Shady

Talia shivered. A shudder ran through Ky. Guilt. Sheer guilt.

“Yeah! Everyone loves finding an excuse to eat and drink,” he laughed. “…I don’t know that we’ve got any planned in the short term, though.”!

Talia grimaced. “He’ll definitely notice… eventually.”

No he didn’t. How could he? But she glanced over at him and dipped her head with a little sigh. “Yeah…”

“Yes sir,” Talia murmured, forgetting. “I…” she sighed softly, glancing at Ky, who appeared to be going quickly nonverbal. “…he did some awful things to all of us. But especially ...

Ky nodded obediently and weakly began shuffling towards the back set.

“I… want to… go to my room,” Ky wobbled.

Aeron shrugged and kept walking.

Talia ushered her out, still rubbing her back reassuringly. She didn’t have the first idea where to take her.

“Nah.” Aeron shook his head. “I prefer to live fully in the moment — talk to the people around me.”

“Yes, sir.” Talia nodded. “Thank you, sir.” She tried to maneuver Ky towards the door. Ky looked at Gaius guiltily. “I’m sorry.” Then let Talia turn her and open the ...

“That’s… good.” He nodded.

“Yes, sir.” Talia also glanced at the door, hesitant. “…Ky too?” Or was she in big, big trouble and had to stay? Ky trembled more at the question and implication.

“…. You, uh…. Keep in contact with other missionaries, then?” It was a weak offer of a new topic but he at least was trying.

“Thank you, sir.” Talia dipped her head to him, rubbing Ky’s back. She could feel Ky getting progressively more worked up in her arms and didn’t know what to do ...