Return to Roost (L 1.3)

"An opportunity." I say to her in response. When she comes near, I place both of my hands on her shoulders, my eyes illuminated with spiritual fervor and ardor as a plan starts to form. "I saw that one of the Shark Eaters is going to steal from us. We can use that to our advantage. Perhaps for our vengeance." I glance up toward the direction of the boat hangar where Mynah is likely still working.

I shift back to Kestrel. "But for now, we need to go see Edmund." I anticipate her puzzled look and add, "He's been working on something for me. Plus, we need more medicine and bandages."

I smirk and throw an arm around her shoulder. "You are not wrong. Still, I'd like to talk to him. Maybe we'll find something nice for you while we're at it." I add, already feeling her eyes roll before I look at her. Kestrel is imminently practical and rarely treats herself. Plover might be her only child, but she is a mother to all of us and puts the needs of the family above her own. "Maybe...some jewelry or...a fancy hat?"

I'm grinning broadly now, a change of emotional scenery to the gloom that often pervades our existence. We're both often so stoic - out of necessity perhaps. I can feel the light moment slipping as quickly as it came. "I...I've been looking into Argyle's disappearance." I admit to her, borrowing Zephyr's convention and naming my father. "I don't know if Sterling has the ability to help me, but he's connected to those who might. So...it's a lead worth following. Maybe there's an existence beyond all of this. Somewhere our children could give more attention to living life than to finding a meaningful end to it." I sigh. "Or maybe that's just the musings of a tired old cynic."

I snort and shake my head, hand rubbing my forehead and between my eyes. "That boy. At least he can make things happen more often than he screws them up. His heart is in the right place. His head?" I don't continue, knowing Kestrel agrees with my conclusion without me having to voice the opinion aloud. I look across to where our own skis float. I know Mynah refueled our rides first. She always make sure our transportation is ready to go before she takes to any other tasks. She's reliable. They both are.

"Thank you, Kes. In all likelihood, he merely drowned at sea, like so many others. I'm not going to get my hopes up." It sounds fatalistic. She knows I want him to be alive, but emotions can cloud my mind and the hopeful are so easily found with empty hands. "Get your ride started. I'll tell Mynah where we're headed and we'll set off. Hopefully this will be a short trip."

Kestrel heads over to check both of your rides to make sure they're safe - a force of habit. You head over to the small workshop Mynah keeps and find her there by herself, cleaning some gears and keeping herself busy.

"Just a quick jaunt to the Tower. Shouldn't be long." I shake my head no. "Not tonight. Take as much time as you need for yourself, Mynah." I hesitate, then lean forward to kiss her forehead before departing. With my back to her, I trudge away, saying. "It will be done. I will make it so."

Mynah watches you go. She doesn't say thank you, but you feel the gratitude through the connection you share. You trudge down the dock to find Kestrel sitting on her ski idling and waiting. You mount up and ride off.

End Scene