#tialain

The shadowed figure in the doorway stalked towards him, Ethari took a step backwards, the back of his legs hitting his workbench. He was trapped. He glanced around, but the only doors in and out of the workshop were behind the figure. He took a deep breath, readying himself to scream or yell or cause a ruckus but stopped dead still when the figure’s face came into view from the dim glow from the forge. It was Runaan and he had a most determined look on his face. Ethari faltered in his movements, but Runaan kept moving until he was right in front of him, that piercing gaze holding Ethari captive.

“Did you mean it?” He asked, almost growled.

“Mean what?” Ethari asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Runaan’s hand came up to cup Ethari’s cheek, fingers gently tracing along his tattoos.

“Is there more where that came from? I made it back.” His eyebrow raised, almost cockily as he smiled at Ethari.

Ethari could barely hold a coherent thought let alone speak right now, with Runaan’s fingertips tracing his skin so gently. He just nodded and closed his eyes as Runaan surged forward and kissed him hungrily. It was everything Ethari had hoped for and his arms came up to grasp Runaan tighter as he returned the kiss, grasping fistfuls of tunic, never wanting to let him go again.

Runaan seemed to mirror the sentiment as his other hand came up until he was cradling Ethari’s face in his hands, thumbs gently tracing along his cheekbones, fingers tangling at the edges of his hair. One hand moved to cup the back of his head, the other wrapped around him, drawing him impossibly closer, fingertips grazing just under Ethari’s top and leaving trails of burning sensations anywhere skin met skin. Ethari was lost in Runaan. He never wanted to return to reality, wanting to live forever drinking from Runaan’s lips, breathing in his presence.

A single lingering concern broke through the haze and Ethari pulled back, gasping for air. Runaan’s lips simply moved from his own to his chin, his jaw, his neck. Ethari’s hand went to the back of Runaan’s head, cradling it as he struggled for a moment of rational thought.

“The others?” He managed to breath out.

“Safe and sound.” Runaan said into his neck. He kissed Ethari again and Ethari melted against him, all thought leaving him except the elf kissing him.

***

“I’ll have you know that your little stunt drove me crazy.” Runaan said hours later as they lay comfortably together.

“Crazy good I hope.” Ethari said, playing with a strand of Runaan’s hair.

Runaan leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. “Crazy crazy. I was hopeless on this mission. The team leader was so disappointed in me. All this buildup and I didn’t even kill anyone.”

“You didn’t?”

“Nope, too distracted by a certain elf.” Runaan gently tapped Ethari’s nose. “I couldn’t stop thinking about him.”

Ethari was quiet for a moment, letting that sink in. He absently traced the tattoos on Runaan’s shoulder until Runaan leaned up on one elbow.

“You went quiet.” He remarked.

“I guess I just don’t understand. I’m not complaining, at all, I just don’t understand.”

“I don’t even know if I can articulate it.” Runaan said.

Ethari nodded, staring up at the roof. He didn’t expect there to be a reason. Sometimes feelings were funny that way. It was enough that they had made it to this point.  There was a moment of contented silence before Runaan spoke again.

“You saw me at my lowest, and you were kind, and dependable, and incredibly smart, and funny, and hot as hell.” Runaan leaned down and planted a kiss on Ethari’s shoulder.

Ethari turned shining eyes on Runaan. “I… don’t even know what to say.” He whispered.

“What about you?” Runaan asked.

“What about me?”

“What was… how… did you,” Ethari smiled as Runaan stumbled over his words. Seeing the smile Runaan huffed indignantly, motioning for Ethari to speak.

“I never thought someone like you would even notice me.” Ethari admitted, reaching out to cup Runaan’s face.

“Someone like me?” Runaan nuzzled into the touch.

“Talented, popular, smart, handsome, top on every elf’s wish list.”

Runaan let out a self-conscious chuckle, reaching up to take Ethari’s hand in his own.

“For a long time you didn’t I suppose.”

Runaan looked distressed.  He opened his mouth as though to protest but Ethari kept talking.

“It’s fine, I’ve always kind of hung back, not wanted to be the centre of attention. I definitely noticed you, had a crush on you for the longest time, before I even knew you properly.” Ethari paused. “And then when I did, I guess I just saw through the mask. That’s when it really hit me I think.”

“The mask?” Runaan frowned.

“The ‘everything’s ok and I’ve got things figured out’ mask.”

The frown deepened. “You fell for me because I’m actually a disaster?” He clarified.

Ethari laughed. “I mean when you put it that way…”

Runaan leaned over him and smiled. “I think you should stop talking now.”

Ethari smiled back. “I think you should make me.”

Runaan didn’t bother replying and Ethari closed his eyes as Runaan’s lips met his once more.

***

Tiadrin and Lain were waiting for Runaan by the training fields. Lain sitting on a huge tree root with Tiadrin tucked between his legs. He was bent over her shoulder.

“See if you curl your fingers like this,” Lain’s hand curled Tiadrin’s fingers, and then straightened her thumb. “And then I do one too, and then we join them together like this,” he touched their fingertips together. “It makes a heart. See?”

“Uuuugh” Tiadrin let out a long groan, her head falling back against his chest. “You are such a hopeless fucking dork. I love you.”

Lain stiffened behind her, quickly turning her to face him. “You what?” He asked, searching her eyes.

Tiadrin blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear. She hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but now that she had, she wasn’t taking it back. She met Lain’s gaze, sure and steady. She shrugged.

“You heard me.” She said with a shy smile. Lain slid off the root and drew her closer.

“I’d like to hear it again,” He whispered, lips hovering over hers.

“I love you, you dork.” Tiadrin said, closing her eyes.

“I love you too.” His lips descended on hers, arms wrapping her in a tight embrace.

“Ahem.”

Runaan’s voice drew them apart and Lain shot him a dirty look over his shoulder as he released Tiadrin.

“Oh you finally ready for training,” he groused.

“Sorry, I uh- overslept.” Runaan shrugged.

“Oh. My. God!” A huge grin split Tiadrin’s face as she took in Runaan’s appearance. Very well put together but wearing the same tunic as the day before. And were his lips a bit pinker than usual?

Runaan frowned at her. “What?”

Tiadrin just smiled smugly. “Shall we go then?” She asked innocently.

“By all means,” Runaan indicated for her to lead the way.

They spent the morning running drills and exercises, sinking into the practiced familiarity of the movements. Movements that carried extra weight after their last assignment. Still they practiced until they could do the movements in their sleep. Until defence was second nature, and attacking quick as an asp was first. A few hours into the sparring Tiadrin whispered to Runaan.

