when grief strikes

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

A letter wasn't a bad idea, although it required that he knew where to send it; without knowing if she was staying in King's End or just passing through, he wasn't sure it would reach her. Still, it was worth a shot. Worst case scenario, he just didn't get a response and had to reconsider his (admittedly limited) options. Drumming his fingers lightly on the table, Liam nodded. "I'll start with a letter," he said. "Let her choose where to meet - if she even wants to meet." And of course she could bring someone, if it made her feel better. The last thing he wanted was to pressure her or make her uncomfortable.

And if she didn't want to meet?

He didn't let himself consider that possibility.

"Thanks, Zavien," Liam said, banishing the negative thoughts from his mind. "I really appreciate it." He was one step closer to finding his daughter, in no small part thanks to his friend's assistance. "And, hey - if I can do anything else, or answer any other questions... I hope you know I'm always happy to talk. Or just listen, if you'd prefer."

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

Liam

Zavien

It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk

that keep the darkness at bay.

The logistics of letter sending was beyond Zavien's knowledge, but he assumed there had to be a magical method that allowed people to be reached no matter where they were. Or maybe there were couriers who were really good at finding the people they were supposed to deliver to. 

Whatever the case, a letter sounded like a good idea to him, something informal and lacking any sort of pressure she might feel otherwise. She could write a response or simply burn it and try to forget all about the man claiming to be her father. Obviously, Zavien would hope for their reconciliation, but it had to be on Wren's terms or it wouldn't mean anything. Still, he was cautiously optimistic, offering Liam a gentle smile. "I think she will eventually." Time would only tell. 

Dipping his head, Zavien didn't draw attention to the gratitude. He hadn't said or done anything to deserve appreciation. That's what friends were for, and he liked to think of Liam as a friend. But as the man offered his support and knowledge and open ears, Zavien smiled a little deeper. "Thanks, Liam. I hope you know the same goes for you. I'm always available for anything you need, any time." He paused, debating before he added, "You're a good friend - and a good father." It might not feel like it in the moment, but he hoped Liam knew that no matter what the outcome, he'd done right by his family.

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

Zavien's kind words were appreciated, given that Liam often felt like a failure both in terms of friendship and fatherhood. The ex-soldier smiled, eyes crinkling at the corners with the motion. "Thanks." That was enough; he wouldn't wax poetic about his emotions, not when he was sure they were so easily on display as it was. Instead, he turned his attention to their now cold food.

"Sorry about lunch," he said with a laugh. "I guess we should have eaten before we got all wrapped up in conversation..." But, even if the food was colder than he might have preferred, it would still be fine to eat. And so Liam did, chatting with Zavien about lighter topics until the pair of them finished their meal and went their separate ways.

fin

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

Liam