[ Wren certainly doesn't need to elaborate on the first part. And... Aeryn decides to not draw attention to it, for now. Instead, he grins up at the dragon over the next thing, a soft chuckle escaping as his hair is tugged. He shifts ever-so-slightly closer, letting out a soft sound of consideration. ]
... All right. But you two have to let me do something to pay you back.
[ It'd make him feel better, really. With that, he will shift so that he can sit with his back against the side of Wren's seat (or against Wren, if there's no back to the seat). After digging something to write with from his pocket, he gets right to it. The message is short and sweet, simply going into exactly what he told Wren it would.
He doesn't even bother signing it, given... who else would it be from? Besides, they know his handwriting by now. Once it's done, he leans his head back, looking up at Wren with a small smile. ]
[ Eventually, he will need to talk about it. Aeryn is a good person to do that with. He's never minded if Magni told people he trusted, knowing that his adopted brother wouldn't tell just anyone. ]
We can probably work something out.
[ Chances were Magni wouldn't ask for anything much, just enough for Aeryn to feel he paid it back. No matter what the payment was. The other can lean directly against Wren's side, though the dragon isn't paying attention to what is being written - leaving that private.
When Aeryn announces that he's done, that's when Wren looks back. Nodding. ]
Fold it up and tie it with this.
[ He pulls some string out of his pocket, holding it out. ]
We aren't too far from the town. You should stay in the cart when we get there.
[ Their cart already has all of the supplies it needs to survive a long trip. Wren can also send Magni a message there, too. ]
[ There's a smile when no protest comes, which lingers as he leans against Wren's side. When offered the string, Aeryn accepts it without hesitation, doing just as the dragon instructs. Then, when the next words are said, he pauses... then nods. ]
Okay. I'll stay in the cart.
[ It's clear he isn't the type to like having to stay behind, but the trust in Wren's judgment on this outweighs that. He holds out the scroll. ]
[ He understands wanting to repay someone, even if neither him nor Magni would have complained about it otherwise. There is a reason they have such things, after all. ]
Good. I'll be quick there.
[ Not that he intended to park the cart that far away from the messenger bird aviary. Wren takes the scroll. ]
No, this is fine. [ The dragon pulls out a small stone, blue in color and blows on it. That seems to be some sort of activation, as the stone turns into a large blue bird. Wren holds the scroll out and the bird takes the string in a talon, with that it sets off into the sky. ]
It will find the recipient, then track down Magni for me to let him know I moved.
[ Wren keeps that stone on him at all times, many wouldn't look twice at just a stone being held. ]
[ He watches with open intrigue, soft purple eyes widening at the appearance of a blue-colored bird. ]
Oh...
[ Aeryn gives a delighted smile to Wren, nodding with a hint of excitement. ]
That was amazing!
[ Granted, being a unicorn, it'd make more sense for him to be kind of used to magic. He definitely seems more surprised and awe-filled, than used to it. ]
Magic is always so fun to watch. This, however, might be my new favorite... Such a clever way of keeping in touch.
[ The magical bird flies high enough to not be seen easily by normal human eyes. Keeping itself safe until it gets to its destinations. ]
Magni decided we needed a way of contacting each other in times of emergency. They will act differently depending on the situation on the other end. If it were a desperate situation, it would flap wings and whistle until the other follows.
[ But since it's just him having to change locations... ]
With our current state, it'll sing a song. Then he'll wait for me to contact him.
[ He gives a look of understanding to the first part, and then chuckles at the next thing said. ]
I thought it might be something like that. That's very clever.
[ Aeryn looks up at the sky for a moment. ]
My mother used music to communicate, as well. She had over thirty songs, each with a unique meaning. We'd know just how long to stay away, where to meet her afterward, and what to be prepared for when we got there. All done with humming...
[ With his eyes closed, he trails off. It could be easy to assume he's dozed off, but his breathing patterns imply it's more like he's remembering. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be an especially happy memory. ]
[ Wren nods at the first part. It was all Magni's idea for how the birds were used, the various warnings it would be able to give.