“Someone’s got a visitor,” she winked and glanced towards the end of the field, where Ethari was watching them. “He’s not here to see me.” She said, grinning.

Runaan rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile as he quickly and confidently took her down until she yielded. “Who knew having your boyfriend here would be so… motivating.” She grumbled, pushing his sword away from her.

Runaan said nothing, just swung again with the practice swords. She parried easily.

“What’s that? No denial?”

“Why would I deny it?”

Tiadrin’s shriek paused all training as every eye on the field turned towards her. She had flung her arms around Runaan, who had turned the colour of a moonberry and was awkwardly hugging her back.

Lain rushed over. “Is everything ok?” He asked, worriedly.

“Yes. fine.” Runaan said. Tiadrin dropped and turned to Lain, a brilliant smile on her face.

“Runaan has some most excellent news. ETHARI!” She turned and waved him over. Ethari cautiously made his way to them. Tiadrin, finally noting that she had drawn a crowd waved the onlookers away.

“As you were folks, nothing to see here.” Several raised eyebrows, smirks, and even chuckles were heard as the assassins returned to their sparring. Ethari reached them in short order.

“Nice of you to come watch us practice,” Tiadrin said meaningfully.

“Ha, yeah I hadn’t been in a while and I-”

“She knows we’re together,” Runaan said, interrupting him and taking his hand. Tiadrin couldn’t help an excited squeal as they interlocked their fingers. Ethari blushed and smiled, his whole face glowing with happiness.

“Finally!” Lain said, reaching out to hug them both.

Tiadrin hugged Ethari fiercely and reached out to punch Runaan in the shoulder.

“If you hurt him I will hunt you down and murder you in your sleep.”

“Tiadrin,” Ethari said, a warning tone in his voice. He had no doubts that she would, but didn’t really want that kind of tension in their group.

“No no, I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Runaan nodded to Tiadrin.

“It’s about bloody time.” She said. Runaan just raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean by that? How long have you known?” Runaan shot an accusatory look at Lain.

“She’s talking about me,” Ethari said, tugging on his hand and pulling Runaan’s glare away from Lain. Runaan softened.

“Oh, of course.”

“I mean, I was talking about both of you,” Tiadrin said, drawing Runaan’s attention once more. She shrugged off the cautioning hand Lain put on her shoulder. “It’s difficult to tell, but once you get to know that Runaan’s ‘I’m into him’ face is only very slightly different to his ‘I hate this’ face and figure out the difference, it was clear as day.”

Runaan turned red and scratched the back of his neck, seemingly uncomfortable with Tiadrin’s discerning eye.

“Well, we should give you two a minute. Not too long though Runaan or you’ll be running laps. You know how Usten gets.” With that Tiadrin and Lain walked away. They hadn’t gone too far before Tiadrin turned around and made an obscene gesture, throwing them an exaggerated wink before turning back and returning to sparring. Runaan and Ethari were left at the end of the training field. Runaan turned to face Ethari, shrugging helplessly.

“I know she means a lot to you, but if a terrible accident were to happen and she somehow lost the ability to-”

Ethari grinned and leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek, stopping Runaan mid-sentence. He wasn’t worried about Runaan and Tiadrin fighting, because he knew that Runaan respected and valued Tiadrin, and also because even if things did get a little heated, Tiadrin was more than capable of handling herself. It was, however interesting and somewhat satisfying to see the calming effect a simple kiss had on Runaan. Ethari squeezed his hand gently before letting go.

“I should let you get back to it.” He said softly.

“I’ll see you tonight?” Runaan asked.

“Count on it.” Ethari said, smiling as Runaan leant in to give him a soft kiss. Then another. Then another.

Laughing, Ethari finally pushed him away. “Off with you and train.” He said. Runaan kissed him one more time and then jogged back onto the training field. Ethari settled on the edge of the field and pulled out his sketchbook. It was a glorious day after all, it would be a shame to waste it by staying inside.

AN: Thanks to all for taking this crazy ride with me! I’m about to start uni again for the semester so I’m going to have to leave this one here for now. I do have some more plot ideas but have no idea when I’ll be able to post, so I’m officially calling Hiatus for now. Definitely let me know if you want more though. Thanks to everyone who has liked, reblogged, and commented and encouraged this fic! Y’all turned it into what it is today.

“So it’s official then?”

Tiadrin’s eyes closed and a blissful smile spread across her face as she nodded. She leaned forward over the counter in Ethari’s workshop, chin in her hands and grinned at her friend.

“And with you? You and Runaan looked mighty blushy on the way back.”

Ethari smiled and shrugged, a warm feeling spreading from his chest as he thought about what he had overheard early that morning. “I think there maybe might be something there.”

Her eyes lit up and she nearly launched herself at him. “I told you he’d be an idiot not to love you!”

He chuckled. “That you did.”

A knock on the door interrupted and they turned to see Lain smiling sheepishly in the doorway.

“Hey guys, I was just looking for…” his voice trailed off as his eyes met Tiadrin’s. She moved over to him, reaching out to hold his hand, entwining his fingers with her own.

“I was just telling Ethari the news.”

Lain brightened. “And I just told Runaan.”

Tiadrin winced, “How’d he take it?”

Lain shrugged and grinned, “Oh you know, he didn’t say much but he wished us well.”

Ethari watched for a moment as his two friends simply smiled at each other, seeming to forget the rest of the world existed. He thought back to dancing with Runaan and smiled.

Still, he had work to do, and this could get embarrassing.

“Ahem,” he cleared his throat loudly and they both jumped, turning to look at him with red cheeks.

“I’m sorry Ethari,” Tiadrin said, a pained look on her face.

Ethari laughed, knowing she wasn’t being exclusionary on purpose. “I’m happy for you two, seriously. But if you want to be alone for a while, by all means.” He made a shooing gesture out the door. The newly official couple escaped with sheepish grins. Ethari turned back to Tiadrin’s sword, intending to do some work on that for a while, but a new idea came to him and he reached for his sketchbook instead.

***

Life settled into a comfortable rhythm for the next few weeks. Tiadrin, Lain, and Runaan all attended their assassin training, Ethari worked on his weapons, and often other trinkets and even jewellery. He studied enchantments and started experimenting on how to weave them into the weapons to make them stronger. He had even started a small stall at the monthly markets to sell some of his wares.

When they weren’t training with the assassins guild, Tiadrin, Lain and Runaan were regularly hanging out with Ethari in his workshop. They spend long hours arguing and planning and laughing and all grew very close and fiercely protective of each other. Runaan would often linger after the other two had left, sometimes for several hours, asking questions about Ethari’s work, his family, the process of what he was doing. Sometimes sitting silently and just watching him work. Ethari never brought up the conversation he had overheard in the forest. He didn’t feel the need to. He would however sometimes be sure to be caught working with no shirt on days that Runaan stopped by alone, taking great satisfaction at Runaan’s reaction.

