Herbalists' Cache he was goin' through divorce

set directly after this thread

The whole thing is more than a little confusing — and maybe it's a little unfair, too. He's chosen solitude and a new beginning, left behind everything he loves — only to promptly be saddled with more baggage from the past. Still, he can't bring himself to resent the situation too much; he knows he can never turn away a soul in need. Hadn't that been the point of the —
Maybe he shouldn't go there. He sucks in a breath and tries to settle his nerves as he quietly leads @Outlander to the part of the forest where he'd last seen @Korei Julia. Hopefully this new trio won't be as cursed as the last — or maybe it will, maybe he's being stupid again. Maybe this whole thing is more pointless hurt. Somehow, he can't bring himself to care enough to turn back — he never can.

He followed in silence, trying not to think too much on things because that gave him a raging headache that felt like it could split his skull open. Just thinking about that made him uncomfortable enough as is. Although now that he is in the company of someone it was hard to just act...brain dead. He should be sociable and lively. In fact, he was about to be sociable whenever they got to Korei Julia.

Which he assumed — or hoped — to be soon.

Really think she'll like me? Won't get mad about me crashing your duo? He tried to sound joking but there was no denying the sound of worry that crept in on the edge of his voice.

Korei Julia had found a spot to sit, and began licking at her paw, preening herself. Alarrian was around, that much she guessed so she felt rather safe that she could call on him if needed. This place had been where she met her sister, but for now Korei did not think to that. She thought of where the pair would go, that was till she heard something. A voice...And it was not Alarian. She grew still, watching to that direction before scampering to hide somewhere, though she was never good at hiding.

Outlander's question surprises him a little; he hasn't ever struck him as the insecure type, but he's been wrong plenty before. He glances toward him briefly, gaze soft, then fixes his focus ahead again. Of course she will, He tells him, one corner of his mouth pulling up slightly. Hard not to, really. He hadn't actually meant to say that part, but — ah, forget it.
Something moves just then, and he catches a glimpse of white and a hint of Korei's scent. He pauses, ears perking as he listens to the rustling, and glances to Outlander. When he thinks he knows what direction it's coming from, he moves slowly toward the sound until he catches sight of his friend, trying to... hide? He snorts a laugh before he can stop himself, blurting: Korei? Outlander is forgotten for the moment — he just can't get over how bad that hiding spot is.

sorry for the wait. short one from me

A lazy grin briefly touched his masked face at Alarian’s words. Outlander was a bit dull still with his current condition and so he did not recognize any awkwardness that might come from such a statement. Instead he simply let it stroke his ego (or what was left of a former ego) and left it at that.

His bulky form lingered back when Alarian seemed to go looking for his friend...in a fairly bad hiding spot. Odd.

Korei pokes her head up, hearing Alarian now. A bit embarassed, she poked her head out. "H-Hi Alarian...and...a friend?" she asked, peering to the other with Alarian. Had Alarian found them a travelling companion? Or maybe someone that knew of a place where they could go to. 

Shyly she stood and came forth, sitting before them with her tail curling around in front of her.

His laughter fades after a couple moments, and he nods in response to Korei. This is Outlander. He's a friend of mine — we ran into each other not too far from here, and um — well, if it's alright with you, he's going to travel with us now, He doesn't really expect her to say no, but he can't help but look hopeful as he says it anyway. He really wants them to like each other — because if they don't, things are going to get awkward fast.

editing in a conclusion

The introduction goes well enough, though, to his great relief. Soon enough the trio is on their way — hopefully, this one will stay together.