Ouroboros Spine lambent, flashing, red and white.

Her compliments meant more than she realized; Mordecai hadn't quite grasped just how long it had been since he had heard a good word. It was more than just oddly satisfying, more than just a stroke of ego. Perhaps it even unknowningly took an ounce of stress off his shoulders. Maybe it wouldn't be too much of a feat into talking Harlyn to stay, at least once she probably realized just how much they were in dire straights to stay afloat. He turned an ear as she spoke of the trees and of their health, a thing that Mordecai had never considered.

“Pay attention to that kind of stuff, do you?” he said, though the question was more rhetorical; she obviously did. “You know, if you'd like I could show you a better view of the Spine. There's a ridge not too far off from here that would really give you something to marvel at.” His smile came easily, and he gave her yet another cursory look. But the offer was just as genuine as the smile on his face, and Mordecai was willing to share one of his favorite places.