Outside, the snow kept coming, drifting flakes of snow that blanketed the world in white.
... Were they safe and warm? He hoped so.
Elsewhere, Zeal hooked an arm through the reins, pulling a simple wooden sleigh along.
It had taken quite a bit of traveling to get all the preparations done, but they were complete at last.
Well. Almost.
On occasion, Zeal would spot things on the way back and barter. Highly unusual as the Seeker was not known to be such a spendthrift. The man kept a iron grip to his satchel, and if anything was rather stingy in even the most common of indulgences, which of course made this whole fiasco all the more entertaining for the Bluepine.
Lockes chuckled when Zeal stopped in his tracks, staring at a vendor's wares before abruptly trudging off, making a beeline for the stall. It was a simple task, following the Reaper through the crowd with their eyes. He was a head taller than a majority of the townspeople.
They watched the brief exchange as the Seeker pointed out some goods and the vendor wrung him up.
And once again Lockes tossed a knowing look his way, grinning wide as they did so.
"... It's Sea Hazel. Vye loves them." Came the gruff rumble of the Seeker's voice, by way of explanation.
"As is the veritable mountain of goods we now have to lug back?" They gestured to the makeshift sleigh the Bluepine had warped to carry the load, "One would think us merchants, or Gelid's Saints."
"... Aye." Zeal grabbed the reigns and trudged off, pulling the sleigh, packages and all, behind him with little effort, if at all, "You needn't trouble yourself. I've not asked for your assistance."
Too much was it to be carried back in their packs, and even with the numerous fronds at the Northern Blue's disposal it was a questionable venture.
yet even then the stubborn man refused the notion of borrowing any beasts of burden
"I've no need for that which I can do myself." yet even then the stubborn man refused the notion of borrowing any beasts of burden
He'd stated when Lockes insisted that they alleviate the burden whilst on the road.
Lockes was practically glowing with mirth, and though he'd not acknowledge it, the Reaper was tinged far too red for it to merely be the cold alone.
They fell into pace as they left the settlement, following the road back to the inn where Vye was doubtlessly waiting up.
The silence was comfortable and there was a good sense of camaraderie between the two of them. Which was why it came as such a surprised when it was Zeal who broke silence.
The Reaper grumbled, almost hesitant, "Vye's... a child, isn't he."
A statement, Lockes duly noted. Completely rhetorical, for they both knew. A mere ruse to start a conversation. The severed Shol hummed, a jovial note that carried into the melodic lilt of their voice, "A coty, yes. A juvenile quick approaching adolescence."
"If possible, it'd be nice for him to experience the festivities, as a child."
"I'm sure he has with his Circle." Lockes spoke, a serene and fond smile settled on their face, their eyes seeing not the present, but Times past, " Especially being of the lowlands, the wintry winds brought much more drastic change. It is of great importance to those who hale from the moors."
But Zeal rumbled on, pulling them from their thoughts, "I'm aware of the significance of Sholian festivals celebrating Gelid's passing. But I speak of the present. Just for a moment, I would have him go without worrying about all of... this."
They had long since left the town gates and evening had fallen upon them, the city behind them mere speckles of light flickering in the encroaching dark.
Too dark to see the smile on the Bluepine's features, "I'm certain with you, he's felt more peace than he ever hoped this world could give."
Such compliment helped to assuage the Seeker's worries, and in their place, set a warmth in his chest.
At least, until the severed Shol spoke again, "But you know, more than any of this, I think Vye would be happiest with being close to the ones he holds dear. After all, isn't that the most important allegory of Gelid's Passing? One of few similarities between our kind, a tradition of togetherness with which both Solaris's brood and the Verdance honor."
"Aye." The Reaper seemed to be contemplating this. Not that he doubted it any, but rather it gave him much to think. Shols formed Fairy Rings, Circles of strong lasting bonds. In choosing one or the other, sustenance and shelter they would readily relinquish if it meant being with their Circle. For them, the desire for kinship oft came above all else.
And Vye, bereft of his beloved Bræmbel kin, sought out Zeal. Perhaps not intentionally so, but nonetheless the vale Shol oft turned to the Reaper, seeking the comforts of the companionship of past.
Vye would be pleased with their presence alone. But Zeal wanted to give him more.
Lockes listened to his ramblings in silence, before shrugging. How often those of Solaris's brood looked elsewhere for answers. Complex creatures they were. "... 'ware that you may be denying that which he desires most."
Zeal grimaced and made to speak, but stopped.
"... Lets hurry back."
Lockes smiled and nodded.
