Chapter Text
The floorboards creaked as a figure made it’s move around the slim table; smoothing a map within the centre delicately. Although not out of necessity, Pulcinella plopped the remaining pieces of his set within miscellaneous spots; seeing no benefit in specific areas of any nation. “Trading appears to be stagnate.” Was his only reply, as he slumped in his seat ungraciously.
“I suppose it’s the equivalent of your sex life.” Arlecchino quipped in amusement, her gloved digits shuffling to caress the map in a unusual gesture of gratitude. Her flaxen locks brushing against her cheeks as she nodded to her side. Capitano snorted once to which La Signora levelled a death glare at him, then it was instantly smothered behind a wet cough.
Dottore’s gaze wandered around the deteriorating map, a disapproving expression clouded his complexion or what was seen. “I do believe we are not succeeding.” Came Dottore’s input with a scowl, though he had little care for the diplomatic business and its ministrations between the nations - it irritated him to hear that one wasn’t co-operating.
“I suppose our course of action is redundant. Perhaps, we should attempt a more successful motion.” Commented the Balladeer, his pale hands flying to glide across the map thrown across the table between them. “If we were to deploy here,” he pressed a digit in a area of Liyue territory, “there is less commotion to be had. My subordinates have informed me there is lesser activity in this area. Therefore, we won’t be disturbed on pursuit.” Leaning back quite too casually for a Harbinger, lilac locks falling from atop his head as he surveyed his colleagues’ faces: he wasn’t offended that none of them had changed at all or that they lacked any sense of reaction.
“Pray to tell, Balladeer, this isn’t a discussion on invasion.” Childe remarked with a grin on his face, his gloved digits smoothing out the map as he confidentially sent the shorter a sly look. “It is intended to be a diplomatic discussion, not one that insinuates war. Regardless, Liyue Harbour is a trading port, it would fall badly on our Lady.” Dull eyes flashing with amusement at the flustered expression residing on the other’s face. As quickly as he shot down the other’s advice, the male removed the Balladeer’s chess pieces on the map; tossing them aside (for later, he supposes.)
Huffing in irritation, the Balladeer withdrew his statement. “I suppose so, if invasion isn’t the topic of discussion.” He hummed lowly, as he shuffled to sit back down, feeling quite annoyed that his proposition was shot fairly easily. Columbina hummed at him, the crosses adorning her face shifting a little as she ushered her lips from forming a jeer. “You are rather irrational, Balladeer.” She commented lowly, as she cemented her head upon a gloved palm - the Balladeer regarded her for a moment, until he spun around to reface the map.
“I suppose not. We want the Gnosis, not the people.” La Signora remarked from her side of the room, her flaxen figure illuminating as she moved elegantly to place the chess piece on the map. “Invasion is only if they refuse to comply, it is not in our regime to go after what wants to be left alone.” Her tone lacked emotion, leaving the other occupants breathless. Some were amused, some raised their eyebrows in faux confusion.
Such a hypocritical statement.
Regardless, Childe arched a brow at her declaration. “That is quite soft of you.” Childe chuckled, his lips twisting into his trademark smirk: “did you have a change of heart?” He pondered.
Her nose curled up in frustration, “I am only thinking of the best for our Lady.” She quipped in a harsh tone, swiping to shoo the younger’s hands off of the map. “Do not coddle me.” She spat in his face without much care.
“I don’t believe he was coddling you, La Signora.” Pierro tossed in impassively, his usually tight lipped expression falling into a loose grin. “Believe me, I don’t think anyone here believes you require ‘coddling’.”
The expression of La Signora’s complexion must of been one akin to absolute annoyance as Sandrone bounced to quell the flames. “It is only a comment, La Signora.” Sandrone wheezed out, her chess pieces shifting to stand near Pierro’s. “Even if you did require coddling, I’d rather keep my distance.” She admitted in hopes to tame the flames.
Observing her for a moment, Capitano’s expression fell into a deep frown. “Coddling is something everyone needs.” He quipped, intending to soften the response from Sandrone - whether to console the female or offend her, it proved it did the latter.
Her eyebrows arched down. “I do not require such ludicrous - “ She spurred on to argue her needs, as if being soft wasn’t part of her calibre.
“Cease.”
La Signora immediately closed her mouth, her usually lidded eyes widening for a fraction before she braved a huff quietly. The remaining members of the room silently sat back down at the Archon’s single statement, none of them desired to offend the Lady.
