Hushed Willows It was no accident

Editing a fade in

Boone appeared, and for an instant Reverie was immensely grateful to see him — but that feeling quickly faded into hurt as he urged her away. She took a step back but did not depart, unwilling to let go of the situation; was this not her role here? Why was he trying to strip this from her, too? She was a leader as much as he was — or maybe not. Maybe he only wanted her as an ornament to hang at his flank.

She swallowed her hurt, large as it was, and felt as if she might be sick. But it was easier to focus on this, on Hypnos. That was a pretty name. At the shared glance with Boone she gave a single faint nod, comforted by what she interpreted as camaraderie rather than an attempt to take the reins from her.

It's nice to meet you, Hypnos. I'm Reverie, She felt she recognized his grasp at normalcy; it would be cruel to rip it away from him, to insist that they speak of what surely plagued his entire life as it did hers. Reverie tried to meet his eyes even as they were trained on the ground. None of their questions so far seemed to have gotten through; he was overwhelmed, she thought, and in need of a safe and quiet space to collect himself. Why don't you come with us? This way. She beckoned for him to follow her, glancing briefly at Boone again. They would get him somewhere safe first, she assumed, and from there she could bring herbs to him, and Boone could bring food. They could help him together. The plan soothed her somewhat.

Together, they were able to settle Hypnos — and just like that, he became a part of Hearthwood. A part of their growing family. She hoped that he would find healing here.