and sister are still missing, as is Calabra, and all signs seem to point south.
Fae's knowledge of the woodlands here tells them they're somewhere south of Awich and west of Riversdown. The high road between Loch Bien and Mysos is probably to the west, and the river they travelled, which they've generally been following, is to the east.
Two days journey by foot along the high road or one day by river would, Fae thinks, taken them through the pass of the mountain range in the borderlands, but he isn't sure with the forest obstructing his view of the foothills.
Whatever they choose, they all know the borderlands are dangerous wilds, made more so with apparent skirmishes and raiding parties.
So, if they decide to continue south, they can follow the river (less likely, attempt to find a boat), or they can try to find the road. If not, their options are pretty much the same going north, or they can attempt to reach Knaren, which Sen is certain is just east of them.
Sen has disadvantage on nature and survival rolls when it comes to directions. (Rolled 7 on Survival but 20 on Persuasion.)
Fae, on the other hand, has the Wanderer feature from his Outlander background, and has an excellent memory for maps and geography of places he's been, easily recalling general terrain and geographic features. He doesn't mention this, however. (Rolled 20 on Survival, 17 on Persuasion.)
[SURV d: 21 r: 7
PERS d: 13 r: 7
Rin absolutely agrees with Sen. Knaren is definitely 20 miles east.
Dima's survival spidey instincts are tingling, however. Specifically because he knows Knaren is nowhere near a river.
INS, d: 22
Dima recalls he has seen Sen get lost several times just in their brief journeying together, but also that he's known Sen to just wander the fuck around because he never seems to know where he's going.]
Fae is listening to this and withdrawing into himself, certain that Knaren's not nearby but also Sen and Rin seem very sure, and he's very new at this Druid thing.
<.>
Dima is going to give Sen A Look and shake his head, and will point out that Knaren is not on any river, and that he's not going to trust the word of a man who wandered the both of them straight into a bear cave in the middle of nowhere, after assuring Dima it was the fastest way to reach [insert town here I know not the name of].
[note: That was ONE TIME
and: ONE TIME WAS PLENTY.]
Dima’s going to remark, "Remember how easily you lead us to the ruins outside Awich. :|"
Dima is going to ask Faolan what he thinks, since he managed to lead them to the docks, and seems to have at least some surer sense of direction than certain elves.
Who are by the way very skilled at *seeming* certain of knowledge that holds no water.
ON WHICH NOTE KNAREN HOLDS NO WATER, BEING ON NO RIVER.
Rin, meanwhile, keeps pointing at Sen and saying Sen's right though.
<.>
Faolan clears his throat and shifts uncomfortably, then points out the river definitely goes to Mysos, because all of the rivers flow towards the canal, so that's a certainty, isn't it?
<.>
Dima nods, and will add that while the wilderness may bring its perils, he would much prefer that particular danger to venturing the roads. Particularly given the raiding parties, and since their party has no idea what story the shitheads from Loch Bien may have spread about them.
Rin is thinking studiously about rivers and how they go.
<.>
Sen is considering being stubborn just to take the piss, but...well, they weren't going to Knaren, so it might not really matter where it is.
And Faolan interjects quickly, "Liviana could -"
He points upward.
<.>
Liviana takes the cue, and - since Dima doesn't object; since Dima in fact nods to Liv - will fly upward, intending to take a sweep and see what she can spot.
Rin will ask what's in Knaren anyway, and also complain that is very wet this morning very damp and dewy.
<.>
While Liv makes her check, Fae will stoke the fire back to life just to make a little peace with Rin.
[note: Rin is very pleased with this thank you Fae ;.;]
Liv will find that Fae was absolutely right, and there's no town anywhere nearby.
Mykola, meanwhile, has been repeating in Sen's head no river near knaren what is knaren no river seddum no river.
<.>
Liv returns and conveys this information, prompting both Dima and Liviana to give Sen a long, long stare, while Dmitri confirms that there is no sign of Knaren, or any other town.
<.>
Sen suddenly bursts out, "FINE! There's NO RIVER! Fuck almighty!"
<.>
Rin, who has been focusing on the fire and lost track of whatever's been happening beyond the fire, looks very confused. "Did the river just disappear?"
They are worried about this disappearing river.
Dima is not going to acknowledge Rin's question, and will suggest that they continue along the river. He'll also ask Faolan if Fae knows of any towns or settlements they might pass near as they travel.