Fairly amused, Dottore’s masked complexion shifted, his eyes digging holes into his colleagues’ heads. “I do believe this discussion is not going to schedule.” He snickered, his only involvement for the past hour or so being sly jabs at the other’s expense. “If you wished to squabble, I recommend the sparring rooms.” He hissed lowly, his hands soaring to tinker with the equipment that accompanied him everywhere.
Dazed, Childe only responded with an arched brow. “Are you insinuating you wish to spar?” He blinked into a grin, his hands fidgeting at his sides as they beamed with hydro. “It can be arranged. I’m ready for such a challenge.”
The male scoffed, “a spar with you? I’d rather not. You play foul.”
Childe pouted at the refute, “I play as fairly as can be!” His face twisting into his signature grin. “Unless… You’re afraid? No need to be a coward! I’ll go easy~!“ He singsonged his phrase, as the male pivoted in his chair to stare at the other.
The Balladeer hissed, “as if anyone would like to spar with you. Your strategies are horrid.” He flicked his hand dismissively.
“Come now,” Pantalone began softly, as he riffled through his void of pockets, “one should be respectful.” He reprimanded his fellow Harbingers to the best of his abilities.
Columbina hummed at the statement, finding it rather stupid that such a matter would be significant. “I believe we are getting ahead of ourselves.” She seethed quietly, ashen locks tumbling off of her shoulders as she reached over to deal a swipe at the Balladeer’s sleeve; enticing a growl from the shorter.
Ignoring Pantalone’s interruption and Columbina’s less than polite statment, Pulcinella wheezed a chuckle. “Ah, it’s the kettle calling the pot black.” Pulcinella chuckled into his gloves, amusement painting his features as he observed the other occupants in the cramped room. Columbina met his gaze with faux disappointment.
Arlecchino sighed in the background, growing increasingly more frustrated at the exchanges between her fellow harbingers. “Now, now, respect your elders.” Reiterating Pantalone’s statement with ease. Despite not intending to inexplicably insult the Balladeer at all, Childe still broke into a small fit of laughter at the advice given.
La Signora rolled her eyes as the Balladeer squared his shoulders. “Oh, you little, insolent-“ He seethed, reaching over to grip Childe by the collar - only to be narrowly guided elsewhere by Sandrone’s polite interruption.
“I advise you to cease your bickering at once.” The usually soft tone of the Tsarista reverberated off of the steel walls, accompanying such a phrase was the shuffling of clothing - as the Lady stood into her full height. “I have encouraged you to discuss matters that are significant to the glory of the Fatui. It appears you are not doing that.” Her slim fingers balled into a fist at her sides, before they calmed back into a freer position.
The cramped room began to suffocate in moderate silence, as the occupants eyed one another in scrutiny. Coughing into his elbow, Capitano moved to straighten his back: “we apologise, your Majesty. It has been quite some time since we have last been acquainted with one another -“ He began to express his thoughts slowly, the Balladeer opened his mouth to refute yet was immediately smothered by Arlecchino’s gloved palms. “It is not of our intention, we are in your debt.” He bowed his head to demonstrate his undying loyalty to the Cryo Archon - the other Harbingers trailing after.
The temperature of the room gradually rose to it’s normal heat (which wasn’t a lot to begin with, yet it was a comforting heat none the less) as Her Majesty spun to cement herself once more into her throne. “I have heard.” She stated calmly, her sunken complexion illuminating in the low beam of the lighting. “Very well, do you have any other matters to add?” Came her question, as her gaze tore into her warriors’.
Capitano swivelled to arch a brow at the other occupants, finding solace that none of them appeared to have anything else to offer. Offended, La Signora piped up after the brief inspection, “yes, your Majesty. I believe Childe,” the eccentric male perked up at the mention of his name, “is being stationed within Liyue Harbour for a matter. Is that your doing?” She asked not to offend, yet with an edge of curiosity to her tone.
The Archon wasn’t taken back or offended by the question, rather having anticipated it. “Indeed. Childe is to be stationed in Liyue for a diplomatic matter, I have already informed him prior.” The Archon could only reply to the question with a sly jeer. “If you wish to accompany him, you must illustrate your reasonings.” She tempted with a cool breeze, her spiked digits resting by her sides.
