Redtail Rise whistles and cricket song

The question came as a genuine and happy surprise. Ashlar looked at him, but he shook his head when he apologized and smiled a little ruefully, mostly gratefully. It's good to talk, he admitted quietly. He'd gotten used to no one asking about the things that were on his mind.

There wasn't much of a way to explain this, but he would try his best. There's others. They're stronger, better, and closer. I don't want to fight. And I think she would want me to. He couldn't say it for sure, but from the way Tulimaq looked at him, and from the way the rest had acted lately... they sought to earn it. He really was happy she'd found so many fighters to help her, but Avicus knew from the beginning what she was getting from him.

She should have someone who will. He added at the end, tilting his head at Ratio and wondering if the other man understood that feeling. Did he want to fight for her? If he did, maybe he could win... and Ashlar wouldn't think less of him for it.