<.>
Faolan starts to respond, then closes his mouth and looks away for a long moment, eyes gone distant. He then shakes his head. "There's nothing. Maybe a trading post further south, but nothing here."
[INS s: 19 d: 14 liv: 12 r: looking in the direction of the river with worry
Liv sees nothing amiss.
Dima and Sen both get the impression Faolan may have just lied.]
<.>
Dima is going to move nearer to Fae. He'll take Fae's (his Fae's) (his Puppy's) hand, find his eyes and gently ask what he's thinking—
Then add, still soft but with the slightest trace of something more than a request, "Tell me."
And, "Please."
<.>
Faolan winces slightly, knowing he's been caught. (Knowing also that it wasn't a request, and he loves it, he loves having no choices to make, and he loves Dima.)
He holds Dima's hand tighter, then glances from Rin to Sen to Dima and confesses uncomfortably, "There used to be a colony not far from here. Druids."
He shakes his head again. "They're gone now. It's why I was -" Looking at Dima again, he directs this to him. "It's why I was trying to see Alfrig. The fighting's destroyed five circles. Hardly anyone's made it out alive. There was the one here in the foothills, three more to the east."
A weak little smile that really isn't a smile, a shrug that isn't careless though he'd like it to be. "Mine."
Sen purses his lips and looks away, giving them a momentary privacy. And actually— What Sen is going to do is move away and settle next to Rin and spend the next ten or so minutes making up an elaborate story about a vanishing river.
<.>
[q: would dima have heard anything or rumors about druid circles being destroyed? HIST: 9
a: Not a word on the subject. To be fair, druids tend to be secretive about their circles and communicate through their own language, so it wouldn't have been particularly likely, anyhow.]
Rin quickly becomes engrossed in Sen's story, and has ears only for their Sen's telling.
Dima wraps his hand closer around Fae's, and steps nearer still. Draws his free hand along Faolan's bicep in a soothing motion, speaks in a voice grown soft: "Faolan—"
Then slips his hand around Fae's waist. To hold him. To rub comfort down along his spine. "Oh, Fae, I'm sorry."
There are questions he might like to ask: How long ago, and were you there when it happened, did you see anyone— Questions upon questions, not fit for hurling on the man just now, or at once.
(A thought: They ought to examine the remnants of the village, or some among their number should. In case the attackers left any signs.
Perhaps, as well, in case there's anything left that might be of value to Fae.)
Dima draws their joined hands to his heart, looking upward. Neither smiling nor shying away. Only nodding, once: "You did well, my Dearest. To seek Alfrig at all. To venture on your own.
"What did I tell you, Puppy? You're very brave."
The brush along Fae's back slows slightly, though it loses none of its pressure, and Dima watches Fae for a moment before speaking again, "I have questions, Fae. When and if you feel prepared to answer. It might— Help us to know."
<.>
It's comforting. It's almost a relief to share a small piece of what happened, and it's almost a relief to share it with Dima in particular.
Faolan sighs low and rests his forehead against Dima's, content for now to be petted and loved - to not be alone. He knows Dima has questions boiling in him and he's grateful they don't all overflow just now. Not yet.
"Not sure what good it'll do," he replies softly, drawing back now to glance at the thieves, then at the river. "Knowing. But if you say it'll help..."
He gives Dima another weak smile. Daddy knows best, it seems to say.
"Maybe we start walking, though. Whichever way we're going, let's start in that direction. It's a long way; you'll have time to ask whatever you want to know."
<.>
There’s a nod from Dima, a rejoinder to that sign of a smile and pride, and softly he speaks, “There’s my Puppy.
“My Fae. You’re doing very well.”
Dima glances toward the thieves, the river, then back to Faolan. Seeing wisdom in the man’s suggestion - better not to let daylight slip without further travel - but not quite prepared to move. Because there’s one suggestion to be ventured first—
“It may be worth visiting” (the site of your village) (the remainder) “one of the sites. You needn’t go; I’ll stay with you. If we do look, we’ll send the thieves in.
“Or you can tell me what you saw. If you saw.” A nod, soft and certain. “As we walk. As you say, we’ve a long way to go, and there is no need to rush your telling.”
The hand at Fae’s back slips to cup his cheek, and Dima’s thumb offers reassurance in a brush. “It’s all right, Puppy. It will be all right. Daddy’s here.” Leaning upward, he sets a kiss to Faolan’s other cheek. “I’ll keep you safe from memory, and all that follows.”
