Thomas
*A couple minutes passed by, and the light from the tavern's door opened and closed. The sound of sharp heels clicked against the stones as Varnis turned a corner, looking at her with an expression of concern.* **"Mind if I sit?"** *He didn't wait for a response and squatted down against the opposite wall. He ruffled his hair as it fell out of its perfect hold, his horns coming out from their cover. They were long and sharp, seemingly curved back slightly. Varnis sighed.*

**"I told Björn not to worry, that I would make sure you're okay. I caused this mess after all, I should take responsibility."** *Varnis looked at her, he fidgeted with his gloves.* **"You know why I wear gloves, Ves? It's a twofold answer. You see, Incubi and Succubi are born with markings on their skin; runes if you will. It is easy to hide them if you dress accordingly, but the hands..."** *He slipped off a black glove from his hand, showcasing his runes. They were black, like his horns and very intricate.* **"They're hard to hide from sight. Especially in the summer months. No matter what you try to do, they're stuck for life. The second half of my answer is the manner of keeping... Friends."**

**"Long ago, I tried making friends. Not a means to an end or a source of satiation, but true friends. Companions... However, every hand on a shoulder, every fist bump, every handshake... Every action of mine was met with a cautious, alarmed gaze. As if even though I liked my friends... They worried I just saw them as a meal."** *As he spoke, he stared at his outstretched hand before chuckling and lowering it.* **"In case you wondered so, I am not under a truth spell any longer. I told that tale because I wanted to... Just as I want to tell you this: May I tell you, truthfully and openly, what Björn described you as?"**

||
Vivian
Ves glanced up at the sound of footsteps and nodded at Varnis as he approached. She did not argue with him as he sat down on the ground with her. The little Kobold listened quietly as Varnis explained why he wore his gloves. She studied his hands and the intricate designs. He had difficulty making friends. No one fully trusted him. No wonder he had been so hurt. It only made her feel worse and she lowered her eyes. 

"For what it's worth, I *Am* Sorry. I shouldn't have been so quick to judge. It wasn't so much because you're an Incubus. I was suspicious of you even before I found out. It was because you had obviously charmed Björn somehow. Maybe I was jealous. I don't know..." 

She considered for a moment, her tail flicking. "I have so much to lose now, when before I had nothing. I have Björn and he means the world to me. I think it makes me defensive and suspicious. And after Kip... Well, I think it's difficult for me to trust now." 

Her ears lowered in dismay. "I don't think I want to hear what Björn said about me. It's obviously not true. I'm changing so much lately and I'm not sure I like what I'm becoming." She looked down at the ground between her feet. Maybe it would be better if Björn went to Gantrick without her. Maybe it would be better to cut ties now. The very thought twisted her heart painfully, but she needed to consider what was best for Björn.

||
Thomas
**"And I am sorry too. I forget how a stranger can seem hostile at first. I promise you, I did no such spell on your boyfriend. The only spell I cast was that of calming his rage - which he asked for. It is not a beginner's spell, or I would have offered to teach you. However... I can teach you some spells if you wish - hand movements and paired phrases to assist you and maybe make you feel less of a burden to him. But first, I feel you need to hear... No... Experience this.** *Varnis held his index finger and thumb against his temple and grunted slightly as he pinched at an unseen force. A small sliver of white light came from his head - a spell of some kind. He held the strand in his hand as it whispered and echoed. With a flick of his wrist, he blew it to Ves' face... And her vision went white, the sounds of the tavern began to fade away to a hissing sound.*

*That hissing sound became the sound of running water and steam, and Ves found herself viewing a conversation between Varnis and Björn. Through her ears, she heard the Goliath speak, picking up half a conversation.* "...And that is why I like her. She is just so pure, so kind. She is like an angel of light. She always says her mind, which I find attractive as fuck - like - imagine someone being so brave to say what they feel. She is stronger than me." *Varnis' voice, unimportant to the memory, was muffled in his response.* "...She wants to come to Gantrick to help me find my kind, regardless of her own passions or dreams. I never even ask what she wants to do, guess I am a pretty bad boyfriend at times... Say, boyfriend is a strange word. I prefer partners because we are. Partners in life and adventure. She's the only Ves; *My* Ves. I'd die for that short little lady..."

*The vision began to fade like mist, the colours and shapes of the scene fading out. Before she knew it, Varnis was holding a flask of water towards her.* **"Here, you may feel a dry sensation in your mouth. I showed you my memory - from when I

Met him. That is how much he cares, that he would tell a total stranger about you. I can tell you're still that person dear, just stuck in her own head. Come back to the table with me, and see your 'partner'. I'll give you both some alone time for a moment. But, my offer stands. I can teach you how to help him with magic if you so wish."**

||
Vivian
"You can teach me magic?" She asked, blinking in surprise. She had no talent for such things, so how was that possible? Though it would be nice to be able to help Björn. Before she could ask more, however, the Incubus began doing *Something* Else.

Ves watched as Varnis began to cast another spell. She was fascinated with magic, although it made her nervous as well. It was a fear of the unknown, she knew this. She flinched away instinctively as he blew the magic into her face, not understanding what he was doing. Her vision went white and she felt herself begin to panic.

*Be strong. Be brave.* Björn's voice drew her out of her panic and she realized quickly that she was observing some kind of memory. Björn was talking, talking about *Her* With such admiration and love in his tone. Her eyes filled with tears and she began to cry as the memory faded from view and Varnis came back into focus. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she buried her face in her hands. She was deeply ashamed of herself, of her actions and her thoughts. Her heart was heavy and she felt defeated and lost. She was undeserving of such devotion.

Sniffling pitifully, she wiped at her eyes and looked up. Taking the flask from Varnis, she drank quietly before handing it back. There was a lump in her throat that wouldn't go away and she seemed to be having a hard time talking. Every time she opened her mouth, more tears would stream from her eyes and she would choke. So for the moment Ves remained silent, hugging her knees to her chest and crying softly.

After some time her tears finally stopped flowing and she looked up. Taking a shaky breath, the Kobold nodded. "Let's... Go back inside," She murmured softly. At least she had found her voice again. Slowly she climbed to her feet, brushing her dress off. She probably looked awful, with her tear streaked face and reddened eyes - it was called *Ugly crying* For a reason. However she did feel a little better now - lighter somehow. And although she was embarrassed to have lost her composure in front of Varnis, she couldn't help but respond to his offer. "I'd like to learn any magic you'd be willing to teach. But right now I just want to see Björn."

||