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Holding her gaze, Nox ruminated over her words for a brief moment before he spoke again. "Well now ye'v got me talking," he began, "I'm thinkin' of building a crew here. A real community, y'know? With me at the helm." Though Emris remained his focus, his expression softened in thought.

It was ambitious, sure, but every young man's dream had to start somewhere. Mictec's rejection hung heavy on his heart, but perhaps Emris could be the one to lift that weight.

Her next comment drew a familiar curve to his lips. It was a secret known only to himself that the forest was steeped in loneliness. If she was already willing to stick around, then Nox needn't trouble himself with persuading her further. "That's high praise," he revelled in the warmth of her honesty. "Yer not so bad yerself."