[ 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.

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.

[ 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. ]

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... ]

[ 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.

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.

[ 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.

[ 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.

[ Trahearne chuckles. He'll take that. ]

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

[ 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?!

[ 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?

[ Trahearne's frown deepens as he steps away from Syrlya and to the table. He stoops to pick it up--at least it isn't all that heavy. ]

What did you do with the last one?

[ Trahearne hums as he adjusts the table in his hands. Blasted thing... ]

I'll put this away and make sure it doesn't bother you anymore.

[ No telling if it was the same table, but. Hey, free table. They're not far from the stable anyway, so he begins to stride in that direction to put it away. ]