Constans blinked in surprise as the Enchanter walked away mildly. That was it? A few words from Bethen and Alden's tone went from 'Let me fetch my switch' to 'Let me fetch a healer'? He smothered his relieved grin, eyes flicking to Bethen with a certain reluctant warmth. Okay, sure, she was a little bit socially retarded, but in the last hour she'd saved him from getting ripped a new one by both a spider the size of a small bear and a very surly Enchanter, and he couldn't be totally sure which he should be more grateful for.
"Don't ask if we're okay or anything, Enchanter," he jokingly grumbled once Alden stepped out of earshot. "A cave full of useless crap is definitely more important than a couple of living human beings." He moved a little closer to Bethen as he spoke, his usual cocky expression softening just a little in concern.
"Hey, uh." He brushed cobwebs distractedly from the shoulder of his robe, pale eyes fixed with a certain awkward hesitance on the other apprentice. "I can take this one. I'm not exactly excited to get reamed out by Alden, but people sort of expect me to get in trouble. I mean, I appreciate it, but..."
But what? What exactly was he trying to say? Feeling that he must look ungrateful- after all, she'd already tossed her hat in the ring, it'd be hard to take it out now- he sighed and stopped himself.