Ethari smiled to himself as he bent over a dagger he had been working on, engraving runes into it and softly singing the enchantments that would give it a never-dulling edge.

The bell over his door tinkered and he threw a towel over his work, turning to see who it was. He slumped a little when Tiadrin waltzed over, wearing a knowing smirk.

“It’s ok its just me.”

Ethari smiled and got up to hug his friend.

“Oh but I have something for you!” He said, reaching behind the counter. Tiadrin bounced and squealed, clapping her hands together in excitement as he pulled out her sword. She reached out eagerly as he passed it over to her.

“Perfect timing Ethari!” She said, slowly pulling it out of the sheath.

Ethari frowned. “What do you mean?”

Tiadrin looked up. “We got our first mission. We leave in the morning.”

Ethari tried not to show the panic building up inside. Sure he knew his best friends were training to be assassins, but it was one thing to train, and it was a completely different thing to sit at home and wonder if they would make it home safely. Especially since he had never told Runaan…

“Hey, we’re going to be ok!” Tiadrin said, pulling him back to the present. So much for hiding the panic. Ethari laughed nervously, reaching up to scratch the back of his head.

“Of course you are. Hey side note, can I have a few strands of your hair?”

Tiadrin frowned. “Uh what for?”

Ethari shrugged, not even sure his idea would work. “I’m not sure yet, I had an idea that I wanted to try.” He said

Tiadrin shrugged and pulled her fingers through her hair, loosing a few and holding them out for Ethari to take. He grabbed them and gently placed them inside his notebook, securing them inside. He turned back to Tiadrin.

“Should we go test out your new sword?”

Tiadrin bounded out of the workshop ahead of him, and he followed her to the training grounds, where Lain and Runaan were sparring. He watched the two of them for a moment, taking comfort in their precise, practiced movements. In their confidence. They would be ok. Whatever they had to face, they had each other. They would protect each other. But could he sit at home and wait, not knowing their fate? Helpless to do anything if the worst did happen?

“Guys look what Ethari finished!” Tiadrin pulled out the sword and the other two crowded around oohing and aahing over the reworked blade. It pulled Ethari out of his thoughts long enough to hide them behind an easy smile.

“Ethari it’s beautiful!” Runaan said, running a reverent hand along the runes engraved along the edge.

“So cool!” Lain added. “What does it do?”

Ethari went over to where the training dummies were kept and pulled one out to the field. He nodded to Tiadrin who focused for a minute. Her sword started glowing along the runes and edges and she swung it towards the dummy the blade separated into several sections, noosing around the dummy and chopping the head clean off before retracting to the original blade.

There was silence for a moment before all three of them started whooping and cheering and gathered around Tiadrin’s sword.

Ethari approached the group, a quiet, satisfied smile on his face. Runaan stared up at him in amazement.

“Ethari, I never imagined… this is so good!”

“What can you do with a pole arm?” Lain asked. “Or a bow, or a dagger?”

Ethari chuckled and shrugged. “I’m not sure. I have a few idea’s for a bow.” He glanced over at Runaan, remembering the night they had stayed up fine-tuning those ideas. “And I’m working on a dagger.”

Tiadrin raised an eyebrow at him. He shrugged. They didn’t need to know that the dagger was for Runaan.

“I’ve never thought about a pole arm. I can do up some designs and see what you think.”

Lain rushed over to him and threw his arms around him, encircling him in a bear hug that lifted his feet off the ground.

Ethari chuckled when he was lowered to the ground, pleased by their reaction if a little surprised.

“As soon as we get back I’m coming to see you!” Lain promised.

Ethari’s smile froze, but he nodded. “Oh, yeah definitely do that. I’ve got a few orders to finish so I’ll-“ he gestured back to his place and hurried away.

Once inside he pulled out the hair Tiadrin had left him and pulled out his book of enchantments. There was something in here that had caught his eye last week. He flipped through trying to find the page, eventually landing on the illustration and text outlining a mirroring enchantment that would reflect life. He grabbed one of the crystals he usually used for jewellery decorations and sat down, reading intently and working out how to make the adjustments needed to fit his purposes.

***

“Your first real mission,” Ethari said conversationally, trying to hide his agitation. Runaan had dropped by just as Ethari had been putting away his tools, and ended up staying for dinner. The work had effectively distracted Ethari from the mission his friends were about to embark on, but now that he had nothing to focus on, he found his thoughts spinning wildly out of control.

Runaan nodded seriously but said nothing. Ethari shoved some bread in his mouth, trying to distract himself. It didn’t work too well. He had trouble swallowing around the enormous lump in his throat.

“You’ll be careful yeah?” He said when he eventually managed to swallow.

Runaan frowned at him, “Of course.”

“Of course,” Ethari repeated, trying to calm himself with Runaan’s surety. “Of course.” He stared down at his plate, suddenly unable to stomach another bite. He abruptly got up from the table, taking his plate back into the kitchen and dumping it into the sink, leaving a bewildered Runaan at the table.

“Ethari?” He called. Ethari gripped the edge of the kitchen bench and tried to calm himself. He was being ridiculous, but he couldn’t help it. Runaan appeared in the doorway, a frown on his face.

“Ethari what’s wrong?”

Nothing he tried to say, but the words wouldn’t come. Frustration filled him.

“How are you not terrified?” He burst out, spinning to face Runaan.

Bafflement shone on Runaan’s face as he took in Ethari’s state.

“Ethari, I-”

“You’re leaving on a dangerous mission in the morning and you’re acting like nothing is out of the ordinary!”

“Nothing is out of the ordinary. We are assassins.”

We are assassins Ethari, It’s what we do his mothers words came back to him unbidden and he had a startling realisation why he was so agitated. He suddenly felt like throwing up, and turned quickly back to the sink in case he did so.

Runaan reached out uncertainly towards Ethari, grasping his shoulder and turning him back around.

“Ethari, we went on mission last month and you were fine, what’s different this time?” Runaan asked, gentler than Ethari had ever seen him.

“I’m not coming with you this time.” He said. He saw Runaan’s face soften and he rushed to continue. “I know I didn’t do all that much last time, but I was there. I could have helped, if something-“ he couldn’t bring himself to finish the thought. “And this time I’ll be here alone, safe and sound and I won’t even know if…”

Runaan’s other hand came up until he had one on each of Ethari’s shoulders. Ethari looked up to meet his eyes. They were steady and sure.