La Signora shook her head in response, “I do not wish to accompany him, my Majesty. I have matters to attend to.” She excused herself in haste, the Balladeer gave her a once over - as if attempting to understand what ‘matters’ she had. Arlecchino shifted to perform the same notion yet decided against it; she has no say over their methods, they are as foul as hers. Regardless, the Archon’s head dipped for a moment in acknowledgement - “very well, is there anything else?” She pondered quite tenderly, as her arms bounced upon the armrests.
Silence was the only form of response.
“I see.” She hummed at the lack of response to her invitation to discuss more. The Archon stirred for one moment before she rose to her feet, her gloved hands rising from her sides to gesture for the others to do the same. “Arise.” Came her gentle command, as she motioned for them to rise to their feet - which they followed suit in reply.
The Tsarista’s navy cape billowed behind her striking figure - acting as a guise to obscure her true image to those who had yet to see her. She had never been the person to be seen in public, having been told her face is far too gentle for her methods - in an attempt to ensure her contact with her beloved Fatuis was restricted - she encouraged her Harbingers to feed information to her.
Regardless, her complexion hardened for a fraction of a second: her dull eyes stiffening as she caught of glimpse of theirs. “I concur this meeting adjourned.” She declared finally, levelling a stare into her Harbinger’s eyes; she was surprisingly pleased at the familiar gleam of rage within each set she saw. “May your endeavours be burnt anew, you may now leave.” She encouraged them in her next response, her pale complexion illuminated by the light behind her - casting an ethereal image to her slender figure.
Arlecchino bowed her head in respect. “May it be so, our Majesty.” She wheezed out in respect, the others copying her in such a demonstration with variants of their own. Childe’s ending in a open hand pressing towards the left side of his chest as he bowed.
She drew in a breath, considering her parting words before they even left her lips: “rejuvenate this world in my stead.” Was what tumbled out of her lips briefly, her hands twisting to mimic a ‘shoo’ gesture; her pleasantly navy eyes brimming with praise for her Harbingers.
Dottore lifted his head from his shallow bow, his hands flying to redo his cuffs. Once he was satisfied with their appearance, he bowed once more - twirling on his heel to reach out for the long doorknob; eagerly yanking the handle and exiting the room in one fluid motion. He didn’t even leave the door open for the others, finding no need to keep the door open as he wished to not be near the Balladeer for a second more.
The Balladeer scowled at the obvious distaste towards his presence in the room, he rose sharply - exiting the room without sending a glance at his companions. However, he only made it to the door before he bowed graciously at the Tsarista; slamming the door in Childe’s face when he had moved to leave.
Childe spluttered at the sudden intrusion. “Oh my Archons.” He muttered under his breath in irritation, his hands flying to cradle his bruised nose - ginger locks tumbling atop his head as he proceeded to backhand La Signora’s hand that was outstretched towards the door. Her face pulled into an infuriated frown, as she shoved him in an unladylike fashion to advance to the exit. Amidst the calamity occupying the oak door, Columbina elegantly dove under the young man’s forearm and quickly made her way out of the room; a string of hums and trills accompanying her descent down the slim hallway as her slender figure disappeared.
Pantalone observed the calamity taking place at the door in amusement. “Now, now, single file.” Pantalone’s mocking tone reverberated off of the grey walls, drawing closer to the commotion. Childe mumbled a ‘I’ll shove a single file up your ass.’ as he tugged the looking oak door impatiently. Arlecchino glanced at him in faux indignation, she shook her head to rid homicidal thoughts before exiting the room. Capitano bowed to the Tsarista before briskly leaving behind Arlecchino and Pantalone. La Signora trailed after, without having shot a glimpse at the Archon.
Pulcinella left once the commotion had died down, sending his graces to the Tsarista before stating he had matters to attend to. Although, Pierro gave him a look of curiosity - to which Pulcinella responded with a flat look of annoyance, as if forcing the male to not ask any further questions on what requires his attention.
Regardless, although it didn’t take much for the other 2 occupants to notice that they were the only ones (besides her Majesty) in the room. “Well. I best be leaving, our Majesty.” Pierro offered to the Archon, subtly awaiting permission for his dismiss - she did not respond so kindly to this plea.
