[ Things were simpler then, they didn't have to worry about much other than the Clasp or whatever dangerous awaited them in the forests─ well, as simple as it could be. But things changed, their family grew larger and so did the dangers they faced.

Vax's arms wrap around her and she breathes in, tucking herself even closer to his chest. She feels the rhythmic thud of his heart under her fingers, counts the beats for a moment before breathing out. Her body relaxes as the breath leaves her, head nuzzling in close to Vax's chest. Still here. ]

No?

[ A lie, of course, they both know it. But he speaks again before she has the chance to query further. ]

Yes, it was. [ Vex frowns, her hand starting to play with the threads of his tunic. They can't avoid it forever, as much as he may want to. She hates that he is so far away, hidden in shadows he doesn't want to leave. ] I'm hoping what we brought back will distract the others from being mad.

[ Trinket finally settles down at the end of Vax's bed with a final grumble. ]

What were you dreaming about?