🔪

Well, that was adorable,    but she dare not comment on it. Eden fishes into her bag and pulls out a pack of tissues, passing it to Sarah.    ❛ Gesundheit. ❜

Even if Sam did not say a word,    Eden would know she was thinking of Cintra.    IT WAS A GUILT SHE CARRIED WITH HER ALWAYS,    a heavy weight to bear, even for a mage who was accustomed to great burden.    The losses they suffered were painful beyond measure.    Between the fall of Cintra and the Battle of Sodden Hill, they had lost many, and the effects of war still ravaged the land. It still ravaged many beating hearts as well, including those of everyone who sat at their table. Ciri, who has retired for the night, was also among those hearts.    ❛ You’re wise enough to know you are saying this    in vain.    She is a child, and you are but one mage. ❜    Comfort is not a forte of Eden’s, and it was certainly not something she could wholly provide during this time of unrest.    ❛    –––    We’ve lost enough, Sam.    Don’t lose yourself to guilt. ❜

❛ Look at her.    –––    Of course I do. ❜    Don’t ask stupid questions. 

She’s getting a little ticked.    ❛ How many times    are we going to have to do this? ❜    Eden closes her eyes and lets out an exasperated sigh.    ❛    I’m ready.    –––    Let the little bastard out. ❜    She’s wondering if, at this point, the energy Egon is trying to read is beyond the reach of his machinery. 

❛ Nope. Okay.   –––    you’re done. ❜    Eden takes her by the shoulders and attempts to guide her to the nearest seat.    ❛ You. Sit.   –––    I’ll clear off the rest of these tables. Did you even eat today? ❜    She’s starting to sound like her mother.

❛ Alright, Sarah.   –––    I’m about to ask you to    do something    you’ve    never done before.    I’m going to need you    ...    to sit down. ❜