A Different Kind of Ring

He wasn't used to seeing her like this, so subdued and depressed, but he had never seen her lose so many people in quick succession before, either. Perhaps the kindest thing he could do was to return the shell, state his business, and let her rest. "As the Dean here, I wanted to let you know that I've... gained powers similar to Loren's," he said a little hesitantly, stumbling over the painful memories associated with where those powers had come from. "Healing magic, specifically. If there's another sickness like the blight or disaster like the festival, I wanted you to know that you could call on me to assist your work, if you need me. And to offer the Loreseeker's Guild's assistance as a whole in researching any public health threats that may arise, if you need more eyes to pore through the books searching for something that would help." It made sense for them to work together in times of trouble for the Hollowed Grounds, he hoped. Their guilds were occasionally complementary, and he had several members with an interest in medicines and medical lore.

He was glad to hear that she was at least aware of Remi's survival, and hoped it brought her some solace, even if his continued disappearance was anything but reassuring. He was somewhere off the face of the known world, but the world grew larger every season.

Which should probably bother him more, since it was their job to stop the portals, but to say he was conflicted about it was an understatement. "I'm sorry I don't have better news," he said quietly, not knowing what else to say as he set the shell down gently on her desk beside its mate.