zerotohiro | I'll be the watcher of the eternal flame [Eachdraidh IC Contact]

She healed the land from the Jabberwock's rot, it's said. More than that, we'd need stronger magic for. A stronger seal.

[blood magic.]

Stronger binds. [It doesn't need to be said out loud where the train of thought is going, though the weight of importance is more obvious now.] How did you hear about her?

From someone I would trust with my life and to tell me when I'm wrong. They wouldn't lie to me, I'm certain of it - only refuse to answer.

And if someone else maybe went to them and asked questions on their own without hinting that it's for you? Would they still refuse to answer? [But he's already thinking.]

I can start asking around...start going out again, maybe, and try to talk to some of the people in the nearby settlements and see if they can give me some ideas where to look.

He doesn't know any more than I do on the subject - through him I was made aware of her existence at all. But what you can do, again, I'd appreciate it. Even if you find nothing, it will matter significantly that you made the attempt, and it will tell me something about her.

[There's a deep breath followed by a very slow nod.] Okay. I'll do my best to find anything I can about her. I'll ask anybody who might know.

[Who knows? Maybe he can ask Morla since he already has other things to ask her. Or he can ask some of the natives if he plays his cards right.] I'll try to have some information for you whenever you and Jason get back.

I can't thank you enough, Hiro. This could be the key to unlocking an understanding that is desperately needed before something...unusual occurs.

You say that like unusual things don't happen here all the time. [But he gets what she means.] I can already think of one or two people I can ask. Give me a few weeks and I should have some kind of answer.

I will. And when we get back from Mair, I'll contact you regardless - just to let you know we survived and an accounting of how many injuries Jason has.

[ignoring the fact that she's more likely to gain injuries than him. sometimes true self-preservation was a foreign concept.]

[He doesn't respond immediately, simply giving her a vaguely perplexed look like he's not even sure what he's thinking.]

He didn't tell me that you guys were going to Mair. [Not that he's surprised Jason left that information out. He shakes his head, staring down at his feet instead.] …both of you better be careful and get back here alive and mostly in one piece or I'm gonna be really mad.

[He wants to know what's in Mair, but he doesn't feel right bugging Grell to tell him. Instead, he just settles for a small frown.] Just how long are you guys gonna be gone this time?

Not long, hopefully.

[the look doesn't pass her by, and she can only assume that Jason wanted to keep that quiet. whoops?]

At most, we'll be gone a day and a night. No lingering, and if it'll reassure you, I'll come hand deliver your bracelet back so you can see with your own eyes that we're back.

[Part of him thinks that he's being totally ridiculous by wanting to take her up on that offer. On the other hand, he's not really in the mood to risk losing even more people. He seems to be internally debating that, face scrunching up slightly as he waffles on an answer.]

...promise? As soon as you guys get back and you're rested up you'll bring my bracelet back? [The new question is what the hell they're doing that could only take a day, but he'll ask later.] It might be better if you did anyway. Who knows when Jason would feel like giving it back. f

Promise. After I get back and sleep, I'll seek you out and give it back. And Hiro, I can't thank you enough that you're lending it now. Without it, I doubt we'd be able to get even close to the city.

[There's a bit of a languid shrug.] Anytime you need it, it's yours to borrow. [And it's said with the utmost sincerity.] Just be careful. Both of you. And while you're gone I'll stick around here and see what I can do with my usual resources. [A slight grin.] Seems like a good plan to me.

I'll be the watcher of the eternal flame [Eachdraidh IC Contact]

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