[RQ] [SE] But wait—there’s myrrh

DEIMOS

what tried to destroy you
didn't have the strength

His eyes followed the movement of her fingers to the ring, exactly as Fox had described. Amused, distracted, and content for her, his head tilted as he listened to the light laughter and the echoing throngs, avoiding the fleeting moments of the horrendous meeting in lieu of something tangible and substantial. “Understandable,” he noted with a vague smile, ignoring onlookers as they stared and then continued on, shrugging their shoulders. “Let me know if and when you want some help.” He had no intention of wandering back to the Grounds anytime soon, but for her he’d put in the effort of not avoiding the rest of the world entirely – as tempting as the thought went. Granting her another smirk, this time riddled with mischief, his nose wrinkled vaguely. “Ru would probably be willing too.” And Kiada could take that as she wished.

Maneuvering closer to the bookshop door, he opened it to let her roam in first, ideas already consuming his attention and mind, and striving to keep it bundled in one place.

still you stand
sturdy and smelling of smoke