“Nothing is going to happen to us.”

Ethari closed his eyes and took a deep breath, taking strength from Runaan’s surety.

“I know, I’m sorry for freaking out.” He moved to sit back down.

“Don’t be.” Runaan said. Ethari stared at him, the soft smile on his face. Runaan shrugged. “It’s good to know someone cares for you, you know?” Runaan sat down beside him.

Ethari nodded, a half smile creeping onto his face. If only he knew. He took a deep breath, feeling a tiny bit better just for having aired his concerns.

“Well, you do have each other.” He said.

“That’s right. And we’ll bring each other back.” Runaan promised, grabbing his hand, absently running his thumb along the back of Ethari’s hand.

Without thinking, Ethari raised their hands and pressed a kiss to the back of Runaan’s. Runaan’s eyes widened, but Ethari was past caring at this point. He stood again.

“I have something for you.” He left Runaan in the kitchen and disappeared into his work room, reappearing shortly with the dagger wrapped in a towel. He held it out to Runaan who took the offered gift, unwrapping it slowly.

“Oh Ethari!” Runaan exclaimed. “It’s beautiful!” He examined the swirling runes running along the blade, and the filigreed handle inlaid with a shimmering metal and wrapped with leather.

Ethari shrugged. “It’s no sun forged dagger, but the blade will never dull.”

Runaan reached out and tilted Ethari’s chin so he was facing him.

“I love it. Thank you.”

Ethari felt the breath leave him, and most of his senses too as he closed his eyes and without taking a moment to consider, closed the distance between them, giving Runaan a sweet kiss. He pulled back quickly, searching Runaan’s face.

Runaan’s face had frozen in pleasant surprise. He quickly recovered though, and leaned forward, as if seeking more. As much as he wanted to continue, Ethari pulled back.

“There’s more of that when you come back safely.” He whispered. “Now you should go get some rest. You have an early start in the morning.”

Amazement and delight lit Runaan’s eyes and he rose slowly, making his way to the door. He turned back at the door, piercing Ethari with one last stare before disappearing into the night.

Ethari glanced down at his shaking arms and noticed a couple of long white strands clinging to one of his sleeves. He fingered them in wonder before rushing over to his workshop. He had figured out the prototype with Tiadrin, and now he had Runaan as well. Working well into the night, Ethari had his second stone glowing with rhythmic pulses of light. Adding it to the other he put both of them around a chain, and fastened it around his neck. The first rays of sun were just beginning to lighten the horizon. Ethari went to his window and watched as the small group of assassins made their way out of the silver grove. He reached up and clutched at the two stones, his heart disappearing into the forest with the assassins.

“Listen!” Tiadrin closed her eyes. The other three remained quiet and still for a moment before they picked up on what Tiadrin had heard. A soft melody was sounding from a distance. It seemed to build and get closer. Ethari smiled at the pretty melody.

“That’s a melodaisy. Isn’t it beautiful?” She said, a content smile on her face. Lain, who had been watching her closely, stood up, pulling her with him.

“Well then we must dance!”

Tiadrin went willingly and soon the pair were swaying slowly together under the stars beside the dying embers of the fire to the soft sound of the music drifting through the night.

“You ever get the feeling maybe they wanted to come out here alone?” Ethari joked to Runaan.

“Hmm” Runaan chuckled, watching them thoughtfully for a moment before extending a hand towards Ethari, a question in his gaze. Heart pounding, Ethari took the offered hand, and Runaan pulled him to his feet, drawing him close into a slow, swirling, swaying dance.

Like when Runaan had helped him with his archery earlier that afternoon, Ethari’s heart was pounding a million miles an hour at the closeness that they were sharing. What did this all mean? First the archery lesson, now the dance? Was this Runaan’s way of telling him he liked Ethari? Was that even possible? What reason could he possibly have for doing so? He thought back to Runaan’s behaviour since their trial but couldn’t really pinpoint any real change in behaviour. Did that mean he’d always liked him or was he reading too much into this? There was, after all, no one else to dance with at this particular moment in time.

The pair spun around the fire, but Ethari’s thoughts were spinning much faster. He leaned slightly back to look at Runaan, sure the confusion was evident in his face. Runaan smiled gently at him.

“You’re thinking too much.” He said softly. Ethari softened.

He was right. Runaan’s arms were around him. Around HIM! He decided to relax and go with it. Whatever Runaan’s feelings may be, they were there in this moment, in this dance, and Ethari determined to enjoy every sensation. There was a cool breeze on the evening wind, but Ethari didn’t feel any of it, instead he felt a warmth inside him that sparked hotter every time his gaze met Runaan’s, every time they swirled apart and back together. Every time their hands met, or their fingers entwined. The sounds of the forest faded out, the other two disappeared from his focus and for a while it was just the two of them dancing in the forest, the music from the melodaisies swelling along with the warmth in his heart.

Ethari closed his eyes and tried to commit this moment to memory. He knew this was a night he would not soon forget. Almost without thinking he leaned his head against Runaan’s shoulder, Runaan’s arm squeezing him gently closer. Ethari thought if it was possible to die from contentedness he might just be ready to go.

***

Ethari woke up the next morning to a tickling sensation on the back of his neck. He tried to roll over but ran into a solid, warm presence at his back. He froze, turning his head to see Runaan, fast asleep on his side very, very close to him. It was his breath on the back of Ethari’s neck that had woken him. Slowly, carefully, so as not to wake Runaan, Ethari shifted and rolled over, staring at the other elf in wonder. Despite his movement Runaan slept on, as deep a sleeper as ever. Ethari held back on the urge to brush some of the hair out of his face. Despite yesterday and last night, he still wasn’t sure what this was, if it meant the same thing to Runaan as it did to him.

Suddenly unable to stay in that close embrace with the vagueness of what they may be, Ethari got up looking around the campsite. He noted Tiadrin and Lain across the fire, very clearly cuddling as they slept. There didn’t seem to be any vagueness or doubt about the pair of them, and Ethari felt an unexpected pang of jealousy.

Clearing his throat, Ethari began gathering things to try and make a breakfast for the group. He looked at the supplies they bought and chuckled. They had planned to head back into the village last night, but must have fallen asleep shortly after they finished dancing. he glanced over at his bow. He could return to the creek and have breakfast ready by the time the rest of them woke up. It would also have the added bonus of distracting him from the swirling questions churning around in his mind.

