Courtesy came easier now, past apologies and more endured tragedies, through project after project assisted and completed together, finding the places where their abilities complemented and their skills intersected to bolster and strengthen, rather than tear down and diminish. So much had passed between them that they might never stand easily together, but there was a world and people in it that would keep bringing them together, and there was worthiness in trying to take off the rough edges he had put on their relationship.
Such moments of brief teasing, a flicker of what-might-have been, without Fae or Spires or falling Temples, always caught the raven a little off-guard, but he croaked in pleasure at the recognition and reminder of the past offer, a suggestion he hadn't realized had been taken seriously. That, and whatever else the militia needs, he expanded on his willingness, lifting the leg that had lost its prize ruefully as he tilted his head down to inspect it, clacking his beak. Besides, I still have quite a lot I can learn from you, when you have time to teach.
{Finished}
Such moments of brief teasing, a flicker of what-might-have been, without Fae or Spires or falling Temples, always caught the raven a little off-guard, but he croaked in pleasure at the recognition and reminder of the past offer, a suggestion he hadn't realized had been taken seriously. That, and whatever else the militia needs, he expanded on his willingness, lifting the leg that had lost its prize ruefully as he tilted his head down to inspect it, clacking his beak. Besides, I still have quite a lot I can learn from you, when you have time to teach.
{Finished}