Even if Wren has telepathy, it'd do him no good if he was unconscious or unable to communicate that way.
He listens quietly to what is said about Aeryn's mother, frowning at the silence that follows. It causes him to look over and see that slightly-off expression. After a moment, Wren lifts a finger to trail it gently down the other's nose - attempting to soothe his companion. ]
[ He blinks, but it's clear he isn't unpleasantly surprised, or anything. In fact, his gaze moves to rest on Wren's face, a fond smile tugging at his lips. ]
Being sad... It just means that there are happy times to be missed. And the only way to heal emotions is to let them "speak" to you.
[ There's a soft, sad laugh as he looks down at his own hands. ]
My mother always had a unique way of putting things.
[ Seems like that sort of touch isn't unwanted, which means he can do that in the future too. Though, Wren just simply likes touching Aeryn... that is unusual all on its own. He also prefers the smile to a sad expression. ]
That is a unique way of seeing things, but doesn't sound so bad.
[ His gaze goes down to Aeryn's hands too, then reaches out to hold one. ]
[ He lets out another laugh, but this time it's a little lighter. Aeryn nods. ]
I think so, too.
[ There's a softening in his gaze as he watches Wren reach for a hand. With a fond expression, he shyly turns his hand so that their palms will be touching. ]
She would have insisted nobody calls her a lady... but I agree. I used to embarrass her, actually. [ there's a sheepish laugh as his eyes sparkle a bit ] When I was very young, I would always loudly insist that she's the absolute smartest woman in the world. I'd be standing in the middle of a crowded area, and so many people would turn to see this grinning child pointing right at his very red-faced and very apologetic mother. I thought it was the funniest thing.
[ In fact, he's laughing with absolutely no shame. ]
[ Wren watches their hands coming together for a moment, then turns his gaze back to the road. It isn't that he's not giving Aeryn his attention, just that he doesn't need a visual to listen.
Yet he can't help but look back at the other when the first laugh comes. ]
Sounds like you were a bit of a brat.
[ Though the use of the word "brat" doesn't feel bad at all. There's actually a hint of amusement in his voice. ]
[ There's a hint of playfulness as he grins up at Wren. ]
Only a little.
[ Wren might get a feeling that, were they in a completely relaxed and casual setting, he might have punctuated those words with a wink. But... now they're close to the town, and he's being asked the question. Ah, yeah... it's time for the note. There's a moment of consideration before he gives a small nod. ]
Yes.
[ It's only fitting, he thinks. After a moment of thought, he takes a piece of paper and begins writing. He keeps it very polite and succinct. Basically, he aims to be considerate, while also ensuring that nothing is dragged out unpleasantly. Once it's done, he folds it and holds it out for Wren. ]
That should be enough, I believe. They will... understand that a terrible accident took place.
[ And hopefully have no reason to seek out justice, or worse. ]
[ Maybe he got to see some of that side when they were younger, something he can remember in time.
While Aeryn writes the note, Wren grabs a piece of clothing that has a hood. Pulling it on so that it covers his head and face from view. If they are to send a note about someone's death, he doesn't want it being traced back to either of them at any point.
Even if Aeryn writes it to make it appear like an accident. He takes the note and nods. ]
They might look into it, but we'll be long-gone by the time they get to that point.
[ Since first they will have to find the hunter's body. Even if they come to the aviary, Wren doesn't intend to stick around.
He shifts to make sure that Aeryn isn't very visible from an outside view, guiding the cart into town and to the nearest aviary. Stopping just inside, he looks over at the other. ]
Be right back. [ Unless Aeryn has anything else to say, the dragon will hop down and make his way inside the building to get the message taken care of. Really not stopping to do anything else but that, so he can return to the cart as quickly as possible. ]
[ He watches Wren pull the hood over his head, and then reaches up without thinking, gently helping adjust it. With a shy and sad smile, he nods. ]
We will be.
