LOREN
Loren had made a bit of a habit in training in the out of the way places of the Hollowed Grounds. The woods, the labyrinth, even the underground: they all called to him, the solitude speaking of his time away. Even though he’d returned from his long disappearance, the wild, secret spots still calmed him, even though once they’d driven him insane. But now, surrounded as he too often was by people and complicated problems that had no solution, it was nice to get away for awhile.Besides, if he practiced in hiding, no one could see how rusty and weak he’d become. So, staff in hand, he’d once more set out for the woodlands, the path—even covered in snow as it was—familiar and well-trod. Astra trotted along by his side, and even though he didn’t want company, her presence was always a welcome one.
Making his way through the trunks, a familiar whacking sound reached his ears. It sounded like someone was fighting the trees, which is how the Launceleyn usually burned off some excess energy. Walking more warily now, he picked his way forward cautiously until he spotted an oddly recognizable shock of red hair. It was Melita, the woman who’d accosted him and attacked him when he tried to plant a Rose.
Immediately he slowed, watching her frenzied strikes against the trees. The blighted were mostly better, but sometimes they had shocking relapses. Hopefully this wasn’t one of those cases, as there wasn’t a flower in sight to help him if there was. ”Melita. It’s Loren. Are you alright?” His voice came out concerned, and the luxere by his side peered at the red-headed woman curiously. Hopefully she was fine, and hopefully she remembered him; he was still a bit fuzzy on how coherent the blighted were when it came to their actions while sick.
Mostly, though, they seemed all too aware. Well, he was getting good at talking them through their lingering issues, at least. The first step was distracting them. Lifting his own staff, he smiled gently at Melita. ”Looks like you know what you’re doing with that. I’m a bit of a novice, so mind showing me some tricks?” He walked into the clearing and settled into a defensive stance. Surely, inexperienced as he was, he proved more of a match than some trees. Then his eyes caught a vampire squash and he gazed at it, confused what it was doing there, not attacking. Still, it wasn't as much of a threat as the formerly blighted woman, so he dismissed it.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
