abraxaslogs | I don't trust, but I see right in front of me

Istredd vaguely understands what he's saying when he attempts to explain. Owning a concept or a spell. Interesting. They'd just take the money from me, no doubt. Although if it was useful, having vampire friends couldn't hurt. And he's not talking about the Summoned vampires. Thorne would likely see that as a bad thing though. Thorne isn't going to let them be independently wealthy or find a way to leave.

He glances over considering the amount of silence he's getting, eyebrows furrowing slightly. It doesn't take him long to come to the conclusion since he saw the Cage himself. Istredd saw it and he's been angry about it since, on his lover's behalf. He may be very in his head at the moment, but not so much that he doesn't consider Lucifer's feelings first.

Istredd is so close to Lucifer while walking that it's not hard for him to briefly take his hand. He tenderly runs his thumb along his knuckles, a small comforting caress, before letting it go. It's off the list then. As simple as that. They're not going anywhere Lucifer would feel like that again.

I still think we could go to one of the other cities in Free Cities. The farthest one away from where the Winchesters are. It's a large place. That beach town Aquila is right under the Feywilds. Istredd's memorized the map, obviously. Maybe the Fey will show up one of these days and give them another option.

Edited 2023-05-10 01:54 (UTC)

An army of vampires backing them.

Lucifer doesn't know which his Father would hate more: Lucifer taking a knee before the Old Gods, or him leading an army of monsters.

Well.

Frankly, they'd be a step above demons.

Not that they'd have any reason to listen to Lucifer. But he's petty enough that it's enjoyable for him to think of these kinds of things.

Nocwich still might have to be a consideration one day; the Summoned are always lacking choices, after all. It wouldn't be so surprising. But Lucifer only goes to Nocwich when it opens to throw himself into the Hunting Grounds and keep his prowess up to snuff. He tries not to think about it for much else. Those brief snatches are all he needs from it.

But--it's nice. It isn't that he expected Istredd to rebuff him; even before their relationship Istredd wouldn't have. He's just not always used to being heard without having to shout that he forgets that he... doesn't have to.

Oh yes, because you loved Borrel's beaches. I think salt water air is supposed to be bad for books.

Edited (I googled rando stuff about it and then I forgot to change it) 2023-05-10 03:16 (UTC)

Istredd leaves the grandeur dreams and imaginings to his partner. The idea of leading any army is laughable, he can barely lead a group of Summoned or mages. The vampires do seem interesting here though. Very distant compared to the werewolves, he's not sure entirely why yet, but he does hope they can learn more.

His interest in Nocwich is fleeting. He likes that it's different and he can search for books and learn more about the rest of the world, but he doesn't like staying for full weekends. It's not a bad chance to see his rare cross-faction 'friends' either. Istredd may pop his head in for one afternoon every weekend, if it seems worth it, but he probably won't again any time soon. Nocwich currently reminds him too much of the aftermath, of everyone on stretchers, of pain and infection. And rescue, yes, but he doesn't feel safe anywhere right now.

Except with an archangel between him and the door. Or him and everything else.

And here I thought the fact that it is warm would convince you alone. He bumps him with an elbow on purpose, smiling faintly. I am not going for the beaches. We could make money there. Build a life with the kids. It's not the worst option, is all I'm saying.

It's not the best option for him, since magic isn't as popular there, but he can live with it. Istredd trusts that Castiel would be willing to parley. Keep his people away from Lucifer.

Lucifer trusts his brother as far as he can throw him which at the current levels of his grace isn't very far. But it would put him closer towards Jack; no one could really keep the kid pinned down if he actually wanted to see his ~~old man~~ uncle and whatever built life he'd have and--

Nope. A stretch too far. The thought of having a concrete future and a stable life that wasn't fleeting and filled with disaster because even if Lucifer's been in Abraxas for nearing a year it hasn't been stable, it's been an honest-to-God wreck from start to finish and there's no end in sight of that, the Singularity the center of all the problems for them and the factions and maybe a smattering of deities and--

"I'm fine," he says aloud, because his head might as well be filled with marbles and nails that someone decided to shake up and cause a bit of a racket that Lucifer only just barely managed to muffle slightly as to not suddenly jar Istredd's own mental unease. Definitely fine, with his shoulders just barely hunched. "Let's just--not. Right now." With that.

