Larksong Grotto Some things are better kept unknown

Reek did not dawdle around the outskirts, but instead guided Zaavier deep into the territory and toward the crystal blue lake that adorned the grotto's center like its crown jewel. He was proud of the place he claimed for himself -- the pride of which briefly overpowered Reek's sadness -- but his sorrow still lurked underneath Reek's prideful grin. He looked around at the beauty of the grotto and thought of Tavi. They had claimed this place together and Reek felt it would never feel the same without her. His smile broke and was quickly replaced by a taciturn frown.

He shoved this brief welling of emotion away as Zaavier began to speak. Reek did not want to talk much about himself. Instead, he wanted to listen to what someone else had to say -- like it would somehow be a distraction. It was obvious to see that Zaavier was deflecting. "Ah, come on," prodded Reek. "Everyone has a story." His own had been particularly sad and paved with poor choices, but perhaps Zaavier was one in the same and had his own reasons to not dive deep into his own history.