I call out ‘Stay Awhile!’

”Of course.” I simply raise an eyebrow at the bow, the formality of it, even in a half measure, unfamiliar to me. It’s not like I’ve done anything yet, after all. But I let the bard have his moment, and make a note of the names he’d asked after, so I can look into them later. The description of Halo has my nose wrinkling, distaste i do not bother to try and hide, no matter how at odds it is with Jiganos wry smile. ”How grim sounding.” I say, trying to keep my voice light. ”I’m glad I decided to visit our closer neighbours first.” A smile comes back to my face as the topic comes back here, specifically to me, and my art. ”I didn’t expect any here-“ I gesture towards the Hollowed Grounds, ”-to appreciate it.” Isuma leaves me, bounding into the rash of flowers that have grown, and I smile along with her master as I watch her, meeting his eyes as he begins to talk about his guild more. ”Well, I might fit in better than I thought then, hmm?” I can’t stifle the laugh that comes from me, like bells. ”I will have to come and visit. See for myself some of the things you do. But it does sound... intriguing.” I stroke my chin then, a half joking gesture that’s more for my benefit than his. ”I think I will have much to share. The memory of the Greatwoods folk runs deep, deeper than most books. I know my mother remembers a time before the barrier existed!” Though I’ve only just realized I’ve never asked her about it, and she’s never shared much, preferring to stay in the moment. ”A festival for Frey and Rae? Why didn’t you start with that?” I shake my head, a smile still bright on my face. It was all the convincing I needed. ”I will be there.” Then, a slyness crosses his face, reminding me of a fox, of all things. ”I’m not sure there is a fey alive who doesn’t enjoy riddles. It’s the closest we can get to lying you know.” I say this encouragingly, angling for the point of the question, excited about what he could be getting at. Tarasha They are neither pink nor pale; And they will never be all mine;