how to care for those you love

Lora's charm is an awkward one. Long have I bemoaned her tendency to be ever-so-slightly overbearing in her insistence upon providing assistance, much as Addam, and it's true; her penchant is to be in your face and up-n-at-em, and even Jin still hasn't gotten himself used to it. So Lady Lora, they say, did you rest well today? Are you prepared for your court business? They tease, and tease, and tease some more, all and only in love, and after her initial shock the good mercenary laughs right along with them. Of course she is - did you ever doubt it?

The legendary kindness of one such as Jin is indeed not immediately apparent. He seems cold, turned off, perhaps the slightest bit full of himself, yet Lora who in turn should be considerably shaken by that...isn't. They all follow in to her example, engaging the Paragon with ease and letting him accede to the dynamic as he will. He's no stranger to a friendly jab, nor to communication markedly more sincere. In truth, it's any possible insincerity that he shies away from. So, to the measured man with all gallantry. Gradually, he opens up to new relationships and memories.

To love Haze is confoundingly easy - Blades weren't made to be protected, coveted, cherished, were they? Of course, that doesn't stop this group. Gladly, the gentlemen of their ranks kiss her cheeks in thanks for a healing well done, as do the ladies. Think nothing of it, she might say, I'm just happy to have you on your feet again, and to have you rely on me. But she blushes all the same, casting the most refreshing of air through the group, and they swear double the fealty to her aimless but adorable quest to guide them all safely on.

Just as the Tornan people, commonfolk and militia alike, love Addam so dearly, so too do the traveling band drawing upon all of their proudest ambitions. He loves to ask, so gamely, about what they're doing and what they're hoping for, how they slept and how they dreamt, and how the more melancholy among them are feeling. Easy as it would be to toss off nuanced quips about his failure to truly meet his unwanted status, Minoth and Jin instead return the enthusiasm and, yes, the love, in kind. You're doing alright, you know that, Prince? You're doing just fine.

There's always something mystifying about Mythra's hidden intelligence and maturest power. What someone like Lora or Aegaeon would take a day or two to grapple with - the interpersonal impression of Zettar, for example, or if not him then certainly Amalthus, as melded with their political goals - she could and can parse in an instant. Brighid watches, marvels, then Addam joins, and Haze, until every one of them is biting back on their shamefully cruel initial words. And Mythra? Recovering swiftly from being touched and taken aback, she just tosses her hair back over her shoulder and smirks. See? Told ya.

Though Minoth doesn't place overmuch stock in material things like the charms and talismans Lora and Haze make (see Brighid's perfume, perishable), the easiest token of affection he finds to yield from his own self is a story, a manuscript, a corporeal tale you keep forever. Still, inspiration has to strike on its own; he doesn't take kindly to blunt offhand requests. For a captive audience, however? Anything, anything at all. Yes, he's brusque, he's brash, his darkness makes you think you'd never see a smile, but play your cards right, and you probably can't get him to stop grinning.

Hugo's an odd one. His personality isn't half so stiff as his posture, yet at the campfire he simply...sits. He is just sitting there, quiet and attentive and considering of the conversation as it unfolds. There's not much to do for him, much as Aegaeon might try, and overextend himself and his welcome in doing so. So when he does speak, all eyes are on him, silent and ready just as he always is. Perhaps he freezes for a moment, unused to the real respect emanating from his colleagues, but he soon recovers, and continues with awe-inspiring warmest composure.

It's quite something, to court Brighid's favor. She, like Mythra, desires attention, but the difference is that she is already quite used to a status of central importance, respect, veneration. Anything less is a fall from grace - but does any one of them mind to prevent such a thing? Not in the least, and they dote on the Jewel just as she deserves. A vial of moisturizer here, an offering of an extra garment in the rain there...simple. Perfect. If you're not careful, she'll burn you. But if you are...I'm sure the kindling proves to be very nice.

Aegaeon doesn't ask for much. Sometimes they are all convinced that he doesn't even think of much notable. Not that he is stupid, perish the thought, but that he is reserved truly beyond any and all comparison. Gifts would not suit him, do not please him. But Haze says here, Master Aegaeon, this reminded me of you, and furnishes him with sweets and talismans, mementos of their time together, just as Jin strives to match his technique. There is none so constant and supportive as him. One can only hope to give half the same measure of goodness in return.

A band of motley adventurers is, of course, the perfect incorporation for two young boys to be become tagalong. There are supplies to be gathered, caverns to be explored, monsters to gawk at...though Milton and Mikhail, sadly, aren't always included. Whether it's fishing, cooking, swimming, they are always eagerly learning. Addam is not merely a boy, pretend it though he might, and Hugo also has long left those years and days behind. None better to remind them all, then, what it means to have fun, to have joy and curiosity truly driving, without fear, each new and exciting day.

"Awfully chilly out here," someone comments.

"The blankets are wearing a little thin," someone else agrees.

What is thin and wind-chilled on the outside is nothing, however, to the warm, full companionship of the inside.

Lora looks at Haze looks at Jin looks at Aegaeon looks at Hugo looks at Addam looks at Minoth looks at Brighid looks at Mythra looks at the boys, and they all turn their noses towards the shadow of a great dragon in the skies above.

"Shall we all sleep together, then?"

Yes, they look around and think, well, I may have my inhibitions, but if I couldn't be with people, I wouldn't want to...be.