<.>
Once again, Faolan finds himself struck with awe: that Dmitri Voronin should be like this, loving and tender and honest, and that he, Faolan, was somehow lucky enough to cross paths with him. To be loved by him. He doesn't deserve it, no, but gods, he'll take it.
He'll pay whatever the price might be for a lifetime with Dima.
Alongside this awe (which softens his eyes and gives a glimmer of hope to an otherwise sorrowful smile) are the memories of -
He cants his head into Dima's touch, Dima's kiss, seeking (salvation) (resurrection) comfort against the threat of memory's resurgence. Reaching, he draws Dima into an embrace and kisses him - slowly, lingeringly, feeling maybe he has some right to do it now. Maybe it's wanted, and maybe he can do this again and again across the years. Rather than drawing away, he eases aside and burrows into the dark and warmth of Dima's throat. He draws a breath, inhaling the now-familiar scent of him. (Home.)
When they begin their trek southward, it's some time before Fae breaks his silence; he holds on to Dima's hand when their course allows as he leads the others with the river always at their right. It takes him the better part of an hour to find the best place to begin speaking - low but clear, over his shoulder to the other three.
"My father's people were druids. My grandmother. When I - left Morovsk -"
Was run out, he means. He doesn't say.
"My mother had finally caught wind of what I'd been doing. Where all that money had come from to pay for food and clothing and kindling. A head of sheep. So I was...disinvited from home. And from speaking to her or my siblings, who just happen to be old enough now to do the earning themselves.
"I suppose they're not doing it on their backs..." he muses tonelessly before shaking his head and continuing, "I had a half-broken heart and a more than half-broken spirit, and if I wasn't welcome home, melting into the forest seemed just as good as anything else. So - I went where I'd heard my grandmother would be."
Another glance back to see where the others are, listening to him and physically. Sen is still in line with the group, which alleviates some of his concern.
"She'd died. No one could say how long before - her circle doesn't measure time in seasons. Fire doesn't exactly have a season."
He draws a breath and considers, then admits, "I didn't stay with them; I wasn't...I didn't want to be close. To anyone. But I visited, and they taught me things. I think maybe they were treating me like a stray animal, hoping I'd eventually learn to stay."
Now, there's a genuine smile for Dima, conspiratorial, that seems to suggest someone might teach him that trick.
The smile fades to sadness once again, to a distance in his eyes even as they move across the terrain ahead. "I wasn't there when it happened."
"I'm not sure there was anything I could've done, though. That was a circle of two hundred druids, most of them capable - powerful. It looked like they'd been caught by surprise, like they'd been swept by a tidal wave. The whole place -" Faolan falters, his brow furrowing, and breathes deep. He tightens his hold on Dima's hand. "The huts were looted and burned, the animals slaughtered. The adults were brutalized before they died.
"The children were just...gone. Taken by scavengers or taken by whoever attacked. Dunno which one's worse."
He feels tired. Mostly of talking, but his limbs feel heavy, as well. He's trying to keep his emotions distanced from what he saw, but it creeps back on him when he doesn't expect.
"That was six months ago. I've seen two of the other circles end up that way. I'm not the only one to try and get help, but Alfrig doesn't tolerate 'heathens'. I might be the closest anyone's gotten to him."
"And he had the nerve to get himself assassinated when you managed to get in the same room," Sen concludes, eliciting an almost validated, exasperated “Right?!” from Faolan.
"Suppose you hadn't happened upon us; you might've got there sooner," the bard offers helpfully.
Faolan slows a little, looking back at Sen, then down at Dima and the hand in his own. Then back at Sen. "If I hadn't been where I was, Dima wouldn't've stopped, and then you wouldn't've stopped, and you'd never have met Rin -"
"Bite your tongue," Sen interrupts, feigning outrage. Faolan watches his hand as it settles protectively on Rin's shoulder.
"- or got your jellyfish back, or -"
"All right," the elf bats back, his nose wrinkling in seeming disgust. "All right you little pisspot, enough.”
"I'm only saying, it's not bad luck we met. It's not a misfortune."
"Suppose you'd know."
Faolan realizes then what Sen just did: seeing him drawn down into melancholy, the bard drew him out again. Not through laughter or antics, but bickering. And it worked?
He feels...better?