Decision made, Ethari grabbed his bow and headed back towards the creek

***

Runaan woke and stretched, sitting up and glancing around the camp. Tiadrin and Lain were predictably wrapped around each other, but Ethari wasn’t anywhere in sight. Runaan bit his lip, wondering if he had maybe overstepped a boundary snuggling in close as he had last night. It had been cold and he hadn’t been able to sleep until he got closer to Ethari. But now Ethari was gone. Maybe Runaan had upset him. He got up and looked around, hoping to see the other elf but he couldn’t see him any where. He started to get worried and made a perimeter, but there was still no sign.

Heart pounding and wanting to know what had happened to Ethari, Runaan shook Tiadrin and Lain awake. They squinted up at him.

“What is it.”

“Did you guys see Ethari leave?”

“What? No.” Tiadrin rubbed her eyes and looked around. “You sure he didn’t just pop off to answer natures call?”

Runaan shifted nervously. “No, I-”

“Ok well I have to!” Tiadrin shot up and disappeared into the forest.

Lain stretched and sat up.

“Dude! Great work last night!” He said, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. Runaan slumped a little.

“I don’t know. I don’t think he feels the same way.” He muttered, glancing around the otherwise empty campsite.

“Are you sure?” Lain asked. “He seemed to be enjoying the dance. Couldn’t tear his eyes from you.”

Runaan shrugged helplessly.

“Did you guys talk at all?”

“No.”

“So he doesn’t know how you feel?” Lain prodded gently.

“I’m pretty sure that he does. I didn’t exactly hide it.” Runaan said, colour rising in his cheeks.

“Runaan.” Lain took a deep breath. “You know how undiscerning us dudes can be. We need it spelled out. I would assume Ethari is the same?”

Runaan looked at him in horror. “What, am I supposed to just say it? Hello Ethari I can’t stop thinking about you, I think you’re super neat and sweet and handsome and I really just want to kiss you right now!” Runaan buried his face in his hands.

“That sounded pretty good to me,” Lain said, an encouraging smile on his face. “I bet he won’t be able to resist.”

Tiadrin returned from her walk and Runaan shot a look at Lain that indicated that the conversation was over. Lain wisely turned his attention to his stomach.

“Any idea what’s for breakfast?”

***

Ethari stood stock still in the forest just out of sight, wondering if his ears had been playing tricks on him. He glanced down at the string of fish in his hand, wondering if he could act normal after what he had just overheard Runaan saying. He felt lighter than he could ever remember feeling. Runaan felt the same! For some unknown reason Runaan liked him! What happened next Ethari had no idea, but at this very moment he felt he could take on the world! Should he go in there and just kiss him? No, Runaan was too reserved for that. It would probably embarrass him or backfire in some way. Ethari had to take it slow, at Runaan’s pace. Something was obviously holding him back. That’s ok. Ethari was patient. He could work at Runaan’s pace.

Taking a few deep breaths and trying to quell his elated grin, he started moving again, maybe making more noise than was strictly necessary.

“Oh hey, you guys are awake,” he said, unable to completely suppress his grin as he swung the fish down by the fire. He turned quickly away from them so they wouldn’t pick up on it.

“You must have been up early,” Tiadrin said.

Runaan came up beside him and wordlessly started cleaning the fish and prepping them for eating. Ethari smiled his thanks, and Runaan returned a soft smile before looking quickly back down at his fish. Ethari’s smile grew.  

“Hello?” Tiadrin called, also coming up beside him.

Crap! Act normal!

“Oh yeah, I was up about an hour ago.” Ethari shrugged as Tiadrin raised a questioning eyebrow.

“That’s not a bad haul for an hour.” Lain commented, also approaching and thankfully pulling Tiadrin’s assessing eyes away from Ethari for the moment. They started re-building the fire while Runaan and Ethari finished cleaning the fish.

Breakfast was a quiet affair, and the four of them returned to the village shortly after. Ethari took one last look at the meadow where they had made their camp, trying to memorise the look and feel of the place. After this trip, this may just be his new favourite place on earth.

Ethari chuckled at his friend. Runaan just raised an eyebrow and Lain was staring at her, a dreamy expression on his face as he played with the braid she had given him. Tiadrin slumped back in defeat.

“I don’t even know what to dare him to do, it’s not like he’s scared of anything.” She muttered. 

“Oh, I know!” Lain perked up and turned to face Runaan, grinning. “I dare you to tell us about your first kiss.”

Tiadrin sat back up. “Ooooh good thinking!”

Runaan glared darkly. “That’s not a dare.”

Lain smiled back smugly. Ethari tried not to look too interested in the answer.

Runaan sighed. “Fine. It was a kid named… I think Miller. Fourth grade. Very forgettable.” He darted a quick glance at Ethari, but returned his attention quickly to the pair grilling him. 

“Oh, what was Miller like?” Tiadrin turned to Lain, “Do we know a Miller?” She turned back to Runaan, “You’re not lying are you?”

Runaan just crossed his arms. “That’s all you get. Lain’s turn.”

Lain grinned lazily. “I’m pretty sure Miller’s family moved to the clan by the North sea.” 

“That’s not what I meant.” Runaan growled. 

“Do you miss him?” Tiadrin asked.

‘What? no. I barely remember. We were kids.” Runaan sighed, “Can we please move on?”

“Fine. Lain? Truth or dare?”

“Dare.”

Tiadrin sat and thought a moment. “Ok, I dare you to go get me a melodaisy.”

Ethari and Runaan raised their eyebrows. 

“That’s it?” Runaan asked.

Tiadrin shrugged. “That’s my favourite flower.” 

Lain got up and loped away. 

Tiadrin turned back to the other two and hissed “Plus he’s still recovering remember. I can’t exactly dare him to do a triple flip over a lake of snapping toads now can I?”

“He’d do it.” Runaan said, shrugging. 

“I know he would which is why I told him to get me a flower.”

“The only reason you told him to get you a flower?” Ethari chimed in with a grin.

 Tiadrin blushed but did not back down. “Maybe not but what of it?”

“Why didn’t you just dare him to kiss you?”

Tiadrin turned bright red and Ethari felt a little bad for his questioning.

“Maybe I will,” she said. 

“He’d do it.” Runaan said again. 

Tiadrin spun to him. “What?”

Runaan shrugged. “He really likes you. I’ve never seen him like this with anyone.” 

“Like what?”

“Like I don’t know, like this,” Runaan gestured helplessly in the direction Lain had gone. 

Tiadrin stared at him with wide eyes, as if unsure how to take this information. Runaan frowned and stood up. 

“I’m tired of this game, I’m going to get some firewood.”

“Need a hand?” Ethari offered.

Runaan shook his head. “Thanks, I’m ok.”