[ It's clear there is still quite a bit of guilt. That it's bothering him to do things this way... Not that it's stopping him, of course. He settles into a comfortable spot, nodding and reaching over to gently squeeze the dragon's upper arm. ]
See you soon.
[ Those words again, this time with a warm smile. He will quietly sit and wait, drawing his knees to his chest and resting his head against them. He maybe... dozes off, actually, as he waits. ]
[ Oh. There's a faint smile at Aeryn's action, giving a nod in return. He does wonder why those same words are said, and might ask about it later.
When he returns to the cart, Wren instantly checks on Aeryn and sees him dozing. The dragon doesn't wake him, though will lightly touch his hair while taking a seat. Time to get out of here.
Wren drives the cart quietly, well... as quietly as possible. Heading to the closest safe house. It isn't marked on any map except the ones in their head. ]
[ When he wakes, it's as they're moving. A soft gasp escapes as he snaps out of his dream, his vision taking a moment to become clear. As some point, he'd shifted much closer to the opposite form, his own warm body curling against the source of cooler temperatures.
A shy sound escapes him as he quickly shifts so that he's simply sitting next to Wren. After clearing his throat, he quietly speaks. ]
I'm used to holding someone when I sleep... My little siblings often have nightmares, and...
[ He briefly fidgets with the strand of purple hair before sheepishly smiling at Wren. ]
Ever since I was younger, I've always been very warm, even in the coldest temperatures. So I'm often used as a heat source, and... I guess I grew to like it a lot.
[ A not-so-subtle way of saying he likes snuggling up to Wren, maybe. ]
[ Normally, Wren doesn't like being touched much... but Aeryn is such a warm being that it feels wonderful in the chilly hair. So he simply shifts to allow more comfortable sleeping against him. Every so often, he looks over at the other while he rests.
When Aeryn wakes and comes to sit next to him instead, he can feel that other spot cooling fast. ]
It's okay. I actually am always cold, even in deserts I remain cooler than other people.
[ He frowns at his own words, gaze somewhat distant. ]
Magni says that isn't right for my kind. That we should be able to regulate our temperature in order to live in the depths of the ocean.
[ Even if Aeryn wasn't a heater, Wren finds he doesn't mind when the other is touching him - snuggling against him. ]
[ He looks down at Wren's hand for a moment, and then reaches out to touch it, letting his hand warm the other's. ]
You...
[ There's a moment of reluctance, but after a soft sigh, he shifts so that their sides are touching. ]
... gave that power away. To me. You, um... didn't actually do it intentionally, but when I told you... you said to keep it, since...
[ A soft, shy chuckle escapes. He can feel his face getting warmer. ]
Well, you were very young, but you were very determined to soul bond with me once you knew your name. So, when I told you what happened with your power, you said it was fine... because you would be marrying me, anyway.
[ He sheepishly chuckles and presses a hand to the back of his own neck for a moment. Shyly, he glances back at Wren. ]
But that isn't to say I intend to keep it from you, if you'd like it back now! I think you should have it back, if it would make you feel better. After all, you can't-...
[ Aeryn realizes, a little too late, he doesn't like where that last sentence is going. Instead of figuring out a better ending for it, he simply lets it hang in the air, his gaze averting to the side as his brow pinches. ]
[ At the first full sentence, Wren just stares at Aeryn through the rest of what's said. As the story is being told, he has memories coming back - they aren't complete because the face of the person he said all of that to is obscured.
They might be disjointed and fragmented, but the feelings and intent is clearly felt... by the young version and the older one. Maybe those feelings aren't the same now, though Wren has been drawn to Aeryn from the start. Even wanting to touch the other more and more, which is very unusual since he doesn't feel that way with Magni or Nym. ]
Keep it. I don't know exactly how I feel now, but I can remember how I felt back then. I wanted you to have it then, and still want you to have it.
[ He's going to lean over to kiss Aeryn's cheek, much like he did on that day all those years ago. ]
[ His breath very lightly catches when those words are followed by a kiss to the cheek. But, before he can respond, a couple of tears sneak out. A soft laugh escapes right after, a wide smile on his lips as he dries his face. ]
Sorry, I'm just... glad.