"Suppose I would," Fae agrees, then, with a faint, tilted smile, catches Dima's eye. A redness creeps into his cheeks and his hand presses once more.
no subject
Fae's knowledge of the woodlands here tells them they're somewhere south of Awich and west of Riversdown. The high road between Loch Bien and Mysos is probably to the west, and the river they travelled, which they've generally been following, is to the east.
Two days journey by foot along the high road or one day by river would, Fae thinks, taken them through the pass of the mountain range in the borderlands, but he isn't sure with the forest obstructing his view of the foothills.
Whatever they choose, they all know the borderlands are dangerous wilds, made more so with apparent skirmishes and raiding parties.
So, if they decide to continue south, they can follow the river (less likely, attempt to find a boat), or they can try to find the road. If not, their options are pretty much the same going north, or they can attempt to reach Knaren, which Sen is certain is just east of them.
Sen has disadvantage on nature and survival rolls when it comes to directions. (Rolled 7 on Survival but 20 on Persuasion.)
Fae, on the other hand, has the Wanderer feature from his Outlander background, and has an excellent memory for maps and geography of places he's been, easily recalling general terrain and geographic features. He doesn't mention this, however. (Rolled 20 on Survival, 17 on Persuasion.)
[SURV
d: 21
r: 7
PERS
d: 13
r: 7
Rin absolutely agrees with Sen. Knaren is definitely 20 miles east.
Dima's survival spidey instincts are tingling, however. Specifically because he knows Knaren is nowhere near a river.
INS, d: 22
Dima recalls he has seen Sen get lost several times just in their brief journeying together, but also that he's known Sen to just wander the fuck around because he never seems to know where he's going.]
Fae is listening to this and withdrawing into himself, certain that Knaren's not nearby but also Sen and Rin seem very sure, and he's very new at this Druid thing.
<.>
Dima is going to give Sen A Look and shake his head, and will point out that Knaren is not on any river, and that he's not going to trust the word of a man who wandered the both of them straight into a bear cave in the middle of nowhere, after assuring Dima it was the fastest way to reach [insert town here I know not the name of].
[note: That was ONE TIME
and: ONE TIME WAS PLENTY.]
Dima’s going to remark, "Remember how easily you lead us to the ruins outside Awich. :|"
Dima is going to ask Faolan what he thinks, since he managed to lead them to the docks, and seems to have at least some surer sense of direction than certain elves.
Who are by the way very skilled at *seeming* certain of knowledge that holds no water.
ON WHICH NOTE KNAREN HOLDS NO WATER, BEING ON NO RIVER.
Rin, meanwhile, keeps pointing at Sen and saying Sen's right though.
<.>
Faolan clears his throat and shifts uncomfortably, then points out the river definitely goes to Mysos, because all of the rivers flow towards the canal, so that's a certainty, isn't it?
<.>
Dima nods, and will add that while the wilderness may bring its perils, he would much prefer that particular danger to venturing the roads. Particularly given the raiding parties, and since their party has no idea what story the shitheads from Loch Bien may have spread about them.
Rin is thinking studiously about rivers and how they go.
<.>
Sen is considering being stubborn just to take the piss, but...well, they weren't going to Knaren, so it might not really matter where it is.
And Faolan interjects quickly, "Liviana could -"
He points upward.
<.>
Liviana takes the cue, and - since Dima doesn't object; since Dima in fact nods to Liv - will fly upward, intending to take a sweep and see what she can spot.
Rin will ask what's in Knaren anyway, and also complain that is very wet this morning very damp and dewy.
<.>
While Liv makes her check, Fae will stoke the fire back to life just to make a little peace with Rin.
[note: Rin is very pleased with this thank you Fae ;.;]
Liv will find that Fae was absolutely right, and there's no town anywhere nearby.
Mykola, meanwhile, has been repeating in Sen's head no river near knaren what is knaren no river seddum no river.
<.>
Liv returns and conveys this information, prompting both Dima and Liviana to give Sen a long, long stare, while Dmitri confirms that there is no sign of Knaren, or any other town.
<.>
Sen suddenly bursts out, "FINE! There's NO RIVER! Fuck almighty!"
<.>
Rin, who has been focusing on the fire and lost track of whatever's been happening beyond the fire, looks very confused. "Did the river just disappear?"
They are worried about this disappearing river.
Dima is not going to acknowledge Rin's question, and will suggest that they continue along the river. He'll also ask Faolan if Fae knows of any towns or settlements they might pass near as they travel.
