LOREN
Well, that wasn’t the reaction Loren had been expecting or hoping for. Abasi sounded downright horrified at the idea that the Launceleyns burned their dead. Still, the summoner just gave the other man a curious look. ”Yes. We were born from magic. So when we die we are returned to it.” It was an ancient tradition in his family, one of the few that he thought had some positive connotations to it. While being made of magic was probably an arrogant thought (and not one well suited to Caido) it was a large part of their heritage.Then, however, it was Abasi’s turn to explain. Mostly, Loren stayed silent: it was long and elaborate, and he made encouraging noises in places to let the other man know he was still listening. However, when Abasi paused in his recounting, the summoner shook his head. ”Not at all.” Many horrors had been inflicted on Loren at the hands of his kin—plus he’d recently experienced the carnage wrought by the monsters of LongNight through illusion magic—so whatever the other man might say would not phase the Launceleyn. Indeed, he was far tougher than he looked and not at all squeamish. Obviously he had many questions about the ways of Abasi’s people, but Loren figured it was best to let the other man finish his explanation first.
Thankfully, Abasi didn’t follow up about either of the Astras that had been a part of the summoner's life. He was quite grateful for that. However, it was nothing compared to the relief he felt when the other man actually accepted Loren’s offer. Maybe. Possibly. His eyes rose at the awkward breath the other man let out. The summoner hoped it was just a bit of uncertainty, and not unease about the idea itself. Whatever that idea was. In fact, Abasi even suggested that they retire to the much more secluded, and presumably much more comfortable corner, which the Launceleyn found encouraging.
Whether it was just to share body warmth or something more, Loren didn’t know yet, but he discovered that he was eager to find out. Either way, perhaps it would bring them both comfort. ”I’d like that. Thank you.” He stood up and started making his way over to the pile of sheets, trying to keep his movements as graceful and calm, just in case he was misinterpreting all of this. Luckily, his luxere decided to stay where she was; she was napping, he thought, or at least polite enough not to follow the two men. The summoner sank down and made himself as comfortable as he could manage, though he left space for Abasi. At the same time, the Launceleyn looked up at the other man with hopeful eyes.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