Edited 2023-05-10 04:06 (UTC)

Istredd's used to Lucifer's occasional instability and the way he thinks is so unique that he's grown accustomed to feeling the 'marbles and nails' rather than specific emotions. It's a way in which no other minds truly work. His concern is obvious, for the first time distracted from his anxiety to focus on Lucifer.

His response is the mental version of soothing, smoothing over it with that burst of warmth and love to cover him that Lucifer's getting fed frequently these days. If they were alone in the room he might press a little harder at what set him off, but they are in public in Nott on a mission. Not the time.

Once upon a time, Yennefer accused him of seeing the world as a romantic adventure. He envisioned an exciting life for them full of possibility, as soon as they left the Brotherhood behind. They almost chose that life again in Cintra, but it wasn't to be. Maybe he does hold hope within his heart, always, of a life worth holding onto. But that isn't in sight for any of them.

"Not right now," he agrees. I love you. Take a breath. You're fine.

It's easier to focus on Lucifer than himself.

Edited 2023-05-10 04:21 (UTC)

At least his mood shift had some advantage. All things considered, Lucifer would accept that trade-off, even if Istredd's distracted may be brief.

It's a couple things that set him off, all built unsafely atop each other that it came down in a construction failure of a mess. Lucifer's been just as fine outwardly as Istredd has. No one would ever know these instances of his without being wired in to that mess.

He does take a breath. Winning.

He can feel the wind from the lakefront starting to wrap its way through the streets anyway, leading them on towards the harbor. They had to charter a boat. The three Summoned and their now likely-traumatized Thorne babysitter. There's enough bustle of activity the closer they get and with that creature dead they'll have less fear of going further out on the waters and better luck with their catches. "Any of the other captains should have an answer." I don't think, given our intentions, we'll need to push around some coin to get answers.

For all they know they already went by the family home. Or Istredd's bookshop, but that seems most unlikely.

You didn't get queasy on the docks back in Luna, did you? Just the boat itself?

The mess of Lucifer's mind would probably be difficult or frustrating for someone else, but Istredd's pieced it together since the first time Lucifer allowed him into his mind. It's as familiar as his own mind by now. It'll never be simple, this bond, but it is the only thing keeping him sane at times. Like now.

The distraction is temporary because as soon as they keep moving and more people appear, Istredd's anxiety spikes again. He keeps close to Lucifer again, bumping arms with him, eyes darting back and forth. These are all fishermen, he shouldn't be concerned about them. (But what were the zealots, before? Farmers?) He remembers to breathe himself.

"I'm not going to get sick on a dock." Probably. Istredd actually does not know that for certain. He did adjust to the ship eventually and he was fine by the time they left. People notice when he speaks and he clenches a hand into the handle of his backpack. His frustration turns to determination. Istredd pushes past Lucifer onto the docks and searches for a captain who looks old enough to have been at this for a time.

Not that long ago, Istredd worked with people. Many of them helped him with his digs and research into the monoliths. They used to talk to him, share their hearts. He is better with regular folk than he is with anyone in the castle. His blue eyes are sincere, his manner casual. "Excuse me. We are looking for the family of a brave fisherman who was lost to a sea creature while trying to help others. Perhaps of the name of Moran. We are seeking to give them recompense."

If the first one doesn't work, he is likely to keep asking.

For the first time that he's ever done it by choice, Lucifer casts out a use of Bless on Istredd. Istredd's already felt it once before, that warm, unexpected feeling on the ship when Lucifer has stumbling into the spell, so it won't be a surprise. Well. Mostly not a surprise.

Just a minute. An extra push to guide Istredd's burst of determination.

Lucifer's keeping an eye out, much the same way he'd threatened in the Horizon. That shadow at Istredd's back, ever vengeful if someone steps out of line wrong. Lucifer is not the forgiving sort.

He'll keep his hood down on the chance that someone recognizes him and approaches him instead of Istredd, but that wariness he sensed in the streets still follows them here. And it is them both, not just Lucifer.

Nott always had a different vibe than Thorne, sure. But this? It's changed just from the last time he was on these docks.

He closes the distance to Istredd again, keeping at his back but with several feet between them. The mage has moved on already to another ~~target~~ source, and Lucifer already knows it's a winner by the way the man's gaze shifts from Istredd, to Lucifer. "You're back."

"Hi," Lucifer says, holding up a hand, not recognizing the fisherman in the slightest.

The man focuses right back to Istredd, dismissing Lucifer. "Morain. Recompense you say?"

