Chancel Gathering (C 2.4, E 2.4, H 2.4, L 2.8)

I smile kindly at the child in Edmund's arms and walk over to them, where I reach out my arms to take Aloe from his grasp, saying, "Lass, your life is worth any turmoil we might face. We love you as well. For as long as the Grey Wing breathes her essence into your soul, you are a treasure to us. And we want to enjoy our precious treasure for as long as we are able to." I look back at Shrike, giving her a nod and a faint smile as if to say that her cares are shared by me and I would do anything for her as well.

Aloe's response catches me off guard. My concerns were for her happiness and her well-being when the Talons made what I now recognize as their declaration to head to the Abyss. As Litch reaches for Aloe, I slightly contort my arms to ensure her transition is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

I will respond to this new information the same way I hoped the Talon's would have responded had she asked us not to go.

"It seems my concerns, while they have yet to be proven wrong, are the sole deviation. Forgive my hesitation for wanting to rush to the Abyss." I soak in Aloe's happiness, her relief. Her energy is infectious. "I will likely always be deliberate and calculating in situations like this. If you'll have me, I believe I can offer a unique set of skills on this journey."

I lower my voice to a hush, hoping that only Litch can hear me. "Before you cast your judgment on me, allow me one last offense - though I feel it must be asked. The way you've been favoring one leg this evening, are you sure your own presence won't be a liability to the journey's success?"

With the girl now in my arms, I lean down and kiss her forehead softly. "You have nothing to apologize for, Edmund." I reply. "Caution can keep you alive and it's good to not rush into things without a measure of thoughtfulness. And I would be honored that you would choose to accompany us, despite the dangers. You're a useful fellow to have around."

When he murmurs his concern about my leg, I don't immediately respond. Instead I turn to hand Aloe over to Shrike first, caressing the back of the child's head with one hand and clasping the other around Shrike's shoulder, smiling to both of them. Eventually, I address the butler again, motioning him away from the others. "I think you can forgo the alias now, my friend. Wise to use it with outsiders, but among the Talons, you're family. In fact, I would have just the name for you if you wanted to...blend in a bit better. And aye, my knee is giving me some trouble. But perhaps you can take a look at it before we depart?"

The offer surprises me, particularly after I thought I committed such a wrongdoing. It also seems like it would carry some sort of commitment to their family, and I'm not ready to do that. "I'm honored and rather taken aback Mister Litch. At least for now, I must decline a new name - though I am intrigued. Edmund is the name I chose and still matters to me for as long as Madame Parker, Miss Paisley, and hopefully Mister Prince still live and breathe. It's still who I want to be. I will let you know if that changes. For now, let's go look at your knee."

End Scene