#or maybe that more a dekarios thing specicially...

[recitedemise]

Spirits, though having tapered a twinge since their leaving Last Light, remains bobbing at a height still delightfully bright. It's anchoring, Gale confesses, to glance upon Rivington with its spring-bedazzled hills and its crown of flowers. Months ago, he'd have believed it nonsense, the possibility that he alone would survive this long; however, they've yet their limbs to account for and the whole of their senses still remarkably hale. By all rights, he should've been tucked within some crevice, perhaps little but a shadow laying scorched upon some rocks. Goodness, it certainly was time to celebrate, wasn't it? The cause, he stirs the broth, is as stunningly simple as breathing still.

Coming this far with these friends in tow? Floaty, the great crackle of the fire sends her shadow to veil him.

"I wouldn't have the right to declare myself a proper host otherwise, and as I'm sure you've no doubt learned by now, I am a considerable deal more than simply proper." In fact, were there but one word at all that suited him best, it was something certainly in the hen house of extravagant. It's how he loves — forgive the word — any moment to spoil but a moment he takes. Gale wonders if she's used to it, to be cared for so fiercely considering her steel. At the very least, she sounds brighter than usual, the dizzying music of her laughter peppering so novelly on the wag of her tongue. It suits her beautifully, the glowing of the fire as it titters in her eyes. He'd best embolden it further with simpler finishes, he muses. He chops the herbs. Perhaps cinnamon. Or nutmeg? Make her autumnal-spiced. "As your mother was Waterdhavian herself, you should know that meeting the borders of indulgence is but our barest requirement." And had they only the berries to spruce up that tartlet! "All the same, spoiling you in her stead will be my pleasure."

"Not something that's new to you either, I hope, being so, well, shamelessly doted on — but if it is, you may consider me primed to see you acquainted." That said... "Sounds as though you've thought a meaningful deal about it, your plans after our ill-gotten adventure." / @thcdoomed, continued from here.