crescentview | FALL CATCH-ALL

[Syrlya blinks rapidly, a little surprised when Trahearne asks after Mishka.]

Well, he is aware of what has become of Adelis, yes. It was something he witnessed in Ostoya. But Adelis has not wanted to share his current business, so we have not discussed that Adelis has not really been starving himself.

So, of course, I ask you not to share any of this, out of respect for Adelis. Not even what his condition requires of him, as I don't believe he is sharing that openly.

Of course not. This is a private matter and I intend to keep it that way.

[ And it really isn't his--it just so happens that he's in a relationship with the one Adelis is feeding from, so. ]

All right. [ He eases back into his chair for a bit, letting the situation settle in his mind. ] Thank you for telling me. Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?

No, that was it. [He intends to take his crush to his grave, this is just Helping A Friend.] I wanted to make sure you were aware of the circumstance and there were no misunderstandings, should it come up elsewhere.

[ UNTIL KARAOKE-- ]

And I understand. [ He gives a definitive nod. ] Just please don't hurt yourself in the process. I know Adelis must care for you if he's trusting you with this, but don't forget to take care of yourself as well.

[Syrlya pouts a little.] I have no intention of letting Adelis overfeed for both our sakes. He never wanted to end up like this, but starving himself completely is surely worse.

All right. I'm just making sure. [ No need to pout! He knows how Syrlya can get.

He offers a little smile, and his hand over the table. ]

I hope he's doing all right, regardless. You should say hello to him for me next time you see him.

Oh, sure. [Syrlya doesn't presume any closeness between them, so he figures it's a fair guess Syrlya will see Adelis sooner and more frequently than Trahearne will. Their farms are closer, anyway.

He moves to stand.] Then I'll stop distracting you from your work.

[ Trahearne stands too. ]

You don't have to go yet. I'm not that busy. [ His smile widens as he slips an arm around Syrlya's waist. ] Now that you're here, we should take a little walk around the farm.

[ And he doesn't want to be left with the image in his head of Syrlya and Adelis kissing. ]

Oh? [Syrlya is suitably distracted.] Want to show off all your work, then?

I do.

[ Not like Syrlya hasn't seen all he's been working on, anyway... Maybe he'll tease him by showing him the horses again. ]

Or perhaps I simply would like to steal a few more moments of your company.

[ moving towards the door... come look at the horses... ]

[Oh he doesn't like the horses.]

I think I could find that agreeable. [He leans his weight a bit towards Trahearne as they leave, his hand settling over the one on his waist.]

[ it's the goat he should be really worried about...

Trahearne grips his waist tighter in turn, leading them down the path. It's a lot cooler today. ]

How have you been, otherwise? Since the resort, I suppose. I hope you've caught up on your sleep since then.

[How about he avoids both of them.]

Yes, it's been an easy improvement when I'm not experiencing mine and everyone else's worst memories. [Seriously there was, like, one good one? It was Trahearne's? And even that was bittersweet to Syrlya.] For a resort, it wasn't very relaxing at all.

No, it wasn't.

[ That he can attest to.

They pass through the gate leading into the proper farm portion. It's so peaceful in comparison to the memories that flash through his mind. ]

I saw yours. [ He doesn't look at him. ] Of Palawa Joko.

Oh, did you? [He remembers that memory, but like many he could not tell who was receiving in. Just that they were tremendously clumsy.]

Don't worry, Joko isn't a problem anymore. Aurene and Braham were right--eating him was a sure way to kill him.

[ Trahearne gives a little smile at that. Of course he's not a problem anymore.

His gaze lingers a bit before he starts slowly guiding them to the barn. ]

But I could sense your pain and...desperation. He may be gone now, but I hope his image does not linger with you.

[ He squeezes a little more tightly. ]

You have been through a lot. If you ever need an ear...I'm here.

I'm all right. [It's habit to say that, but just thinking about Joko (no deeper) doesn't dredge up harsh feelings.]

... And I'm sorry, but you did a terrible job with those traps.

[ He'll take that "all right" for now, but makes a mental note to keep an eye on him.

He gives a sheepish smile. ]

They took me by surprise, I have to say. It was...an odd experience being in your body.

What, was it hard to not be so tall as usual? [His expression twists with amusement.]

[ Trahearne chuckles. He'll take that. ]

And to hear your voice coming out of my mouth. --Your mouth, I suppose.

Mm. That was a little odd when I--[As he speaks, a hollow plastic folding table descends from the sky bounces off his head.

He staggers, bewildered.]

[ The fall and the impact are both so sudden, Trahearne leaps back a few paces in shock. He looks blankly at the table--on the ground, luckily not crushing any crops--for a moment before it registers what happened. ]

Syrlya!

[ He rushes back to grasp him by the shoulders and steady him, looking over him in concern. ]

What was that? Are you all right?!

I-I'm fine. [He rubs his head, staring down at the table.] Where do these keep coming from?

[ He brushes a hand over the top of his head, more of a comforting gesture than anything.

And looks to the table. ]

This has happened to you before?

Yes. [He glares at the folding table like it, personally, is responsible for this affront.]

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