He walked off into the forest and Tiadrin turned her wide eyes to Ethari. “Do you think he’s right?” There was a charming blush on her cheek and Ethari smiled.

“He knows Lain the best. It’s very possible.”

Tiadrin smiled in the direction Lain had gone.

***

“That’s not flirting dude.”

“What are you talking about? I walked next to him the whole way here! I sat next to him in that stupid truth or dare game. What else do you want from me?”

Lain shook his head, almost in defeat. “How are you so dense about this? You have to show affection not just respect or friendliness.”

Runaan frowned. “How do you do that?”

“Well for starters, when he offers to help you with the firewood, you let him.”

Runaan’s frown deepened, “But I didn’t need help with the firewood.”

“Its not about the firewood” Lain took a deep breath. “It’s about spending time together. Getting to know each other. You like this guy yes?”

Runaan bit his lip and nodded. 

“Well you do little things. Compliment him, not just his work, but him. Spend a lot of time together. Find out his favourite colour and wear it.”

“Is that why you are wearing your only green tunic for the third time this week?”

Lain grinned, “Now you’re getting it.”

“You need to get some more clothes. You are going to repulse her with your stench.”

Lain sniffed at his tunic and pulled a face. “You might be right about that. Can we stop by the creek on the way back?”

“I don’t think the creeks going to be much help at this point. Plus, you haven’t even found this flower yet.”

Lain turned and surveyed the field. There was no music coming from any of the flowers. He stooped down and plucked one from a group. 

“There, got the flower, you’ve got your firewood, let’s get back!”

“I don’t think that’s a-”

“I know, but they’re not singing at the moment so I can’t tell. It’s pretty enough right?”

Runaan eyed the yellow petals with small pink fluffy balls coming off stems in the middle. “It looks lovely. I’m sure she’ll love it.”

Lain grinned and his expression went dreamy. Runaan shook his head and started leading the way back to the others.

***

After a quick freshening up at the creek, Lain and Runaan made it back to the others in short order. Tiadrin and Ethari rose when they saw them approaching. Lain bowed low, presenting the flower to Tiadrin, who laughed. Lain looked up.

“What is it?” 

“That’s not a melodaisy.” Tiadrin giggled. 

Lain looked at the flower a little helplessly. “None of them were singing, I couldn’t tell. What is it?”

“Take a sniff,” Tiadrin suggested. 

Lain cautiously sniffed the flower, which exploded a cloud of gas into his face. 

Tiadrin and Ethari laughed and even Runaan was wearing a grin as Lain gagged and coughed at the stench of the flower. So much for freshening up. 

“Eugh. Why is that even a thing?” He threw the flower away.

“I don’t know, but that was better than actually getting a melodaisy!” Tiadrin wiped away a tear of laughter and reached up to Lain’s shoulder.

“You made a friend though,” she grabbed the adoraburr who purred and chirped, bouncing in her hand. 

Lain raised an eyebrow at the small creature but couldn’t help but smile as Tiadrin cooed and petted it. 

Ethari turned to help Runaan finish building the bonfire, leaning back in satisfaction when it lit, flames dancing and letting sparks fly high into the sky. 

“Full moon tonight.” Runaan mentioned, staring at the sparks as they floated upwards.

“You know what that means,” Lain came up behind them, swinging an arm each around Runaan and Ethari, who glanced at him questioningly. 

“Dancing!” Lain let out a howl up to the moon, rising in the dark sky and started dancing around the fire, grabbing Tiadrin’s hands as he passed her and drawing her into the dance. They laughed and twirled going the full circle around the fire. Tiadrin grabbed Ethari’s hand on their next pass. Unwilling to be drawn in alone, Ethari reached out and grabbed Runaan’s hand, dragging him into the dance as well. The four of them danced and sang, swayed and twirled as the flames danced with them, reaching into the sky.

About an hour later the four collapsed into a laughing heap, having exhausted themselves in the dance. 

“I’m starving!” Tiadrin exclaimed, rummaging through her pack to see if they had brought any food.  

“Me too!” Lain agreed. Tiadrin pulled out a handful of nuts. She and Lain looked disappointed to say the least. 

“Did we not think to bring anything?” Lain looked around at the others. Ethari shrugged and Runaan just raised his eyebrows. Lain threw a stick at Runaan. “Go catch us some dinner.”

Runaan frowned. “Why me?”

Lain flopped back dramatically. “I’m still recovering. That’s why.”

“Also, you are the only one who brought a weapon.” Tiadrin chimed in with an impish grin on her face. 

“Uh, I actually brought one too.” Ethari mentioned. 

“So go together then. More chance of a good meal that way!” Lain sat up and made big eyes at Runaan who flushed and looked away. He glanced over at Ethari who was grinning, a little bashful.

“I’d probably just mess things up, but if you need a hand I’m happy to help?” He said, his expression open yet hesitant. 

Runaan glanced over at Lain one more time. Lain gestured encouragingly. Nodding towards Ethari Runaan stood. 

“Let’s go then.”

Ethari stood up quickly and fumbled with the small bow he had brought. He quickly fell into line behind Runaan, waving to the other two who grinned conspiratorially as they waved back. Ethari felt a moment of unease before turning and following Runaan into the forest.  

The pair trekked silently through the woods, coming to the nearby stream. They paused for a moment on the bank. 

“This is a good spot.” Runaan whispered. Ethari glanced around, not seeing any game. Runaan put a hand on his shoulder and pointed to the water. “Look.”

Ethari watched for a moment and sure enough he could soon see swarms of bioluminescent fish swimming through the stream. 

“Oh they’re beautiful!” He breathed, kneeling down to get a better look. 

“Great taste too!” Runaan said, already notching an arrow. Ethari quickly backed out of the way and watched as Runaan speared three fish in a single shot, sending the others scattering throughout the water. Runaan glanced at Ethari before wading into the stream to collect his catch. 

“Good shot!” Ethari said when he returned. Runaan nodded toward him. 

“Your turn.”

“Oh, uh, I mean sure.” Ethari grabbed his bow and notched his own arrow, taking aim at the school of fish that was slowly regathering.

“You normally shoot like that?” Runaan asked. 

Ethari’s gaze shot up to him. “Like what?” His bow drooped toward the ground.  

Runaan had a gentle smile on his face. He pushed off of the tree he had been leaning against and approached until he was standing behind Ethari. 

“Take your aim.” 

“What are you doing?” Ethari asked, every sense suddenly very aware of the body standing so close behind him.

“I’m helping. Take your aim.” Runaan’s voice was patient and Ethari tried to relax, pulling his bow back up and aiming towards the fish once more. He waited for Runaan’s next instruction, and nearly jumped when he felt a pair of hands on his shoulders, pushing down gently.

