[o] [SE] everything that we should be

To kiss in cars and downtown bars
Was all we needed

At any other time, Shii's antics might have gotten a giggle from the Luminary; today, though, the young woman merely managed a small smile. The will-o-wisp was certainly lively and playful, which Soh supposed was to be expected. Tarak had never really been either of those things: regal and proud, he'd rarely partaken in frisking about simply for the joy of it. She wondered, now, if that had been because of her, or if it had simply been what he preferred.

Soh took Maea's arm, linking hers through it companionably, and began to steer the Ancient towards the fabric shop as she listened. It seemed like her friend was having quite a good time in life, and Soh squeezed her arm lightly to encourage her to keep talking. Even if things were hard for Soh right now, that didn't mean that she wasn't happy for Maea. "I think I met Liam once or twice, but by the time I became Stormbreak's Heart, he was already gone from the dragoons. I don't know him well, but it's good to see you happy." And with a softness to her that Soh couldn't quite remember having seen before. It was always nice to see someone in love.

And busy, as it turned out, with her studies and future apprenticeship. "That's so exciting, Maea! You'll have to check out the Collegium while you're here. I'm sure there are some interesting books there that could help you. Do you know who you're wanting to apprentice with yet?"

The Ancient's plans for the Greatwood were interesting, to be sure, and as the Luminary guided her friend towards the door of the fabric shop, she glanced over at Maea. "I always liked the Greatwood," she said. "If I hadn't fallen in love with Stormbreak, I might have settled there myself. It was the first place I went when I left the Grounds. I'm glad that it has people who care for it still."

You drew stars around my scars
But now I'm bleedin'

Sohalia