<.>
Faolan starts to respond, then closes his mouth and looks away for a long moment, eyes gone distant. He then shakes his head. "There's nothing. Maybe a trading post further south, but nothing here."
[INS
s: 19
d: 14
liv: 12
r: looking in the direction of the river with worry
Liv sees nothing amiss.
Dima and Sen both get the impression Faolan may have just lied.]
<.>
Dima is going to move nearer to Fae. He'll take Fae's (his Fae's) (his Puppy's) hand, find his eyes and gently ask what he's thinking—
Then add, still soft but with the slightest trace of something more than a request, "Tell me."
And, "Please."
<.>
Faolan winces slightly, knowing he's been caught. (Knowing also that it wasn't a request, and he loves it, he loves having no choices to make, and he loves Dima.)
He holds Dima's hand tighter, then glances from Rin to Sen to Dima and confesses uncomfortably, "There used to be a colony not far from here. Druids."
He shakes his head again. "They're gone now. It's why I was -" Looking at Dima again, he directs this to him. "It's why I was trying to see Alfrig. The fighting's destroyed five circles. Hardly anyone's made it out alive. There was the one here in the foothills, three more to the east."
A weak little smile that really isn't a smile, a shrug that isn't careless though he'd like it to be. "Mine."
Sen purses his lips and looks away, giving them a momentary privacy. And actually— What Sen is going to do is move away and settle next to Rin and spend the next ten or so minutes making up an elaborate story about a vanishing river.
<.>
[q: would dima have heard anything or rumors about druid circles being destroyed?
HIST: 9
a: Not a word on the subject. To be fair, druids tend to be secretive about their circles and communicate through their own language, so it wouldn't have been particularly likely, anyhow.]
Rin quickly becomes engrossed in Sen's story, and has ears only for their Sen's telling.
Dima wraps his hand closer around Fae's, and steps nearer still. Draws his free hand along Faolan's bicep in a soothing motion, speaks in a voice grown soft: "Faolan—"
Then slips his hand around Fae's waist. To hold him. To rub comfort down along his spine. "Oh, Fae, I'm sorry."
There are questions he might like to ask: How long ago, and were you there when it happened, did you see anyone— Questions upon questions, not fit for hurling on the man just now, or at once.
(A thought: They ought to examine the remnants of the village, or some among their number should. In case the attackers left any signs.
Perhaps, as well, in case there's anything left that might be of value to Fae.)
Dima draws their joined hands to his heart, looking upward. Neither smiling nor shying away. Only nodding, once: "You did well, my Dearest. To seek Alfrig at all. To venture on your own.
"What did I tell you, Puppy? You're very brave."
The brush along Fae's back slows slightly, though it loses none of its pressure, and Dima watches Fae for a moment before speaking again, "I have questions, Fae. When and if you feel prepared to answer. It might— Help us to know."
<.>
It's comforting. It's almost a relief to share a small piece of what happened, and it's almost a relief to share it with Dima in particular.
Faolan sighs low and rests his forehead against Dima's, content for now to be petted and loved - to not be alone. He knows Dima has questions boiling in him and he's grateful they don't all overflow just now. Not yet.
"Not sure what good it'll do," he replies softly, drawing back now to glance at the thieves, then at the river. "Knowing. But if you say it'll help..."
He gives Dima another weak smile. Daddy knows best, it seems to say.
"Maybe we start walking, though. Whichever way we're going, let's start in that direction. It's a long way; you'll have time to ask whatever you want to know."
<.>
There’s a nod from Dima, a rejoinder to that sign of a smile and pride, and softly he speaks, “There’s my Puppy.
“My Fae. You’re doing very well.”
Dima glances toward the thieves, the river, then back to Faolan. Seeing wisdom in the man’s suggestion - better not to let daylight slip without further travel - but not quite prepared to move. Because there’s one suggestion to be ventured first—
“It may be worth visiting” (the site of your village) (the remainder) “one of the sites. You needn’t go; I’ll stay with you. If we do look, we’ll send the thieves in.
“Or you can tell me what you saw. If you saw.” A nod, soft and certain. “As we walk. As you say, we’ve a long way to go, and there is no need to rush your telling.”
The hand at Fae’s back slips to cup his cheek, and Dima’s thumb offers reassurance in a brush. “It’s all right, Puppy. It will be all right. Daddy’s here.” Leaning upward, he sets a kiss to Faolan’s other cheek. “I’ll keep you safe from memory, and all that follows.”
