Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 17)

(I wish. I unfortunately do have to work today lol)
(I also am very much a night showerer but woke up itching all over and thought maybe a shower would help but spoiler it didn’t and now my hair is wet and it’s 40 degrees. Ergh)

Ky looked at Septimus for another moment then glanced at Tomhas with a slight shake of her head. “Nothing. He’s just mad at Gaius and mad he can’t tell him himself.”

(Aw yuck)

"What else is new?" He was trembling badly, but he looked in Septimus's direction. "Go away. You're not relevant anymore."
"I beg to differ." Septimus turned to Ky. "Fix this."

Ky didn’t like conflict. This was painful. She sighed and walked to the door. “Fine. I’ll tell him you’re unhappy. But I’ll stop translating if you’re mean to him about it.”

"Your cooperation is appreciated," he said dryly. "They're in the library."

She sighed and glanced at Tomhas. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, I guess.”

"Don't go," he pleaded, rising. "Why would you help him with anything, Ky?"

Ky hesitated, blinking at him. He… didn’t want her to? “…He wants me to,” she said dumbly, not thinking of another reason. She was a compliant idiot, that’s why.

"So? He's dead."
"Ignore him," Septimus said curtly. "He has no stake in this."

Ky took her hand off the knob, furrowing her brow at Septimus. “I’m not going to ignore my father.” She took a step closer to the sofa again.

"You're taking orders either way," Septimus said with a glare at Tomhas. "You're a pushover, just like he was."

“Yes. I’m a kid; I listen to my father.” Ky walked over to stand deliberately by Tomhas, looking at Septimus. “That’s what happens when your kid respects you.”

Septimus wasted no more time on her. He gave Tomhas another scathing glare and stalked out the door. Tomhas was still shaking.

Ky walked over and quickly locked the door, then turned back towards Tomhas. “He’s gone.”

Tomhas sank back onto the couch with a weak sigh, raising a hand to his mouth. "Gods..."

She grimaced and sat down next to him, rubbing his back reassuringly. “Sorry.”