Melodious Alone

LOREN

Loren shrugged, suddenly embarrassed. Making a mouse dance was the least that he could do, and if that impressed Phoebe, he was a bit worried about how she’d react if he brought out some of the more fantastic beasts. So he dismissed the mouse, not sure how to deal with the praise. He’d been weak for so long—and so used to summoning being seen as a lesser art—that he still didn’t know how to react properly. ”It’s nothing, really. And I’d be happy to help.” At least that way she’d have something to focus on regarding him besides his magical abilities. And he was glad she’d come around to her new philosophy about extra minds and hands, though maybe it had been the blight that made her so stubborn about rejecting his ideas.

Seeing as the Launceleyn was also a loner, he didn’t blame Nate for not being around much, especially if he was a newcomer and outlander from a much more advanced world. So Loren just shrugged again, at that and at Phoebe’s compliment about the summoner’s intelligence. ”We can agree to disagree on that one. But no, I’m full, thank you.” He handed her the dishes with a pang of guilt; it seemed to him that if she cooked, he should clean, and even then that wouldn't be fair, but he knew better than to press the point. Standing up, he gave Pim a friendly nod. He didn't think they had much to discuss here, but he'd see if Phoebe had anything left on her mind. If not, he'd give her a friendly, if stiff, wave goodbye.

But don’t be weary if it’s broken

Families are like that—

they’re split up and always torn.