<.>
Once again, Faolan finds himself struck with awe: that Dmitri Voronin should be like this, loving and tender and honest, and that he, Faolan, was somehow lucky enough to cross paths with him. To be loved by him. He doesn't deserve it, no, but gods, he'll take it.
He'll pay whatever the price might be for a lifetime with Dima.
Alongside this awe (which softens his eyes and gives a glimmer of hope to an otherwise sorrowful smile) are the memories of -
He cants his head into Dima's touch, Dima's kiss, seeking (salvation) (resurrection) comfort against the threat of memory's resurgence. Reaching, he draws Dima into an embrace and kisses him - slowly, lingeringly, feeling maybe he has some right to do it now. Maybe it's wanted, and maybe he can do this again and again across the years. Rather than drawing away, he eases aside and burrows into the dark and warmth of Dima's throat. He draws a breath, inhaling the now-familiar scent of him. (Home.)
When they begin their trek southward, it's some time before Fae breaks his silence; he holds on to Dima's hand when their course allows as he leads the others with the river always at their right. It takes him the better part of an hour to find the best place to begin speaking - low but clear, over his shoulder to the other three.
"My father's people were druids. My grandmother. When I - left Morovsk -"
Was run out, he means. He doesn't say.
"My mother had finally caught wind of what I'd been doing. Where all that money had come from to pay for food and clothing and kindling. A head of sheep. So I was...disinvited from home. And from speaking to her or my siblings, who just happen to be old enough now to do the earning themselves.
"I suppose they're not doing it on their backs..." he muses tonelessly before shaking his head and continuing, "I had a half-broken heart and a more than half-broken spirit, and if I wasn't welcome home, melting into the forest seemed just as good as anything else. So - I went where I'd heard my grandmother would be."
Another glance back to see where the others are, listening to him and physically. Sen is still in line with the group, which alleviates some of his concern.
"She'd died. No one could say how long before - her circle doesn't measure time in seasons. Fire doesn't exactly have a season."
He draws a breath and considers, then admits, "I didn't stay with them; I wasn't...I didn't want to be close. To anyone. But I visited, and they taught me things. I think maybe they were treating me like a stray animal, hoping I'd eventually learn to stay."
Now, there's a genuine smile for Dima, conspiratorial, that seems to suggest someone might teach him that trick.
The smile fades to sadness once again, to a distance in his eyes even as they move across the terrain ahead. "I wasn't there when it happened."
"I'm not sure there was anything I could've done, though. That was a circle of two hundred druids, most of them capable - powerful. It looked like they'd been caught by surprise, like they'd been swept by a tidal wave. The whole place -" Faolan falters, his brow furrowing, and breathes deep. He tightens his hold on Dima's hand. "The huts were looted and burned, the animals slaughtered. The adults were brutalized before they died.
"The children were just...gone. Taken by scavengers or taken by whoever attacked. Dunno which one's worse."
He feels tired. Mostly of talking, but his limbs feel heavy, as well. He's trying to keep his emotions distanced from what he saw, but it creeps back on him when he doesn't expect.
"That was six months ago. I've seen two of the other circles end up that way. I'm not the only one to try and get help, but Alfrig doesn't tolerate 'heathens'. I might be the closest anyone's gotten to him."
"And he had the nerve to get himself assassinated when you managed to get in the same room," Sen concludes, eliciting an almost validated, exasperated “Right?!” from Faolan.
"Suppose you hadn't happened upon us; you might've got there sooner," the bard offers helpfully.
Faolan slows a little, looking back at Sen, then down at Dima and the hand in his own. Then back at Sen. "If I hadn't been where I was, Dima wouldn't've stopped, and then you wouldn't've stopped, and you'd never have met Rin -"
"Bite your tongue," Sen interrupts, feigning outrage. Faolan watches his hand as it settles protectively on Rin's shoulder.
"- or got your jellyfish back, or -"
"All right," the elf bats back, his nose wrinkling in seeming disgust. "All right you little pisspot, enough.”
"I'm only saying, it's not bad luck we met. It's not a misfortune."
"Suppose you'd know."
Faolan realizes then what Sen just did: seeing him drawn down into melancholy, the bard drew him out again. Not through laughter or antics, but bickering. And it worked?
He feels...better?
"Suppose I would," Fae agrees, then, with a faint, tilted smile, catches Dima's eye. A redness creeps into his cheeks and his hand presses once more.
<.>