“Your shoulders are up around your ears. You need to relax them.” Runaan chuckled. 

Easier said than done at the moment. Every one of Ethari’s senses was on high alert. Still, Ethari took a deep breath and managed to lower his shoulders. The gentle pressure of Runaan’s hands remained. 

“Take a wider stance. You’ll be better balanced.” One of Runaan’s feet nudged one of Ethari’s until he was standing with his feet about shoulder width apart. 

“Good, now, steady with this hand.” One of Runaan’s hands came off his shoulders as one arm came out to steady Ethari’s bow hand. 

“Pull back.” 

Ethari pulled the arrow back.

“Both eyes open, watch your target. See how they are moving.” 

The glowing fish came back into focus. And Ethari watched for a moment as they darted through the water.

“Breathe out and release.” 

Ethari released the arrow and watched as it speared two fish. He turned to Runaan, an exhilarated grin on his face to see a matching one on Runaan’s. He was caught in Runaan’s gaze for a moment. Was it just the moonlight or was one of Runaan’s eyes ever so slightly darker than the other? Ethari shook himself a little and took a step back. He turned to wade into the stream to collect his catch.

“We better catch at least three more, Lain is likely to eat half of what we’ve caught by himself.” Runaan commented, staring at their small pile of fish as Ethari made his way back to shore. 

“Probably a good plan. Tiadrin’s an eater as well.” Ethari grinned, “I’m also pretty hungry.”

Runaan smiled wryly, “Me too.”

They both took up their bows once more.

“Working shirtless again I see. You know, attractive as you are, I’m afraid my heart belongs to someone else!” Tiadrin swooned dramatically as she sauntered into the workshop and helped herself to a drink of water. She poured one out for Ethari too, who turned from the forge to accept it. 

“Thanks,” he said gratefully, downing the glass quickly and wiping some of the sweat from his brow. Rehydrated, he grinned at his friend and flexed his pecs, wiggling his eyebrows.

“You mean these babies don’t do anything for you?” 

Tiadrin laughed and grabbed the towel from the hook where he kept it, flinging it into his face. 

“Save it for someone who cares you hot piece of ass.”

Ethari wiped his face, laughing as Tiadrin tried to take a peek at his sketchbook, laying open on her new sword design. He quickly slid it out of her reach. 

“No fair!” She pouted.

“I told you, you get to see it when it’s done.”

Tiadrin grumbled but didn’t argue. “How is it coming?” She asked instead.

Ethari shrugged “I mean it should be good when it’s done. It’s kind of ugly looking at the moment. 

Tiadrin shot a worried glance towards the hilt of her sword as Ethari leaned back against the counter. 

“I dropped by your house a few times, but you haven’t been there.” He said, conversationally. 

Tiadrin blushed, “Yeah I’ve been spending a lot of time in the healing huts.”

Ethari said nothing, just raising his eyebrows, waiting for more. Tiadrin sighed. 

“Damn it Ethari I really like him. Like, more than I expected to. It’s kind of scary.” Her voice had dropped into a whisper. 

“Why?” Ethari asked. 

Tiadrin shot him a look of disbelief. “Because what if he doesn’t like me back?” She asked as if it was obvious.

Ethari frowned, thinking back to their mission, how Lain had followed her everywhere, how he had risked his life saving hers, how he had watched her. “I mean I don’t think that’s likely, but if it’s true then he’s an idiot.”

Tiadrin smiled softly, staring off into space. “Oh he’s an idiot all right.” The fond smile on her face belied the words. 

“How is he doing?” Ethari asked. 

“Oh he’s being stubborn, insisting he’s absolutely fine and doesn’t need to be there despite barely being able to walk down the hall unassisted.” Tiadrin huffed in frustration. “Solana has told him three more days and he is begging me to bust him out.” She blushed, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I’m not going to do it of course, he still needs more recovery time, but dang, the boy can be persuasive!”

Ethari laughed. “You can be pretty persuasive when you want to be.”

“Especially with a sword in my hand!” Tiadrin grinned at him. 

“Oh yes especially then!”

They fell into comfortable silence for a moment. 

“It wasn’t so bad was it?” Tiadrin eventually asked, “Being grouped with Lain and Runaan?”

Ethari smiled, thinking back to his panic when he had found out about the grouping. He had thought it would be much more embarrassing than it was, but aside from getting flung around like a doll by a giant sand monster he had actually dealt with the trial fairly well.

“I thought I would stick my foot in it much more often than I actually did.” Ethari said thoughtfully. 

Tiadrin grinned at him, “And what happened between you and Runaan while Lain and I were away?” She asked suggestively. 

“I think we became.. friends,” Ethari said, thinking about Runaan opening up to him, their conversation that lasted well into the wee hours of the morning. The dance back into the silver grove. 

Tiadrin raised her eyebrows, “Just friends?” She prodded. 

Ethari smiled indulgently. “Yeah, what else would there be. He is Runaan. I’m just me.” 

“I mean if Lain is an idiot for not liking me then Runaan is most certainly an idiot for not liking you!”

“Runaan’s not an idiot.” 

“So he likes you then?”

“No, he’s just not an idiot.”

Tiadrin came right up to Ethari and planted her palms on both of his cheeks. Ethari looked down at her in surprise. 

“Ethari. Get this through your thick skull. You are worthy of love, and any man would be a fool not to love you.”

Ethari smiled softly down at his best friend, pulling her in for a hug. She returned the tight embrace for a moment before wriggling around to try and catch another glimpse of his sketchbook. He promptly lifted her up and carried her to the door. 

“Time for you to go now missy, how am I supposed to get any work done with you showering me with compliments?”

Tiadrin huffed but willingly started moving away. At the door they noticed Runaan down by the pond, looking up in their direction. They both smiled and waved. Runaan stiffened but waved back, before turning and darting towards the training fields. 

Tiadrin let out a huff of laughter. “I mean he’s a weird dude, but I can see the appeal.”

“Stop,” Ethari said, gently nudging her. 

“Love you,” she said, moving towards the healing huts. 

“Love you too.” Ethari called back before moving back towards the forge.

***

Tiadrin stood up and stretched. Lain had just drifted off to sleep after telling her a story about his childhood. She tried to imagine him as a rambunctious child and smiled at the image it brought to mind. 

“Uh Tiadrin?” 

She whirled to see Runaan hovering in the doorway, looking nervous. It wasn’t unusual to see him here, he visited with Lain daily, but he had already visited today, and it was unusual to see him twice. 

“Hey Runaan.”

He smiled. Or tried to. From what Tiadrin could tell. At the very least his cheek twitched.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Yeah buddy, what’s up?”

