Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2022 16:57:48 GMT -5
[for @temperance ]
Though the clouds over Nevermere changed little from season to season, the passage of time was nevertheless evident in the way the leaves began to change color and the winds grew cool despite the warmth of the day. Autumna was upon them, and there were, apparently, still ingredients to collect from the woods near Temperance’s cottage. Artos’s company had, unfortunately, been already claimed by Thom that day, but Ber had, rather bravely he thought, soldiered on through the disappointment. Temperance’s acknowledgement of the fact had seemed rather sarcastic when he’d used this as evidence that he did not, in fact, merely tolerate her company almost every week for that of her dog’s.
All joking aside, he truly did appreciate Temperance’s, Thom’s, and Melody’s hospitality and was well aware of the fact that he brought very little to them in return; though he was content to use it as an excuse, playing with Artos was hardly a hardship. So when Temperance had asked for his assistance with this foray into the forest, both the promise of good company and the sense that he ought to return her kindness prompted him to give her his day off.
Well, that and the fact that there was a killer on the loose who had some sort of interest in potions.
But he was trying not to think too hard about that. Since that fateful day a week or so ago, he had done his best to forget everything about that nightmare of a welfare check and as a result, had heard absolutely nothing new about one Alfric Whitby. And he had done his best to avoid any wandering Lieutenants who might be interested in changing that. The only parts of that experience that he was willing to consider for longer than a heartbeat were the question that had perched at the forefront of his mind since a particularly perplexing revelation and the packet of tea leaves tucked away in his pocket until later. Later being the operative word. Turning to Temperance and away from those thoughts, he instead asked, “What are we looking for again?”