But my words, like silent raindrops fell

"To... replicate them," Ronin repeated, arching an eyebrow at his friend and managing a grin, however weak and tired it was. "Oh yes, quite. Your assistant. I will be sure to make an appointment - I wouldn't want my nipples to go unrendered, would I?" He shook his head, well aware that he and Remi were talking utter bullshit. But it was better than talking about what had happened, or thinking about it, or doing much more than simply... existing. Idly, the guildmaster let his fingers run through Remi's curls, feeling himself relax until he caught what he was doing. "Fuck, I'm sorry," he mumbled, rubbing at his eyes with his free hand. He didn't need to say it, or at least he hoped he didn't need to. Van's death was still too fresh to even remember she was gone, it seemed, and Remi had been her substitute if only for a second. ronin the long and lonesome road