He seemed to hesitate, taking a deep breath and opening his mouth before closing it. Tiadrin watched him, puzzling over his actions. 

“Do you need something?”

“Uh, no.”

“Do you want a minute with Lain? I was about to get dinner anyway.”

Runaan shook his head, “No, its… It’s about Ethari.”

Tiadrin perked up.

“Is he… are you…” he couldn’t seem to get the words out, and a blush was forming on his cheeks. He sighed helplessly, gesturing with his hands as though Tiadrin should be able to pick up on what he was saying. 

Tiadrin frowned for a moment before putting the dots together. 

“Wait, me and Ethari?” She laughed, “Oh dear,  no, I’m most definitely not his type.”

“Ok.” 

It was hard to read Runaan’s expressions, but Tiadrin thought he looked a little pleased at the news. 

“You two are… close though?”

Tiadrin smiled, “Yeah he’s been my best friend for a long time now.”

“He seems a good friend to have.”

“A better boyfriend I’d wager.” She said with a grin and a wink. Someone had to egg this guy on. 

Runaan stiffened and then nodded formally. 

“Right, well I won’t keep you from your dinner.”

“You’re welcome to join if you like.”

“Thank you, no. I have uh, a previous engagement.” 

Runaan disappeared through the door and Tiadrin watched him go with a smile. Ethari was right then. Runaan wasn’t an idiot.

***

Ethari stoked the flames, making sure they were rising nice and high. He wiped the sweat from his brow and put the bucket into the hottest part of the flame. He held it there a moment before withdrawing it, giving it a little swirl and then re-entering it in. He repeated this several times until the metal within was pure liquid and the bucket was glowing red hot. Retreating from the heat, he hurried over to the mold, pouring the liquified metal in, watching with no small amount of satisfaction as it smoothly ran between the various elements that he had crafted the mold to fit. He heard the door swing open and slam shut, but he dared not remove his gaze from the mold - he had a very strict amount of this metal, and he couldn’t afford to lose a single drop. Finishing the pour he grabbed the other half of the mold, pressing it together and strapping it in place to hold the metal while it cooled. He dropped his tools and looked up for the first time, seeing Runaan standing at the door, eyes wide, cheeks red. 

“Oh hey Runaan,” Ethari grinned and wiped some more sweat off his brow, missing the way Runaan’s eyes were glued to him. He grabbed a towel from the rack on the wall, “I thought you were hanging out with Lain today.”

Runaan blinked and nodded stiltingly, not saying a word. Ethari regarded him carefully, tilting his head. 

“You ok?”

More blinks and nods. Ethari frowned, confused, but turned to head to the back of the shop. 

“Ok well give me a minute, I’ll grab my shirt and be right back.”

Not sure what was eating at Runaan, Ethari ducked into his living area. He quickly towelled off the rest of the sweat and pulled his shirt over his head before heading back out to the main part of the workshop. Runaan hadn’t moved and was looking at him with something akin to disappointment as he took in the top Ethari was wearing. Ethari tugged at the hem, unsure, and Runaan’s eyes lifted to his.

“Uh, they’re letting Lain go home today.” He blurted.

“Oh that’s great news!” 

Runaan nodded distractedly, still eyeing Ethari’s shirt. Ethari thought he noted a hint of distaste. Maybe Runaan didn’t like purple? Either way Ethari tried to shrug it off as he turned to make sure the safety was in place for the furnace.

“Shall we go welcome him back to the real world?” He said once it was done.

“I think he’d like that.” Runaan agreed.

***

Lain had been awake for the last several days, and insisting that he was fine, however the healers had wanted to keep him in for observation a few extra days. Tiadrin had made herself a nuisance, but healer Solana had developed a soft spot for her, and let her hang around. That left little room for Runaan and Ethari to visit, but they had popped by when they could and Lain had bemoaned his ‘imprisonment’, trying to convince them to break him out. The three of them were more than happy to leave him in the care of the healers however, as even yesterday he had still looked quite pale. 

They got to the healers tent just as Lain was getting out, half listening to a lecture from Solana.

“No strenuous activities for at least another two weeks!” She called out as he walked away. “Three would be better.” She muttered, shaking her head and returning to within the healing huts. 

“Runaan! Ethari!” Lain called out, embracing each of them by turn. “It’s so good to see your faces in the light of the sun! I was going crazy in there! I swear I would have broken out days ago if Rin hadn’t kept me entertained with stories of the dragon guard!”

At the nickname Ethari shot a questioning glance at Tiadrin, who blushed but shot him a don’t even start look. She was following just behind Lain, ready to dart in and assist if needed, but Lain was walking around as if he’d never been hit. 

“Whats this?” Runaan pointed to a new braid on the right side of his face.

“Oh you like it?” Lain reached up to hold the new braid out. “Rin gave it to me while I was convalescing.” He said dramatically, tilting his head to show off the braid.

“Rin?” Ethari couldn’t help but ask. There was murder growing in Tiadrin’s eyes as he said the nickname and Ethari quickly bit his tongue. “Right, Tiadrin. Sorry.”  His smile widened though at the obvious affection between the two. A nickname - especially for Tiadrin - was no small thing. He glanced over at Runaan but he hadn’t seemed to notice. 

“It’s good to see you out and about.” Runaan said, clasping Lain on the arm.

“Its good to be out and about! I was going crazy cooped up in there!” Lain stretched and let his gaze wander around the village. He breathed in deeply and smiled.

“The healer said there was some poison on the talon that got you,” Tiadrin reminded him. She turned to the others, “Thats why he took it so hard. That and he lost a lot of blood on the ride back.”

Lain grabbed her hand at this, noticing her curling into herself.

“They also said you got me to them in the nick of time.” He said softly. “If it wasn’t for you I probably wouldn’t have made it.”

Tiadrin bit her lip and nodded. Lain looked up and grinned. 

“This calls for celebration!”

“Aren’t you supposed to be taking it easy?” Ethari questioned. “We all heard Solana.”

Lain waved his concern away. “Pssshhaw, I will be taking it easy. We can go to the meadow, have a campfire, do some dancing. nothing strenuous about it.”

Tiadrin looked up at Lain eagerly. Runaan looked across at Ethari and raised his eyebrow in question. Ethari supposed Lain couldn’t get in too much trouble with the three of them there to look out for him, plus there was a metal deposit not too far away that he could drop by to get some extra materials. He had a new idea for a dagger that he wanted to get started on right away. He realised after a moment that the other three were looking at him, as if waiting for his answer. He grinned easily. 

“Yeah ok, sounds fun!”