LOREN
Those were all very very convenient excuses. They were also just that: excuses. But Loren couldn’t fault anyone else for abandoning his family, given that he’d been the first to do so. Sighing, he rubbed his eyes, then met Remi’s gaze with a tired expression. ”I understand. And I guess it doesn’t matter now. I’ve been taking care of them all as best I can.” It wasn’t good enough, but given that the children were avoiding him there wasn’t much more he could do. He left food out and cleaned up their messes and just prayed to gods that didn't listen that it would be enough for now. As for Peter, well, the man was practically a ghost, and the summoner just had to hope the adopted Launceleyn could fend for himself. And that one day he'd come out of his shell, as Loren had once upon a time (though nowadays he found himself retreating back into it).As the alchemist explained that the librarian didn’t need to do everything on his own, he looked away. It hadn’t been the first time he’d heard that sentiment and it most certainly wouldn’t be the last. ”But I should handle what I can on my own on my own. And I just told you I live with three other people. So I’m hardly alone.” Of course, he never saw the other three—it was a big house, with far too many rooms to hide in, not even including the hidden doors—but Remi didn’t know that. And mostly the summoner enjoyed the solitude, given that he’d never really loved being around other people. That much hadn't changed during his time away. ”I came back because it was the right thing to do.” Even if it had hurt, that much was true.
When his name fell from the other man’s lips, Loren glanced up. Picking up the dish sent his way, he dumped the tea leaves in the kettle to steep then leaned against a nearby counter, having conveniently placed a table between himself and the alchemist. It would take some time for the water to heat and the tea to be ready, so the librarian just looked around the kitchen, eyes resting on the various things that needed his attention in the room. Anywhere except Remi.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
