They say blood makes you related but
loyalty makes you family
Loren had done as he’d been told, and learned, and listened, and studied. Indeed, although he’d been largely ignorant about everything going on in the Hollowed Grounds—what with his full year mental breakdown—he’d caught up remarkably quickly. Partially, that was due to his own efforts. However, it was mostly due to the kindness and patience of strangers and of those he’d once known. So, armed with more knowledge than most and less than some, he’d come to Amalia’s bakery, Devas. She’d instructed him not to come until he’d figured everything out on his own; while he wasn’t sure if that was the case, he didn’t know what else he could possibly be missing. No doubt she’d fill in any remaining gaps. Their brief reintroduction had indicated that she was tough, both inside and out. However, he’d also come here with a request for more than information. Hopefully, she’d be willing to help him out.
Thankfully, he was feeling a bit better himself these days. While he still looked painfully skinny, he’d filled out a little bit, and there was both color and light in his cheeks and his eyes. Partially, that was a result of his now ever-present companion: while Loren doesn’t know exactly what he did to deserve Astra, she was now the brightest and most consistent part of his life. Indeed, as she looked around at the streets with wide-eyed curiosity and innocence, he can’t help but smile at her.
Soon enough, the pair arrived at the bakery. Entering, Loren is pleased and not at all surprised to find the space comfortable and warm and filled with delicious scents. ”Amalia? It’s Loren. I was hoping to chat for a bit, but I can come back later if now is a bad time.” Still mostly hovering in the entryway, he loosened his brown cloak from where it was wrapped tightly around him, revealing equally brown and practical and boring clothes underneath. Astra, more bold than he at that moment, trotted into the shop, nostrils flaring at all the incredible smells. Thankfully, she didn't try to eat anything on display, just looked at it longingly. While he obviously wasn’t going to take anything from the bakery without paying for it or without permission, Loren did fish an apple out of his belt pouch. Precious though they were in Deepfrost, he’d taken to carrying them around for his beautiful luxere. It wasn’t like he was eating much these days, even after he’d come back, so he could spare a few, and she was definitely worth it. She came over to munch contentedly on it, giving him a friendly headbutt in the process.
Amalia
Thankfully, he was feeling a bit better himself these days. While he still looked painfully skinny, he’d filled out a little bit, and there was both color and light in his cheeks and his eyes. Partially, that was a result of his now ever-present companion: while Loren doesn’t know exactly what he did to deserve Astra, she was now the brightest and most consistent part of his life. Indeed, as she looked around at the streets with wide-eyed curiosity and innocence, he can’t help but smile at her.
Soon enough, the pair arrived at the bakery. Entering, Loren is pleased and not at all surprised to find the space comfortable and warm and filled with delicious scents. ”Amalia? It’s Loren. I was hoping to chat for a bit, but I can come back later if now is a bad time.” Still mostly hovering in the entryway, he loosened his brown cloak from where it was wrapped tightly around him, revealing equally brown and practical and boring clothes underneath. Astra, more bold than he at that moment, trotted into the shop, nostrils flaring at all the incredible smells. Thankfully, she didn't try to eat anything on display, just looked at it longingly. While he obviously wasn’t going to take anything from the bakery without paying for it or without permission, Loren did fish an apple out of his belt pouch. Precious though they were in Deepfrost, he’d taken to carrying them around for his beautiful luxere. It wasn’t like he was eating much these days, even after he’d come back, so he could spare a few, and she was definitely worth it. She came over to munch contentedly on it, giving him a friendly headbutt in the process.
LOREN
