>>5785847“Ey?” Adolfo asked, then grinned a fragile grin. “I wanted to catch up, wot, make up for lost time, father and—”
“I can’t afford to pay your tab,” you noted, “or any other debts.”
Your father flinched a little, then hesitated, and then testingly asked: “Have your mother’s people not sent you any—”
“The gold pays to feed and house Muffins, and to pay tuition, and I just spent the last of my month’s allotment of spending money on your ale.”
Pearce looked alarmed at that, guiltily looking down at hi mostly-empty mug and setting it down as if to preserve the financial worth of the last few mouthfuls. Izirina, who had hardly touched her own alcohol, didn’t seem to take any notice.
“…Really?” your father asked again, wheedlingly. “There isn’t… I mean, if you asked, said you were in need, surely they would send more?”
You stared, then stood up.
“Come on,” you said you your friends, keeping your voice steady. “We’re leaving.”
Pearce stood immediately, glaring one at your deadbeat dad and then beginning to follow you. Izirina linger for a moment, now staring at her drink, as if unsure whether to slam it back or leave it; when Muffins started to follow you, she followed Muffins, drink abandoned.
“Hey, hey now!” your father cried after you standing and stumbling towards your group. With his long legs and surprising speed for an old man, he intercepted your course, stopping short of grabbing hold of you only because of Muffins hissing, bleating, and growling at once.
“Please,” he pleaded. “I’d… I’ll never say no to a gold coin, old habits and all that faff, but I didn’t call you hear for that. Please! I came back to Hawksong because, well… I have family here, always have, and I heard then that You were here, and… Well, I thought maybe we could all be family together, ey?”
You regarded him critically.
“I mean it,” he said, falling to his knees, “I swear to the Gods, any and all of them! Not something someone does lightly, when they’ve seen what I’ve seen and been where all I’ve been, wot!”
You looked down at him, heart troubled. In the end, you…
>Turned your back on your father, and did not see him again for many years>Agreed to keep your father in your life, and to meet more of your human family over subsequent years>Demanded a concession from your father [what sort? Tales from his travels? Specific knowledge? Conditions of continued involvement?] 