Shaking her head once, the female rose to her feet - pointing her nose down regally at the two figures in the room: “Adam, Lilith, I invite you to remain seated.” She could only reply, her pearly blue eyes casting a gleam upon the young man’s face. “I have matters that only your ears may attend to.” She drawled on, providing that the two hadn’t moved an inch from their allocated spots within the room, a smile etched on her face as she clasped her hands tightly before her - her eyes flickering to their seats.
Sandron- Lilith’s head dropped for a moment only for it to pick itself up. Indicating that she was, indeed, listening to her Archon and her colleague, Lilith leaned back in a casual fashion. “I have heard.” She answered in a quiet tone, her voice never found itself having to be pitched higher - as she always seemed yo remain eerily tranquil in situations where your patience was tested. “However, I have not been informed of such - may I ask what these matters entail?” She asked slowly, her gaze fidgeting towards to floor before they wound up staring at the Archon.
The Tsarista considered her words for a moment, provoking Adam to ease the tension: “if such matters are confidential - then it is fine for you to dismiss us. We needn’t to know if it isn’t for the good of heart.” Adam proposed as calm as he always was, his back arched over as he directed a glance to Lilith who wasn’t faring well. “Though, it is up to your decision; I care not for if you wish to inform us, my Majesty.” The male concluded, his spiked white locks bouncing as he craned his neck to inspect the Archon’s facial expression - her expression stiffened until she swirled around to conjure an Cryo statue - her back now facing the two Harbingers.
“Very well, I have had my eyes on you for trivial matters.” She begins to discuss her reasoning for keeping them back, her gloved digits caressing her Cryo statue that had quite the resemblance to a certain Geo Archon. “I have already informed La Signora of such matters, perhaps I could share such with you.” She confessed under her breath, her hollow eyes never leaving the vacant ones of Pierro and Sandrone. Despite such an empty expression, her face remained as ever soft as it usually was - a comforting contradiction in the chilling room.
Adam pulled his chapped lips through his teeth, composing himself for a moment until Lilith piped up from beside him: “are matters in relation to her ‘matters’?” Lilith’s query struck a cord with the Archon, whom had now swivelled around to openly glare (a soft one) at her Harbingers. She breathed out a sigh, her expression hardening when her composure stabilised, “indeed. These matters are in relation to Morax: The Geo Archon.” She stated into the open air albeit to casually for Adam’s tastes, Lilith seemed pleasantly surprised at the mention of the Archon’s name rather than the tone of the Tsarista.
The male blinked back into coherency, his face twitched with an unreadable emotion, “my Majesty, isn’t the Geo Archon Tartaglia’s mission to pursue? What has our - La Signora’s presence have to do with such?” He questioned without intending to interrogate the Archon, his crimson eyes spilling over with well hidden confusion. He had absolutely no idea of their role in this trade, so he quickly changed the determiner ‘our’ to La Signora. “I believe Tartaglia was issued the command to retrieve the Archon’s Gnosis - unless I am -“ He mumbled into his palm on rapidly growing disbelief, “unless you are incorrect.” Her Lady finished for him, her expression lay calm yet bristled at the edges with minor fatigue.
Tossing her eyes to glance at the statue that was placed before her, she slid her fingers around the patterns sporting on it’s forearms: “Tartaglia is intended to play a front, he is irrational and incompetent outside the battle field.” She laid out such information to them, knowing with absolute dependance that they wouldn’t share this with whoever is mentioned. “I have instructed La Signora to carry out the official contract with Rex Lapis upon the eve of his liking.” Her gloved hands fell to her sides, as she examined her ‘masterpiece’ once more. Sensing the wavering tension, she turned her head to gaze at the two figures left in her room.
Discombobulated to a fraction, Lilith composed herself and broke the intense stare down. “I do not wish to offend,” she assured the Archon, said Archon raising a brow in curiosity, “however - why are you discussing this with us? I do understand the circumstances, yet, how will this benefit us?” Her tone dripped in uncharacteristic unease as her eyes trailed to meet Adam’s, a huff leaving her lips at the male’s calm expression. Her periwinkle waves of hair obscuring her vision as she awaited her Archon’s answer in bitter silence.
The Tsarista pried her eyes from the two, a lost expression residing on her face until it was immediately switched for a calmer one. She twisted to face her statue again, her hands flying to cement themselves onto it’s forearms once more, “it appears I wasn’t clear in my intentions.” She confessed to no one in particular, her head bowing for a fraction as she considered her next words - her tone delving deep into unwavering calmness as her Harbingers waited patiently. “I apologise for such, I was merely discussing such matters as I have been informed,” she twisted her body around in time for the two to gawk at the two, significantly smaller, statues that festered within her palms, “that you two have relations to the Geo Archon. Am I correct in believing such information?” She settled the two minuscule figures before them, prohibiting them time to inspect them as she waited for an answer.
