whatever comes, let it come
what stays, let it stay
Although Loren gave Amalia a toothy open-mouthed grin and sent a wave of joy to her, there was a bit of embarrassment at her praise as well. Thanks. I’m still getting used to it, but I definitely like it. As he shifted back, he gave her a pleased smile, although he simultaneously ran a sheepish hand through his hair and his cheeks flushed.The smile broadened. ”I’d like that too.” He let out a huff of laughter. ”I don’t know about that. You’ve invited me over countless times, fed me, and put up with my bullshit. Seems like you're a pretty decent friend to me.” Tilting his head, he grinned, the motion transforming him into someone younger and lighter looking. ”On that note, I really should have you and Deimos over some time.”
Turning, he ran another hand through his hair, though this time was more habit than anything else. Without bothering to respond, he created balls and began juggling them with the ease of long practice. "Guilty." Then, though, his eyes widened as the baker shifted into a qilin, and he tucked the balls in his pockets. Letting out a hiss of sympathy when she bumped her head on the ceiling, the summoner soon found himself laughing, the sound bright and clear. ”Sorry! And uh, did you need healing for that bump?” His arms stayed down so that she’d know he was making no move to heal her without her permission not that he needed to move.
”You’re beautiful as well. And this new form of yours is obviously impressive to me. I’d summon a qilin to match you but…” his voice trailed off and his easy smile faltered, a troubled look coming into his eyes. "Not all of my news is good." Crossing his arms, he gazed at Amalia. ”The gods deemed summoning to be too powerful, and did something to curtail it.” There was a bit of annoyance in his voice, but he shrugged to let her know that he did much mind, at least not anymore.
Stepping forward, he lowered his voice to a whisper. ”But that's not what's been bothering me. Zariah came back. She disowned me, threatened to kill me, and took Beatrix and Jace with her.” For a moment an ugly expression crossed his face, but he shook his head and took a calming breath. ”My twin brother Neron runs Halo, apparently, the land through the portal, and Zariah is with him. She claims to be the real power behind the throne. Regardless of who is in charge, I doubt they'll be friendly to the people of the Hollowed Grounds, and that's not getting into how hostile Halo itself is.”
Pausing to let that sink in, the Launceleyn’s eyes searched Amalia’s features for any sign of her reaction. ”Between that and Wessex’s recent actions…” Hesitating, Loren bit his lip before sighing. ”I don’t know how much you’ve heard, and I know you’ve been tasked with preventing the Ascended from opening more portals. But Wessex attacked Jigano and slew the guardian placed in the Spire. And that’s after whatever happened at the Mathair.” Frowning, Loren raised his hands in a helpless gesture. ”I don’t know what this meeting she’s called is about. But I’m worried about...everything. The future.”
what goes, let go
LOREN
