Noctisardor Bypass 15 Step

There's an idea. Talk to the big scary man, and expect him to have the braincells to talk back. Anselm withheld this biting commentary; bless your soul, he wanted to say.

He was not sure that would accomplish anything. Moreover, if Suzu was anything like Etienne, there was probably a stubborn streak to her six oceans wide. Anselm imagined that if she got mad enough, things could get risky.

He caught Etienne's brief gaze, noticing the dark streaks that stained his cheek. A small part of Anselm wished he could be a safe enough place for Etienne to share that side of him; but he knew it had to be Suzu.

Heaven help him in that case. Etienne had a way with words. Anselm remembered what he'd shared of his mothers -- and how utterly unsupportive Anselm had been. I vill come vith you. Anselm declared after a pause to Suzu, tone brooking no quarter.