[ Part of him had been bracing for the worst. For Wren to never remember any of their time together, basically. For... Wren to maybe never feel anything that he did, back then. Yes, they were children, but... they do say time makes the heart grow fonder, don't they? They phrase doesn't exist for no reason, at all. ]
[ Ah... now Aeryn is crying and even if they're happy tears, he isn't exactly happy to see them. He lifts a hand to brush them away with a finger. ]
You don't have to apologize. I don't remember everything yet, but I at least remember you enough.
[ Maybe part of him always remembered, the way he fell into helping a stranger so easily, all the touches he doesn't allow anyone else. Wren is willing to find out how he feels now, if he wants to marry and share his soul name. Already the pull is strong, and he wants to know more about Aeryn. ]
Did you rest enough? We've still got a little ways to go.
[ He closes his eyes, accepting the touches to his face. ]
And, if that's the extent of your regained memories, I will be grateful for even this much.
[ When he opens his eyes again, they shine with the remnants of tears, a soft smile resting on his lips as he considers... then lets out a thoughtful sound. ]
I'd like to rest a little longer...
[ To show what he means, he shifts so that he can gently rest his head against Wren's shoulder. Even with his healing ability, he is still weary. And it has been a very emotional day, to boot. ]
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... All right. But you two have to let me do something to pay you back.
[ It'd make him feel better, really. With that, he will shift so that he can sit with his back against the side of Wren's seat (or against Wren, if there's no back to the seat). After digging something to write with from his pocket, he gets right to it. The message is short and sweet, simply going into exactly what he told Wren it would.
He doesn't even bother signing it, given... who else would it be from? Besides, they know his handwriting by now. Once it's done, he leans his head back, looking up at Wren with a small smile. ]
Done.
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We can probably work something out.
[ Chances were Magni wouldn't ask for anything much, just enough for Aeryn to feel he paid it back. No matter what the payment was. The other can lean directly against Wren's side, though the dragon isn't paying attention to what is being written - leaving that private.
When Aeryn announces that he's done, that's when Wren looks back. Nodding. ]
Fold it up and tie it with this.
[ He pulls some string out of his pocket, holding it out. ]
We aren't too far from the town. You should stay in the cart when we get there.
[ Their cart already has all of the supplies it needs to survive a long trip. Wren can also send Magni a message there, too. ]
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Okay. I'll stay in the cart.
[ It's clear he isn't the type to like having to stay behind, but the trust in Wren's judgment on this outweighs that. He holds out the scroll. ]
Do I need to do anything else with it?
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Good. I'll be quick there.
[ Not that he intended to park the cart that far away from the messenger bird aviary. Wren takes the scroll. ]
No, this is fine. [ The dragon pulls out a small stone, blue in color and blows on it. That seems to be some sort of activation, as the stone turns into a large blue bird. Wren holds the scroll out and the bird takes the string in a talon, with that it sets off into the sky. ]
It will find the recipient, then track down Magni for me to let him know I moved.
[ Wren keeps that stone on him at all times, many wouldn't look twice at just a stone being held. ]
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Oh...
[ Aeryn gives a delighted smile to Wren, nodding with a hint of excitement. ]
That was amazing!
[ Granted, being a unicorn, it'd make more sense for him to be kind of used to magic. He definitely seems more surprised and awe-filled, than used to it. ]
Magic is always so fun to watch. This, however, might be my new favorite... Such a clever way of keeping in touch.
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Magni decided we needed a way of contacting each other in times of emergency. They will act differently depending on the situation on the other end. If it were a desperate situation, it would flap wings and whistle until the other follows.
[ But since it's just him having to change locations... ]
With our current state, it'll sing a song. Then he'll wait for me to contact him.
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Magni sounds like a very smart and reliable man.
[ There's a hum of curiosity as he considers something. ]
Why a song?
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He's been alive a long time. Made a lot of friends who will help him make useful things.
