#(samhain acting like he’s leaving pets for a day…. oh my god………..)

[hearthtales]

The effects of what happens should one eat human food after-the-fact. Bran’s face flushed with embarrassment. He nodded, his focus fixed on the bread again, and fiddled with the ring on his finger. Mixing the jam with warm water. Bran glanced up at Sow'in, curious where he’d learned such a detail and why he’d chosen to share it with the boy.

But the ghoul seemed ready to leave. “Thank you for the food,” Bran hurried to say, manners kicking in at the last moment. He meant it, his tone sincere, though his voice had grown quieter as well, his face troubled. If he could only eat fae food now… how would he get more after their day was up?

He took a slow bite of bread, still cautious. It tasted… good. Not like mud or decay in the slightest. And the taste stayed good even as he chewed and swallowed. The rest of the bread slice went down faster, the boy’s hunger catching up with him at last.

Nettie had found courage in speaking to the ghoul aloud without consequences, even if it was only a single syllable. Summoning this bravery again, she took a breath, clutched her dress with both hands simply for something to hold, and blurted another syllable before he could leave. “Um!” She looked up at him, jittery with nerves, and managed to continue. “Wh- what do the words on the stone mean?”

Sow'in acknowledged Bran's answer with a nod. "Correct. An' we've all seen the effects of what happens should one eat human food after-the-fact," added the ghoul, referring to Bran's reaction to breakfast earlier that morning.

"I trust this supply will agree with you, favorably, an' that it shall suffice for the day." He first pointed out the basket, and then continued as if begrudgingly relaying a message from someone else. "..Ah was told that one can mix the jam with warm water to make a sweet drink. Do with that information what you will."

"Now, if you'll excuse me." Seeing that his job was done, seeing to his half of the bargain and providing the bare necessities, Sow'in took his leave. Surely the children would have no need of him until tomorrow morning.