He had expected anyone else to join him, in truth. Hotaru or Noah, he'd been almost certain. Delia, except for her pregnancy, would also have been likely. Even Sah had ended up on enough adventures with him that he wouldn't have been surprised to see the hunter there. Hail, at this point he figured Evie was more likely to seek out his company than Deimos.
Which had only meant that rare optimism had enough time to brighten the courier's demeanor at the news that the Sword had volunteered to join him, hopeful that the thaw had finally come. He'd badgered his sisters into helping make snacks, had planned for another Guys' Day at the Climb, gotten ready to depart with his metaphorical tail wagging--
But it had quickly become apparent that, whatever the reason Deimos had decided to join him, Tal could read no change in the Warden's demeanor towards him. Although he kept shooting the older man hopeful looks, Tal remained confused and subdued as they hunted along the Crust of the Climb, nodding in resignation at the intention to split their forces. "Yeah... okay. I'll keep goin' along here, then..." But it was Boreal, chasing an annoyed Gore Crow for the sheer fun of it, who drew his attention ahead to a dip in the Crust and a dollop of golden-red lava that was oozing its way uphill, against all logic.
Easing over the unstable ground, the courier groped into his Bag for the first of his containers, pale eyes intent on his prey as it momentarily took on a more solid form and stretched with a satisfied sizzling sound.
Which had only meant that rare optimism had enough time to brighten the courier's demeanor at the news that the Sword had volunteered to join him, hopeful that the thaw had finally come. He'd badgered his sisters into helping make snacks, had planned for another Guys' Day at the Climb, gotten ready to depart with his metaphorical tail wagging--
But it had quickly become apparent that, whatever the reason Deimos had decided to join him, Tal could read no change in the Warden's demeanor towards him. Although he kept shooting the older man hopeful looks, Tal remained confused and subdued as they hunted along the Crust of the Climb, nodding in resignation at the intention to split their forces. "Yeah... okay. I'll keep goin' along here, then..." But it was Boreal, chasing an annoyed Gore Crow for the sheer fun of it, who drew his attention ahead to a dip in the Crust and a dollop of golden-red lava that was oozing its way uphill, against all logic.
Easing over the unstable ground, the courier groped into his Bag for the first of his containers, pale eyes intent on his prey as it momentarily took on a more solid form and stretched with a satisfied sizzling sound.
