[SWE] The Feast of Bells - 318PC

No less subdued than Alys, Tal kept close to his partner's side. He wore black and grey, and his pale eyes provided no relief in the way of color; they were hidden behind the Seawright Goggles he had pulled down, uncaring of the strange looks he was getting. They'd already lost Sascha, and he wasn't taking any more chances. He kept his hand wrapped around Alys's for warmth and support as they made their quiet way into the party.

They dropped their respective offerings at the tables and collected some snacks of their own - Tal went for some of the artisinal breads with a delicious-smelling cinnamon butter - and after perusing all the options he was forced to nod at his partner with a slight grimace. "I should've asked Zavien t'split our stuff," he admitted. "His baked apples were pretty tasty."

He nodded at Sah and Rhiannon and gave a half-hearted wave to Sunjata and Hotaru, still conflicted over what he'd learned at the meeting. As his eyes scanned the crowd - more for threats than friends - Sohalia came up and he managed a tight smile for his dear friend. "Hey," he mumbled, awkward in the face of her condolences to his partner. He squeezed Alys's hand gently, offering her his strength if she needed it.

---

Tal brings mulled cider.