Istredd does sense the Bless and maybe it does feed into him feeling more confident. Or having someone at his back in general helps. Either way he is forcing himself past his comfort zone. It is very unlikely anyone who would attack them here out in the open could handle them. It was different with the captures, they made certain they were out of sight, easy to snatch. There are people all around them here.

Istredd can also tell when it's a match because of the difference in the body language and attention. He could use his telepathy to be certain, but he rarely uses it on anyone without permission. Josselyn was a rare exception. It is better to try and do it this way, especially on people in Nott who already have been mistreated enough.

He slants a look at Lucifer and then back to the man.

"Yes. I was one of the people taken." Istredd knows there has been sympathy their way by people in Thorne, but he doesn't know if that will remain true here. But it does explain why he has a stake in this, hopefully. He was a driving factor, due to Lucifer's desperation. "My companions came here hoping to track us down. Captain Morain paid the price. We have gathered what we can as compensation to the family."

Istredd pulls the bag off since he wasn't so stupid as to put money where it could be pickpocketed. He offers a few coins to the man. Not too many, as everything they have saved is supposed to be for them. "He died in part because of me, sir. Please help us try to make it right."

"Unfortunately funds my compatriots and I had given to Morain were on his person when the... event occurred," he says solemnly. Istredd will be able to feel a trill of annoyance because that was his money on that man and in the belly of a sea monster. Maybe they've recovered it? Buuuut..... that's best not to ask. "So they never made it back to the family."

He shifts his weight to another foot, leaning into an air of discomfort, a dash of awkwardness, and a tad out-of-his-depth. He looks smaller than his height would normally suggest. Most people tend to forget that Lucifer does actually know what he's doing much of the time.

"None of us wanted that to happen. I still have nightmares of that creature." That creature is not what keeps him up at night. "The only blessing is that his family didn't have to witness it."

The man is stiff-faced for a few moments more before he relents with a tired sigh. He has other things to be doing, though the coin from Istredd gets palmed into safety and he seems mildly appeased. "If I hear you gave them any trouble, you'll have trouble the next time I see you."

"Of course," Lucifer says earnestly, holding up both his hands. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

They're given directions for further out along the harbor, the best estimate of streets and a shambled home tucked in among the many other fishermen homes.

When they're enough out of visible range, Lucifer groans mentally, like he's expelling the soiled layers of 'ingenuity'. Your story does help the lead-in, he admits, briefly hooking his arm with Istredd's as they return to the narrower pathways, a jaunt in his step to hide the brief offered comfort for what it was before he releases him again.

The difference is Istredd's story is the truth and Lucifer's simply toting the proper, expected words to fill-in the blanks.

Istredd knew Lucifer was going to put on an act for this so he can only be mildly amused on their bond, while the rest of him continues to be very solemn. It's true that his story is the truth and his sincerity is real. While he knows intellectually it is in no way his fault, and he doesn't hold that burden, he does feel somewhat responsible. The man did die because of getting involved in the hunt for the Summoned. None of them knew what would happen to him so it was a true accident. But it didn't make the Nott people any happier with them.

"Absolutely. Thank you, Captain." He knows that technically these titles are for military, but if someone owns a ship, they captain it in his opinion. He would take a fisherman over a military captain any day. He nods his head respectfully before they both turn to head in the direction of the house.

The brief hook of their arms together, that display of affection and closeness, does work as offered comfort. Especially as his adrenaline from talking to others fades away into anxiety again. They are in narrow streets and he seems to be breathing easier at least.

It's the truth. Who knows how many of their own people were taken by the zealots? No one cared when it was natives in smaller ignored places. So he doesn't know if people would react to the fact he was captured with sympathy or frustration for that very reason. A small gamble, but it paid off. Nott has been treated terribly by Thorne.

I spent much of my years doing digs and working with every day people to get answers. We talked a great deal. Most mages would look down their nose at that. They can be a very snobby group. His snobbiness comes out purely on the magical side, but on the class system side. I was allowed by a hated nation to do my work on their conquered land. He is a bad person, their leader, but the people loved him since they were starved and left to die before.

It was a strange position to be in. Yennefer accused him of buying in on Nilfgaard. He just thinks it's more complicated than that. He has no loyalty to any nation. He may have a soft spot in cases where every day civilians feel safer.

Edited 2023-05-10 14:17 (UTC)

Istredd getting a firsthand witness to Lucifer in complete deception mode should at least be an eye opener because Lucifer didn't... really bother with Istredd. He didn't have to, and maybe that is just out of not wanting to uphold masks in his space, but even their initial meeting while Lucifer was assessing the man, he just... didn't.

