RANCE
He can’t argue that the his concept of distance by land might be a bit skewed. Sure, he’s walked nearly as many roads as he’s flown over, but his mind has always measured things ‘as the raven flies’. He calls back, “It’s possible, I take a lot of ‘strolls’.” Down the road, across the skies, through a gods-damned fucking portal….
Rance doesn’t miss how stiff Hotaru goes at the announcement that he’d leaving and he doesn’t blame her at all. Even had this world as a whole been a kinder one — and so little about it seemed to fit that descriptor — trust was a more precious commodity than could be bought with the mere promise of a kind gesture. Rance would have to prove his worth through his actions and his words would mean little until then. He salutes her lazily before taking to the air, not realizing that she once commanded the right to much more respectful such gestures.
Her dry humor, worn thin with exhaustion though it is, still prompts a return smile and a laugh from Rance. “If it’s too much a hardship, I can offer Ms. Hotaru a ride on my back?” This time, Rance is fully aware that Hotaru would turn such an offer down, so he’s far from serious. If he’d known her better or longer, there would have been comments on just how terrifying and fast short people could be. But, this time at least, he’d keep his commentary to himself.
Soon enough they’re at the barn; just another abandoned building in the Grounds. When Rance sees what she’s about, he helps build the pile as well. Her method of lighting it has him stepping back, eyes a little wild, but he doesn’t run away from her display of power. Perhaps it was a good thing he hadn’t taunted her after all.
He crouches down by the fire as well once it’s going, more than happy to warm up a bit before he makes a decision as to whether or not he should just fly home. The word ‘indebted’ has him wincing a bit internally, but he manages to keep it off his face as he replies simply, “You’re welcome.” His tone is oddly serious after the sarcasm he’s been indulging in during their hike. He might not be fae anymore, but some things should always be taken seriously.
Rance would help keep the fire going throughout the snowfall while Hotaru and Atlas rested. Despite his internal debate, he stays while Hotaru rests, at least long enough to give the woman and her companion proper directions to civilization. The night is not yet dark and full of terrors, but Deepfrost has most certainly arrived.
~fin~
Rance doesn’t miss how stiff Hotaru goes at the announcement that he’d leaving and he doesn’t blame her at all. Even had this world as a whole been a kinder one — and so little about it seemed to fit that descriptor — trust was a more precious commodity than could be bought with the mere promise of a kind gesture. Rance would have to prove his worth through his actions and his words would mean little until then. He salutes her lazily before taking to the air, not realizing that she once commanded the right to much more respectful such gestures.
Her dry humor, worn thin with exhaustion though it is, still prompts a return smile and a laugh from Rance. “If it’s too much a hardship, I can offer Ms. Hotaru a ride on my back?” This time, Rance is fully aware that Hotaru would turn such an offer down, so he’s far from serious. If he’d known her better or longer, there would have been comments on just how terrifying and fast short people could be. But, this time at least, he’d keep his commentary to himself.
Soon enough they’re at the barn; just another abandoned building in the Grounds. When Rance sees what she’s about, he helps build the pile as well. Her method of lighting it has him stepping back, eyes a little wild, but he doesn’t run away from her display of power. Perhaps it was a good thing he hadn’t taunted her after all.
He crouches down by the fire as well once it’s going, more than happy to warm up a bit before he makes a decision as to whether or not he should just fly home. The word ‘indebted’ has him wincing a bit internally, but he manages to keep it off his face as he replies simply, “You’re welcome.” His tone is oddly serious after the sarcasm he’s been indulging in during their hike. He might not be fae anymore, but some things should always be taken seriously.
Rance would help keep the fire going throughout the snowfall while Hotaru and Atlas rested. Despite his internal debate, he stays while Hotaru rests, at least long enough to give the woman and her companion proper directions to civilization. The night is not yet dark and full of terrors, but Deepfrost has most certainly arrived.
~fin~
i dont want for much, only a book, some whiskey
and the kiss of your touch
and the kiss of your touch