Adam arched a brow at the creations, finding them eerily distinct to someone he knows of - yet not being able to place his finger where. His eyes widened a fraction when it dawned on him. “My Majesty, who are these?” He asked her in a polite tone, sweating extremely heavily - having known exactly who these figures were despite having asked the question. Lilith heaved through her nose as her hands twitched to delicately stroke the figures. “These are…” She muttered to no-one in particular, her tone of voice plagued with shock.
The Tsarista stood taller at their growing unease, “yes. They are who you believe they are.” She confirmed their suspicions, twirling to return to her throne as if she hadn’t placed her Harbingers in a state of calamity. “I suppose it is splendid to have such individuals on my side.” She added in bitterness, her half lidded eyes scanning their faces for a moment until she drawled on her previous point: “which is why I desired to let you in on such discussions, to reiterate - you do have relations with the Geo Archon, correct?” She questioned them once more, effectively pulling them out of their spiralling anxiety with relative ease that was so alike of her.
The male could only reply with a shake of his head, his eyes softening for a second. “I believe not, my Majesty. After my self imposed exile, I fear my relation to the Geo Archon has been made void.” He revealed with little care for such past matters, “I haven’t gotten word of him in the millennia that followed.” He finished, slouching in his chair ungraciously as it didn’t fit his figure. His crimson eyes shifting to catch Lilith’s own scarlet eyes. “Regardless, I have pledged my loyalty to you upon return. I am not loyal to any other, nor contract or any other Archon.” His declaration caused Lilith to stumble back physically, yet she returned to compose her attitude.
She caught the Tsarista’s eyes, her back straightening as she relaxed her shoulders: “I am in a similar stance of such an issue. Due to my banishment, my relation has been snuffed out and I am no longer under a contract with the Geo Archon.” She affirmed to the two, an unsaid ‘not that I was under one’ resting on her tongue. “After my rebirth, I am only loyal to you and I have pledged my life for your cause.” She vowed once more, placing a hand over her heart in a display of gratitude: “if it weren’t for you, Lord Ikari wouldn’t have released me from the amber.” Was the addition.
Her Majesty didn’t appear fazed by their undying loyalty, her expression tilted downwards sadly - prior to her swivelling around on her heel. “Very well, I assume you have renounced your titles as Yaksha?” Came her curious question, her eyes catching them nod mechanically at the question without missing a beat, she giggled to herself. “I have now heard so.” She disclosed to the two, her back facing the two shivering individuals that occupied the room alongside her. “I see, now that you have stripped your previous titles from yourselves - I best tell you the news, I have heard from sources.” Her head lowered in faux relief.
Lilith clutched her chair’s armrest, only releasing her death grip when Adam’s hand stretched to place itself on her’s. “We are ready, my Majesty.” He declared, tone dripping with absolute loyalty to the slender figure before them. “Regardless of what the news entails, we vow to keep it between ourselves until advised otherwise.” He reassured, his flaxen figure gleaming in the harsh light that lay above them - mocking them from above like the Gods once did.
The sound of rustling fabric brought their attention towards her, her neck craned over her shoulder to regard their reactions - they breathed quietly for the news.
“He, who once wandered this land, is still alive.”
꒦꒷ ︶ ꒷꒦ ₊ ˖ ˚ ꒷꒦ ` 🌘 ` ꒦꒷ ︶ ꒷꒦ ₊ ˖ ˚ ꒷꒦ ⁺
Click.
The looming oak door clicked silently as the two figures shut the door behind them, having bowed towards the Archon before politely leaving. Swivelling on his heel, Adam sucked in a hesitant breath into his mouth - his shaking legs moving on their own as they advanced onwards: Lilith following behind like a lost dog. Or, perhaps she was. The Lilith who had been reborn from amber. The Lilith who renounced her titles upon being introduced to the Tsarista. The Lilith who followed mission criteria to the bone, leaving no area of mistake or anything lacking. The Lilith who appeared so small behind him as she trailed after him.
