#baby steps...

Lounging, with eyes closed and a more than foul look etched into his face, Mattisaux took a reclining moment at the Gold Court. Nothing but the quiet slush of water and distant mumblings from the markets reached his long ears in this solitude. Thoughts flushed with the white noise and he sank deeper into a relaxed state. Uncomfortable peace was settling in before long, until a voice, a curious woman, decided to disturb him.

“Why are you wearing black in Thanalan?”

Before opening his eyes, he already knew no one else was around for her to address. The shrill was far too close and fairly annoying enough to crinkle his nose.

But also, in that same instant, memories leading up to that point in time plagued him. From the harsh winters in Coerthas, to the bloodstained snow at this feet, to the ghostly pale woman who's neck was rung by his hands.

Several days flew by since then and he hadn't bothered changing clothes. Quite a few leaves and twigs could be found if one looked hard enough.

So, when the question was asked, he took another moment to himself. Many options wheeled through his mind. Eventually, his eyes rolled up and closed to continue the lounge without the sight of the unwelcome while he figured a proper answer. However, it always pointed to the same response every single time.