Barrow Fields And under mountains in the moon

You know that feeling when you drink too much coffee too late in the evening and you can't calm down, no matter how much you want to?

Yeah, enter Verx right about now.

A better man would be happy to be in his place. A better man would face the opportunity with a smile and a big loving heart. But Vercingetorix had never been "better" and never had claimed to be, either. He was a rake, a cad, a standard-issue fuckboy. He wasn't cut out for this shit.

So, heart pounding with emotions ranging from dread to rage and everything in between, the cheka headed out for a short while, trying to find some semblance of peace. The sequoias near Hougeda had taken enough damage for a lifetime (though he'd been much more damaged by them in the process). Perhaps there was something more worthwhile out here. Something he could really sink his teeth (or dick) (or both? just kidding?) into.

Turns out, the kid that popped up was neither--but at least it was a deviation from the norm. He'd take it.

You look like you're on a mission from God, Verx jested, voice carrying on the wind to the boy. He was just about Ephraim's age, or maybe younger, and--oh fuck, Ephraim. Just another kick in the nuts to deal with, right? Anyway, the thought gave him a pang, and he tried to push it as far away as possible.