>>5178398"All I came here to do was make sure you're okay." You explain, voice level. "And yes, out of a bout of curiosity about why you had stuck around."
Her furrowed brow deepens for a moment before she relaxes, just a hair. Her suspicions abated for now, you breathe out a sigh. "Look, Nerada - help or don't help. Say or don't stay. You've done more than we could ask of you and helping with Behemoth isn't something you're obligated to do. If you stay, people will appreciate it. If you leave, no one will blame you..."
Her eyes search yours for a moment before you add; "...though if you do so without saying goodbye to Amara, I can't say we won't hold a small grudge over that."
You finish with a wink, hoping to let her know you're not too serious.
Mostly.
“Can I be bluntly honest with you, for a sec?” You ask, rising to your feet as you watch Nerada do the same.
“I’d prefer it.” She replies coolly.
"The only one making mutual trust here difficult is you." You begin. “I am sorry for whatever you went through to make you so untrusting and only see the worst in people, but I can’t help the unwilling, and as much as I’m willing to lend an ear, I also sadly dont have the time to try and convince you to talk about it. Whatever you decide though, take your time, here or out with us, we're fine with either."
Nerada’s quiet, mulling over your words for a few moments until-
“Amara feels guilty about Ziz. Something that happened right before I say you both at the Waystation.” She says as she glances about the room, eyes roving across everything but you. “If Behemoth’s a dick, then I fear she might hold back because of her interaction with Ziz, so…”
“…So?” You prompt.
“I’ll help her as far as Behemoth. Whichever way that goes, then I’m out.”
“Fair enough.” You shrug, making your way to the door. “I appreciate the help…and I know Amara appreciates the company.”
You close the door behind you when she fails to reply, and you’re just in time to see a colossal shadow sweep across the fleshscape that’s just outside your living room windows. The crystalline panes shudder from the gale-force winds kicked up by the wing beats of a tremendous beast, its feathers shrouding the land from sight as it comes to rest atop the mountains you call your home.
You’ve never been happier to see something that could probably kill you in one hit.
(Continued)
