when grief strikes

'Cause they took your loved ones
But returned them in exchange for you

It was overcast and dreary, which seemed to be the theme of the season. The scream rain that had been persistent throughout Leafchange was annoying, it was true, but it could have been worse. At least it wasn't the wildfires of Longheat.

A familiar shout had Liam turning, a small smile appearing on his face as he regarded Zavien and Sol. It had been a while since he'd seen them - since that day at the festival, he thought, and sobered instantly. What must his friend think of him now, after that display?

"Hey, Zavien," he called, moving to meet the man halfway. Liam's two dragons, who were now slightly too large to fit comfortably on his shoulders, glided along after him, trilling their own greetings to the familiar man. They landed with soft thumps in the mud near Liam's feet, peering up at Zavien with interest. Hazel eyes flicked up from where his companions now sat to meet Zavien's gaze. "I'm - well, I've been better, to be honest. But I'm working it out," he added, forcing a smile. "What about you? How have you been?"

But would you have it any other way?
You couldn't have it any other way

Liam