By Grace;

"I'm so glad you're back," Manny said, grinning wide at the recently returned valkyrie. He and Taryn were enslaved and promoted out of the Undercroft together around relatively the same time via different benefactors. Nothing really solidified a bond of friendship like sharing an experience together. He also, on a slightly selfish note, missed having Taryn's virtuous nature that opposed his vice around even though Manny felt more comfortable in controlling his own nature these days. Course he got the inside scoop on Taryn's return before any sort of gossip spread around, hence why he'd met up with him in town. "How've you been, man? You need any help unpacking shit or you pretty much all settled in?"

Taryn heard the padding of steps just behind him before he turned and a wide grin brimmed over his features. He didn't even give Manny the time to react before he grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. "Me too." There was something balancing about the friendship. Manny gave Taryn the grace to really get into his feelings, without the need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. And he gave that same space to Manny. He let the other go after a moment, hand on his cheek. "I think I can go without unpacking more. But... I did bring some stuff back for you." He couldn't come back without trinkets or gifts for the people he cared about. "I think I was away for a little too long... some new faces are around."

Soo hummed a tune of Defying Gravity as he made his way towards the hallway. He told himself not to get involved with mundane human entertainment but there he was, after his employees kept talking how good it was, the master got curious what it was all about. It was.. of course a big insult to witches he thought, and he found it quite comical. Was there ever really a green witch? Asking that question was like asking if Dracula existed. He wasn't exactly a witch but he had magic of his own. He stopped in annoyance when someone bumped onto him, whether it was on purpose or not it made him groan in annoyance. That sort of stupid encounter kept happening to him. In a quick retaliation, he tangled his leg on the other's, purposely tripping him and he kicked his back, placing his foot flat. He might as well fall on his face. "Not so sorry. It's your fault."

The more shit changed outside the castle walls, the more glaringly Krovs stayed the same. Magnai found that comforting, in a strange way. Same over-the-top furnishings, same massive outline against the mountains that made him feel like he was sieging the place all over again every time the varcolac travelled that long road up the hill. Some of the same people. That was what kept him coming back, wasn't it? Couldn't trust the many faces coming in and out of the castle doors to stay consistent, no matter how ancient. Couldn't trust the standards of the castle itself not to change either.

Taryn approached the garden bench where the other sat, the gravel path crunching softly beneath his boots. The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and distant snow. The man's remark about the cold night drew a nod from Taryn, acknowledging both the statement and the unspoken invitation to converse. Standing a respectful distance away, Taryn clasped his hands behind his back, his posture attentive yet relaxed. "Of course," he replied, his voice steady. "What would you like to know?" His gaze met the unfamiliar, reflecting a readiness to engage in whatever matters he wished to discuss.