No need.

(It's an interesting parallel to Sabine, because he can't get an assessment on her and she makes his skin crawl every time he talks to her, trying to find an in to her workings when Lucifer would hate anyone doing the reverse to him.)

Nott continues to be a simple metaphoric stepping stone for Lucifer. The people could be useful--disenfranchised people easy to manipulate--or they could be wiped out from the consequences of the Summoned.

You can still hide in a ghost town.

It's the same with Abraxas as a whole. He doesn't need the people. He just needs his people; there's a difference. Everything else is malleable. There are casualties to shaping a world.

And rumors of them going missing have been for awhile, he agrees. Of course Thorne did nothing, but he doesn't imagine Nott asked for help, either. It's as he said in bed; Nott asking for anything from Thorne was too detrimental for what they wanted. They'd rather suffer than give the Crown a way in, a way to use them.

Maybe your situation is similar to why the Lords are in favor here. 'Maybe' they're doing all they can, but this city still suffers greatly. Anyone would be upset with that, and yet their blame is to Thorne as the source of all their troubles. I'm not saying the Lords are 'villains' but Thorne's kept out of Nott, and Hayle. How much is accurate, I wonder?

Thorne is comprised of villains in Lucifer's mind, but Lyle wants independence, and his people think Thorne's ignored them. Where does the fault truly belong?

Istredd's well aware at this juncture in their relationship that he's never seen the Lucifer that other people have. From the start, something was different about them. It could be the utter lack of knowledge he came into it since angels and the Bible don't exist in his sphere, no pre-existing information to taint him, or that Istredd, in general, doesn't bother with snap judgments. Or maybe their personalities simply gelled from the start.

He's seen Lucifer with others. Lucifer has been forthcoming about his past. He has no doubt about what his partner is capable of, which is why to Castiel and Kyle both, he simply shrugged at their concerns. They are valid concerns, but not something Istredd himself can worry about.

Istredd does care about people as a whole though. He's always had a streak of concern for the average person, free from the Brotherhood but not from the cruelty of their sphere. It's the same here. The people of Nott have dealt with Thorne for their entire existence. The Summoned only for less than two years.

I doubt they've actually kept out. Historically, the greatest disaster that ever happened to Thorne was losing control over the Free Cities and Solvunn. The royal family was executed for that failing. They may ignore them for now, but the moment Nott tries to gain true independence, they'll be squashed.

Little do they know that soon after this, Thorne will intentionally put on a demonstration in Nott of their power and influence. Using the Summoned, if they do all of it. Perhaps they already sense that there is a weakness in their power here. After losing the Summoned, they probably will try and display dominance everywhere they can.

That's why I think true war between Thorne and Free Cities is inevitable. They want to re-conquer the land they think is theirs. They want an excuse. It's surprising they agreed to a ceasefire at all, but Nocwich getting involved threw a wrench in it. They had to reconsider when other powers showed themselves. Solvunn's neutrality you didn't trust either. So it's all doomed, really. Inevitable.

Too bad we can't find a different island and move all the Summoned there. Get out of the way.

He has some bad-idea thoughts about keeping Nott from being squashed but they're lost in the bottom of the sea of Lucifer's mind in that they're not shared at all with Istredd. Later, perhaps, when he judges the value of these ideas and he needs the mage's skill.

The war will come to a head again at some point. That might provide them with the greatest distraction, depending how Thorne chooses to wield its Summoned. But perhaps Nott will be able to fall to the wayside if Thorne and Free Cities goes at it for real.

He doesn't even want to think about Solvunn likely coasting in the background again, despite everything.

Oh, yes, an island, he drawls, like the island you were holed up on. Maybe whatever creature my brother released has cleared it all out and is just waiting for him to come back.

Istredd thinks Solvunn might very well end up coasting in the background. Waiting for everyone else to kill each other. It's not the worst strategy. For all they know, Nocwich plans to do the same, and the Feywilds, which they know nothing about still.

Castiel was not the only person who released it. The shrine creature was very clever, it was talking to all of us in voices that could persuade us. He has no idea what voice Castiel heard. Perhaps it was God. Either way, Istredd wouldn't call that his mistake. It was a group effort and decision in the end ... while out of their minds.

If only we could trust Hayle. Istredd was there a short time and he already wants to go back. It is unsurprisingly his ideal sort of place, albeit just another type of gilded cage. A crystal cage, with so so so many books. If he didn't have better reason to sleep in bed with Lucifer, he might have snuck off to the library to read what he could before they were forced to leave.

