#earthrunes

"Miriam destroyed the tower... and.. it.. I've been..."

"Ah." He listens.

And it spills - Vashti's escape, rescuing the troll-slaves, destroying the Tower, Miriam...

August listens, tea growing cold.

The unexpected little brother, the one Miriam would stay for...

Paler, watching, always watching, the letter...

Zara's shoulders droop, exhausted. "And if I do not show up, he will ravage the mortal scribe..."

August's jaw clenches, grey eyes dark.

"And in two weeks, another, and another..."

"And all it seems I have done is hide at the Farm, like the last time..."

He nods, understanding.

She rakes back her bangs. "I know I need to kill him. He won't stop if I don't."

August almost speaks, but doesn't. He shifts slightly in his seat.

"Forgive. I should not burden... I... I am sorry, still, about... the treasure, aye?"

"I thought you... I was in error. I wished for you to be able to say you hadn't seen it, but I... should have asked?"

"But I thought you would wish to have the true relic saved, and it is your faith... and.."

August looks away. "It's ok, Zara, I understand."

"I'm honored you have confided in me. I know it can't be easy."

"But it's still..." She falters, distressed.

He gives her a sorrowful look. "Don't worry about it, Zara. It's not important."

"You're still... I screwed everything up..."

"Zara, I don't think that's accurate."

"But you're still mad."

"I'm not angry." A pause. "I was hurt."

Zara looks down at her tea.

He shrugs. "It's not important."

"I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted."

"How do I make it better?"

A wan smile. "Apology accepted, Zara. There's nothing more to be done. We're good."

"I'm sorry I have not been around, either..."

"I do not wish to draw too much attention here..."

"I understand. I miss... I mean, I understand."

A pained look.

"...I'm sorry..."

"For what?"

A gesture with her hands, grasping. "For... for fault? I miss you."

"I was so excited to go on a quest with you, but it..."

"I miss you too."

"I hate this."

"Hate what?"

"This"

"All of it. Feeling trapped. Alone."

August nods understanding, grey eyes serious.

"I don't want to kill him."

"Of course not."