[SE] the eyes have it

Koa

There's going to come a day when you feel better
You'll rise up free and easy on that day

It's a relatively short, nearly-eventful-but-thankfully-not trip. Soon enough they spot a clearing, Alys guiding the ship to safer harbors as Koa continues to keep an eye on Tal, calling out if the courier seems especially likely to crash into a tree. When at last they lay anchor Koa is quick to hop over the side, reaching out to steady Tal as he makes the drop onto the ground. "Steady there!" he chuckles, stepping back once he's satisfied his friend is stable enough for Alys to keep upright. A flicker of longing and envy flashes through his eyes as he watches them embrace, but it's gone as quickly as it appears, replaced by grinning, warm relief.

"Well, can't say I ever wanna experience that again, but it's good as hell to see you both!" Still chuckling, the young man shakes his head and shudders slightly, remembering the unsettling coils and tendrils of the infected star. "How 'bout we head back to the Bodega, and I we can catch up over a drink? My treat, as thanks for saving my skin. There's a place that does fantastic tea - spiked, if that's your speed." He winks, feeling very much like he, at least, could use a drink.

And float from branch to branch, lighter than the air
Just when that day is coming, who can say?