He picked his partner over books, a true sign of love.

It seems like it could withstand pressure.

Castiel is the only person that matters. You are not going to dissuade him of this fact. He never did tell Istredd that he, ah, 'met up' with both his siblings at Josselyn's execution. It wasn't important. He's so about not making mistakes and yet he keeps being 'led into' them every time. By now he should know better than to listen to someone or something coercing him into something.

Unfortunately because of that meeting at the execution, he knows about his brother being tricked by Metatron, which ultimately did more damage to Heaven than Lucifer ever had.

I'll figure Hayle out in due time, he assures. It's on his to-do list. No city is as perfect as that place appears. I tried to dig into backstreets and found nothing out of sorts. Even rich cities--especially rich cities--have problems.

Glassware and crystal often have imperfections. He just needs to know what they are, and if its better or worse than Thorne. He has wondered if his rocky relation with Ambrose might benefit him into getting in good with Anastasia, but that's a different consideration.

They'd probably disagree on what they consider important. But that's mostly because Istredd is a busybody and likes to know things. He did tell Lucifer he informed Castiel of their friendship (still a friendship at the time) and left it fairly ambiguous as to what happened. He suspects Lucifer wouldn't be impressed by Castiel's promise to keep Istred safe ... and might even be very irritated by it.

You three make me glad I never had siblings. Or at least I don't think I do. It wouldn't matter if he did. Most of them would be older by now or already dead. Not a whole lot of people in their 80s and 90s comfortably living in the continent. Istredd has no family but the one he is quietly making day by day in the castle.

He knows befriending all three of them was asking for trouble, but he has been clear where his loyalties lie at the end of the day. In bed with this troublesome creature.

I'm sure it does, but it's not going to be easy to go back there. Alas. His great regret. Although he has some sentimental feeling toward the place too. Their first trip as a couple. Don't perceive him. Anastasia might like you considering Ambrose does not. Saying out loud what seems obvious. Now their sibling relationship does remind me of you all.

If he knew about Castiel's promise it might give his brother the barest pass. Minuscule brownie point (singular). Oh, but Castiel wouldn't even want that, not from him.

It'd still be a hilarious prospect. Castiel's in a worse state than Lucifer. An archangel losing grace is shaking and detrimental, but he's not sick and actively dying. An angel losing grace? Honestly, Castiel is pathetic right now. He'll likely peter out before he tries to be someone's flimsy shield.

Here's hoping one of the Rhett siblings does. It's something to use, anyway. You work on one, I work on the other. Tag-teaming to get what they need.

He pauses at a winding, lopsided intersection, recalling their instructions and Not At All subtly moving his stance just slightly to cover Istredd's back before he takes the upper right path and continues on.

Don't perceive him.

The intention was good. Istredd would maintain, rigorously and stubbornly, that he can take care of himself. He's learned how to not take it personally when people want to protect him though. It was an adjustment, that's all, since it comes from a place of caring that he exists.

He really smiles for the first time since they got there, glancing over at him. We make a fairly good team, you know. It's a little bit of a flirt, but mostly coming from a warm 'glad you're here' type of energy. If you can convince her to get us a closer look at Hayle, I would be very happy. Obviously he means the university and the books. Lucifer knows who he is dating.

Speaking of the protective bit, Istredd knows exactly what he's doing, and he considers being annoyed but the truth is, he's relieved. It makes his own anxious vigilance relax slightly. He takes the upper right path and his eyes only slightly dart when walking forward. "We'll make the same approach here." Istredd, sincere and direct. If they get mad, don't get defensive.

Boutiques it is! All the finest hat shops! Jewelry!

He's grinning broadly. It might be the first time they look out of place in the streets with keeping their thoughts between them.

Istredd can take care of himself when he's not hopped up on adrenaline, Lucifer is certain of that. Istredd can take care of himself when he's not on a hair-trigger for a shield spell if someone moves in a way he doesn't expect and only serves in making a bigger scene for them that he'll hate even more than just a sliver of protection from Lucifer.

"I should introduce myself first," he says.

Istredd laughs out loud. He hasn't forgotten that sometimes they look very bizarre when so much of their conversation is happening on the bond. Only occasionally is it observed, and the people of Nott generally don't care about them. Not that it's stopped them in any way and not that Istredd has any interest in saying this out loud, even with friends around them. Maybe especially when friends are around them.

