I think I can manage being collateral damage
Everest inclined his head slightly, an almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment at Liam’s reason for being in Stormbreak. Graves. It wasn’t unexpected, though Ever had never been particularly adept at handling grief—his own, let alone anyone else’s.
His fingers tightened around the tea for a fraction of a second before he forced them to relax. "It’s good that you came," he said simply. No condolences, no unnecessary sentiment—just a factual statement, left open for Liam to do with as he pleased.
At the question, Ever exhaled softly, adjusting his grip on the ceramic cup as though the act of holding something steady might do the same for his thoughts.
"The Greatwood, mostly." His gaze flicked briefly toward the still-empty dock where his ship should have been. [says]"Deliveries. Transport. It’s…" A pause, as if selecting the precise word. "…complicated, these days, what with everyone looking for roses."
Lifting his tea, he breathed in the steam but still didn’t drink. "And you?" His gaze sharpened slightly, considering Liam again. "Thinking about moving back home?"
His fingers tightened around the tea for a fraction of a second before he forced them to relax. "It’s good that you came," he said simply. No condolences, no unnecessary sentiment—just a factual statement, left open for Liam to do with as he pleased.
At the question, Ever exhaled softly, adjusting his grip on the ceramic cup as though the act of holding something steady might do the same for his thoughts.
"The Greatwood, mostly." His gaze flicked briefly toward the still-empty dock where his ship should have been. [says]"Deliveries. Transport. It’s…" A pause, as if selecting the precise word. "…complicated, these days, what with everyone looking for roses."
Lifting his tea, he breathed in the steam but still didn’t drink. "And you?" His gaze sharpened slightly, considering Liam again. "Thinking about moving back home?"
Even if I had to lose you to know you I'd still be that temporary phase that you grow through