[ The bird stones and the scroll, along with a few other things. ]
Male birds sing to keep other males off their turf. This way we know not to go back to the last location we saw each other.
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I thought it might be something like that. That's very clever.
[ Aeryn looks up at the sky for a moment. ]
My mother used music to communicate, as well. She had over thirty songs, each with a unique meaning. We'd know just how long to stay away, where to meet her afterward, and what to be prepared for when we got there. All done with humming...
[ With his eyes closed, he trails off. It could be easy to assume he's dozed off, but his breathing patterns imply it's more like he's remembering. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be an especially happy memory. ]
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Even if Wren has telepathy, it'd do him no good if he was unconscious or unable to communicate that way.
He listens quietly to what is said about Aeryn's mother, frowning at the silence that follows. It causes him to look over and see that slightly-off expression. After a moment, Wren lifts a finger to trail it gently down the other's nose - attempting to soothe his companion. ]
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Being sad... It just means that there are happy times to be missed. And the only way to heal emotions is to let them "speak" to you.
[ There's a soft, sad laugh as he looks down at his own hands. ]
My mother always had a unique way of putting things.
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That is a unique way of seeing things, but doesn't sound so bad.
[ His gaze goes down to Aeryn's hands too, then reaches out to hold one. ]
Seems like a smart lady.
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I think so, too.
[ There's a softening in his gaze as he watches Wren reach for a hand. With a fond expression, he shyly turns his hand so that their palms will be touching. ]
She would have insisted nobody calls her a lady... but I agree. I used to embarrass her, actually. [ there's a sheepish laugh as his eyes sparkle a bit ] When I was very young, I would always loudly insist that she's the absolute smartest woman in the world. I'd be standing in the middle of a crowded area, and so many people would turn to see this grinning child pointing right at his very red-faced and very apologetic mother. I thought it was the funniest thing.
[ In fact, he's laughing with absolutely no shame. ]
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Yet he can't help but look back at the other when the first laugh comes. ]
Sounds like you were a bit of a brat.
[ Though the use of the word "brat" doesn't feel bad at all. There's actually a hint of amusement in his voice. ]
Okay, almost to town. Want to write up the note?
[ He nods his head at some regular paper. ]
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Only a little.
[ Wren might get a feeling that, were they in a completely relaxed and casual setting, he might have punctuated those words with a wink. But... now they're close to the town, and he's being asked the question. Ah, yeah... it's time for the note. There's a moment of consideration before he gives a small nod. ]
Yes.
[ It's only fitting, he thinks. After a moment of thought, he takes a piece of paper and begins writing. He keeps it very polite and succinct. Basically, he aims to be considerate, while also ensuring that nothing is dragged out unpleasantly. Once it's done, he folds it and holds it out for Wren. ]
That should be enough, I believe. They will... understand that a terrible accident took place.
[ And hopefully have no reason to seek out justice, or worse. ]
no subject
Sure, just a little.
[ Maybe he got to see some of that side when they were younger, something he can remember in time.
While Aeryn writes the note, Wren grabs a piece of clothing that has a hood. Pulling it on so that it covers his head and face from view. If they are to send a note about someone's death, he doesn't want it being traced back to either of them at any point.
Even if Aeryn writes it to make it appear like an accident. He takes the note and nods. ]
They might look into it, but we'll be long-gone by the time they get to that point.
[ Since first they will have to find the hunter's body. Even if they come to the aviary, Wren doesn't intend to stick around.
He shifts to make sure that Aeryn isn't very visible from an outside view, guiding the cart into town and to the nearest aviary. Stopping just inside, he looks over at the other. ]
Be right back. [ Unless Aeryn has anything else to say, the dragon will hop down and make his way inside the building to get the message taken care of. Really not stopping to do anything else but that, so he can return to the cart as quickly as possible. ]
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We will be.
[ It's clear there is still quite a bit of guilt. That it's bothering him to do things this way... Not that it's stopping him, of course. He settles into a comfortable spot, nodding and reaching over to gently squeeze the dragon's upper arm. ]
See you soon.