Are you saying I get to pick out a hat for you? Because I might take time out of my busy reading schedule to do that.

It's true. He already communicated his concern about being around other people when he's this on the edge. His defensive capabilities are no joke and he could knock back innocent people because something seemed strange out of the corner of his eye. It would crush him if he hurt anyone that way. Lucifer is probably the smartest person he knows. And he understands people despite being a misanthrope about them.

Istredd has everything they brought for them in his bag so he'll be ready to set them out. It's meager, but the best they can do. "I'd say we could get a drink after, but we have no money."

Not my style, but I could make a hat work. He could make anything work, though fashion has hardly ever been a concern for him before. He'll clean up when he feels like it.

"That is a shame," he says aloud. Mentally, he's shaking his head. You want a drink from a fishing town? It's either going to be incredibly watered down bilge or the complete opposite, nothing in between. You want a drink? I'll buy you one in Nocwich. Means you gotta go with him to Nocwich, Istredd... I can sell something from the Hunting Grounds to pay for that much.

You can make anything work, he says flirtatiously. Istredd has faith in that, but he's been attracted to Lucifer for a long time, and he's never put any effort into it before. He finds him appealing in anything.

There is a pause at that. Nocwich to him is still a strain of memories. It should be good memories, as they survived, but it's not always that simple. But he knows Lucifer is trying to get him to push past his isolation. And sooner or later, he will have to go to other places without feeling this way. He told Lucifer that he trusted him to bring him back if he broke. He's proving that faith right.

Istredd waves a hand and for a short time an illusion is put up so nothing on the outside seems to change. But he takes the opportunity to reach out and snag Lucifer by the collar, tugging him in for a kiss. Having an illusionist for a romantic partner means PDA can be hidden. The impulse is for a few reasons but he doesn't let it linger. It's more of a statement of affection and gratitude, which is also bleeding through the bond.

You're quite good at relationships for a beginner. He smiles when they part, letting Lucifer go. Yes, let's do that.

Edited 2023-05-12 17:42 (UTC)

There is a notable surprise from him for the action, but only for a moment before amusement slips back in.

Trust Lucifer to make Istredd impulsive.

Remember that the next time I screw up. Because it will happen, there's no doubt.

But he's going to hold Istredd to it if he waffles around the time they can go to Nocwich. Truthfully Lucifer doesn't particularly want to go either for the same reasons, for just how much he was itching to leave Nocwich the last time and return to Thorne. But the Hunting Grounds is how he keeps at the top of his game and maybe get a few extra coin for sliding ingredients in to someone under the table.

He has to go, might as well make sure Istredd has a reward for Getting Out and going with him.

"This area is sounding... kind of familiar. I think it's around here somewhere--hey," he pauses to catch someone passing by, "we're looking for the late Morain's family home?" The first person he asks shrugs him off and keeps walking, the second still shrugs him off but waves to a few homes down, a faded blue-painted home, darkening closer to brown from wear and like whoever put it together built two separate projects and squashed them together to make one. "Thanks," Lucifer says, but the figure it already ducked away and gone.

He trusts Istredd to back him up in whatever situation he gets him in, so he is first to knock, half expecting it to actually be the wrong house and whatever street urchin was just trolling him, but an exhausted woman does open the door.

"Ah, hi," he says, deliberately faltering. For all his unease sounding, Istredd will only feel confidence shining through. "Sorry to bother you, I'm not sure we have the right place--your husband, was it Morain? The fisherman?"

Her expression is neutral, but her tone is cautious. "Yes, that's right."

"I'm sorry. That's it's taken so long for me to get here. I--I was on the boat, with him. He was helping me."

I thought I was the current screw-up. And a flagrant flirt. Lucifer could be a bad influence although he hasn't encouraged any of this. Istredd does adopt his confidence occasionally, it feels good when he does. But they have a job to do here, getting rid of most of their money in one swoop.

These homes remind him of some of the poorer villages he's been to. Istredd doesn't have to school his face into being more serious or contrite. His feelings are genuine. Enough people died during this experience. None of them should have either. He lets Lucifer go first and introduces himself as Istredd hovers carefully behind him.

"He was trying to help investigate a lead on the missing people, myself among them." Istredd actually doesn't know how much they were told about the hows or whys the man died. The Nott people did know about the creature in the wrong place, but the reasons for it may not have been clear. "We don't have much but we would like to offer you and your family some recompense."

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