Getting Isuma to sit still for skritches was usually easier, but she had a strong desire to be in Rory's lap and so she quivered for only a few seconds while he rubbed at her face. Wriggling like a young cat on the hunt she blinked her large eyes up at him, then gathered her haunches and jumped, little wings flapping with effort. The wings didn't do much, a few fledgling feathers only just beginning to replace her hatchling down, but her hindquarters had a surprising amount of spring in them, and if Rory allowed it she would end up balanced precariously on his knees before she flapped a final time and tumbled forward into his lap, peeping proudly at showing off her new trick.
Jigano's entrance was more sedate, but his smile faded as he took in Rory's weariness and general state of dishevelment. The white-haired man's eyes held circles as well, but there was still a lightness to his step. He was tired, but not defeated, in contrast to the leatherworker's worn-down pose. His thoughts flickered swiftly as he changed what he had come to say and do, and instead of a quietly happy approach he made a solemn one instead. When he reached Rory's chair he sank to one knee - and then revealed the bouquet, held together by a white ribbon. He proffered the collection of yellow dandelions, flowering chamomile, and fresh mint as somberly as if to a prince.
"First, a welcome home gift," he said, a small smile finally cracking his facade. "For Talys and Esaia. I hope they're well?" He had seen them as he'd come around the side of the house, and been relieved that his friend's faithful ponies had made it through the rest of Long Night safe and sound, but perhaps talking about them would bring a little spark back to his friend's tired eyes.
Jigano's entrance was more sedate, but his smile faded as he took in Rory's weariness and general state of dishevelment. The white-haired man's eyes held circles as well, but there was still a lightness to his step. He was tired, but not defeated, in contrast to the leatherworker's worn-down pose. His thoughts flickered swiftly as he changed what he had come to say and do, and instead of a quietly happy approach he made a solemn one instead. When he reached Rory's chair he sank to one knee - and then revealed the bouquet, held together by a white ribbon. He proffered the collection of yellow dandelions, flowering chamomile, and fresh mint as somberly as if to a prince.
"First, a welcome home gift," he said, a small smile finally cracking his facade. "For Talys and Esaia. I hope they're well?" He had seen them as he'd come around the side of the house, and been relieved that his friend's faithful ponies had made it through the rest of Long Night safe and sound, but perhaps talking about them would bring a little spark back to his friend's tired eyes.