[ Those words again, this time with a warm smile. He will quietly sit and wait, drawing his knees to his chest and resting his head against them. He maybe... dozes off, actually, as he waits. ]
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When he returns to the cart, Wren instantly checks on Aeryn and sees him dozing. The dragon doesn't wake him, though will lightly touch his hair while taking a seat. Time to get out of here.
Wren drives the cart quietly, well... as quietly as possible. Heading to the closest safe house. It isn't marked on any map except the ones in their head. ]
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A shy sound escapes him as he quickly shifts so that he's simply sitting next to Wren. After clearing his throat, he quietly speaks. ]
I'm used to holding someone when I sleep... My little siblings often have nightmares, and...
[ He briefly fidgets with the strand of purple hair before sheepishly smiling at Wren. ]
Ever since I was younger, I've always been very warm, even in the coldest temperatures. So I'm often used as a heat source, and... I guess I grew to like it a lot.
[ A not-so-subtle way of saying he likes snuggling up to Wren, maybe. ]
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When Aeryn wakes and comes to sit next to him instead, he can feel that other spot cooling fast. ]
It's okay. I actually am always cold, even in deserts I remain cooler than other people.
[ He frowns at his own words, gaze somewhat distant. ]
Magni says that isn't right for my kind. That we should be able to regulate our temperature in order to live in the depths of the ocean.
[ Even if Aeryn wasn't a heater, Wren finds he doesn't mind when the other is touching him - snuggling against him. ]
no subject
You...
[ There's a moment of reluctance, but after a soft sigh, he shifts so that their sides are touching. ]
... gave that power away. To me. You, um... didn't actually do it intentionally, but when I told you... you said to keep it, since...
[ A soft, shy chuckle escapes. He can feel his face getting warmer. ]
Well, you were very young, but you were very determined to soul bond with me once you knew your name. So, when I told you what happened with your power, you said it was fine... because you would be marrying me, anyway.
[ He sheepishly chuckles and presses a hand to the back of his own neck for a moment. Shyly, he glances back at Wren. ]
But that isn't to say I intend to keep it from you, if you'd like it back now! I think you should have it back, if it would make you feel better. After all, you can't-...
[ Aeryn realizes, a little too late, he doesn't like where that last sentence is going. Instead of figuring out a better ending for it, he simply lets it hang in the air, his gaze averting to the side as his brow pinches. ]
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They might be disjointed and fragmented, but the feelings and intent is clearly felt... by the young version and the older one. Maybe those feelings aren't the same now, though Wren has been drawn to Aeryn from the start. Even wanting to touch the other more and more, which is very unusual since he doesn't feel that way with Magni or Nym. ]
Keep it. I don't know exactly how I feel now, but I can remember how I felt back then. I wanted you to have it then, and still want you to have it.
[ He's going to lean over to kiss Aeryn's cheek, much like he did on that day all those years ago. ]
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Sorry, I'm just... glad.
[ Part of him had been bracing for the worst. For Wren to never remember any of their time together, basically. For... Wren to maybe never feel anything that he did, back then. Yes, they were children, but... they do say time makes the heart grow fonder, don't they? They phrase doesn't exist for no reason, at all. ]
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You don't have to apologize. I don't remember everything yet, but I at least remember you enough.
[ Maybe part of him always remembered, the way he fell into helping a stranger so easily, all the touches he doesn't allow anyone else. Wren is willing to find out how he feels now, if he wants to marry and share his soul name. Already the pull is strong, and he wants to know more about Aeryn. ]
Did you rest enough? We've still got a little ways to go.
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And, if that's the extent of your regained memories, I will be grateful for even this much.
[ When he opens his eyes again, they shine with the remnants of tears, a soft smile resting on his lips as he considers... then lets out a thoughtful sound. ]
I'd like to rest a little longer...
[ To show what he means, he shifts so that he can gently rest his head against Wren's shoulder. Even with his healing ability, he is still weary. And it has been a very emotional day, to boot. ]
If this is all right with you, of course.
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