The silence was suffocating around them, despite them finding themselves in comfortable silence - this one plagued their every being. Toying at their hearts, their eyes and their lungs - attempting to suck a reaction out of the usually emotionally incapable. Although, they had matters to discuss in a tongue long forgotten - neither party was able to express what they wished to discuss to the other, leaving them restless as they passed many doors, many exits, many routes, many realities, many -
“-am? -am? -dam?” A voice called for him, tickling at his ears pleasantly as he continued on his way onwards - pushing the siren like trill to one side as he tried to organise his thoughts. “-am? -am! -dam!” It continued like a broken record, pushing him to respond - to reply, to shut it u-
“Mǎnyuè.” It tried once more, this time more hopelessly - catching his attention finally as he twirled around and crashed into the fidgeting woman accompanying him. “Shit - my apologies, Lilith. I wasn’t, “he sucked in a much needed breath to calm himself, “I wasn’t listening.” He breathed out in genuine sympathy for having ignored the girl for half a minute or so.
Despite having been intentionally ignored, she only offered a shake of her head before she took his hand into her’s. “It is quite alright, I know it is difficult to think after such news.” She consoled him, her tone drenched in sickly sweet gentleness as she eyed him from where she stood.
He nodded once in reply, his body screaming at him to keep moving as if it could quell his worries. So, he continued his brisk pace down the long hallway, Lilith being pulled along for the quiet ride.
Silence tainted the atmosphere around them once more. This time, it was far more comforting than intimidating - as silence became a staple of their usually mute friendship, delighting them in non verbal conversations that both parties understood. The two rarely spoke to one another outside of group affairs or matters that required both of them, having found it difficult to be around the other when memories of a previous life were fresh like the scars that painted their pale canvases for bodies. Perhaps, if time had been far more kinder to their torn bodies - their relationship wouldn’t have sullen like … It is best to be left unsaid. Such matters are not of significance anymore, they have found each other. That, I suppose, is tolerable.
Lilith’s eyes traded exchanges with the scenery outside the tall windows, her voice locked in her throat as she forced herself to speak. Her eyes flickered to check her companion’s expression, she was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t drowning in guilt or sorrow - it had been plagued by eerie calmness. She remained unfazed, “do you believe in her words?” She raised the debate awkwardly, tucking a periwinkle lock behind her ears gently - talking wasn’t (never will be) her forte, regardless of how much she socialised with other members.
The male halted for a second, his body flickering between wanting to confirm her question or to continue moving on. It chose the latter, “I do not want to comment.” He offered in an indifferent tone, shrugging for a few moments as he continued. “The one, I seek, is long dead, Lilith. I have watched it happen before me.” He replied harshly, his crimson eyes clouded in something akin to disgust at her question.
She didn’t seem fazed by his harsh words, at least - not physically. “I suppose so.” She quietly responded, her eyes darting elsewhere in awkwardness, her hand gradually slipping out of his tight fist as she stood still for a moment. Disliking the lack of warmth in his hand, Adam twirled to scan the female’s posture, his eyes pulling downwards sadly as he noted the growing frown on her face. “Líng?” He tried to coax her out of whatever thought she found herself captivated in.
She didn’t respond.
Her face twitched, as she turned to fully face the window that painted the image of snow before her. It was a comforting image.
“I find myself wondering, had I been there sooner - could he still be here?” She questioned no-one in particular, her features being painted with years old guilt. She continued, not caring for an answer. “Such matters have left me wondering.”
Adam cast his gaze to the floor in disapproval, “I plead that you do not wonder further. It is not good for the heart, he is already dead.” He told her, or perhaps he was reprimanding himself - he has no idea now.
“I am not referring to him.” She scolded, her tone far lighter than it had been in her previous utterances.
“I know you aren’t.” He rebutted impassively, his hands flying to pull his hair from his eyes. He breathing in a shivering breath, as he calmed himself down. “We cannot change what we have no control of. If he’s alive presently, we have no idea if he recalls what we do.”
Silence responded for her, as she levelled a glimpse at him. “I suppose you’re right.” She huffed in indignation, her face betraying her voice as she moved towards him - then past him. “I only hope we get to see him.” She muttered as she passed him to continue walking with her back straight.
Adam couldn’t have agreed more, trailing after her and only stopping when they were at an equal pace. A gnarling sense of guilt scratching at his heart as his right side felt empty without the other person. He will have to make do until he saw him again, he supposes.