In Lieu of Formalities

"Oh." It was softly spoken as the latch of the door clicked behind her, but it hurt to hear all the same. The reminder of what was in her mind, of what hadn't been in his, and a child who could never exist standing betwixt them, unaware of the strain he caused. Though Jace had his mother's coloring, eyes pulling the green from her hazel, tanned skin and dark hair, the boy bore traits that could not have come from her. The curl and texture of his hair was softer, lighter, his face more square - even with his chubby cheeks - and lips thin with a characteristic dimple along the bottom one. "This is my son, Jace. He just turned five." she said quietly. The boy was quiet, a bit mesmerized by Neron sitting at his desk. He glanced up at his mother, who simply nodded, before making his way over to the man. Jace looked up at him with wide eyes before lifting his arms in a request to be picked up. Though he said nothing, there was a clear recognition in the young child's eyes. A child his age should have been much more gregarious, but a Launceleyn child knew better than to speak without being directly addressed. "I thought it important you meet, so you know him if you see him around." she said, still speaking around the real matter at hand. The guise was important, and even in private, she would not drop it lest Neron make clear he wished to. zariah If it is danger you seek, come on over. I covet tranquility but beget the tempest storm.