Courtenay & Lachlan | Evening
Like the occasional butterfly that had floated along in warm breezes that day, bright as sunlight, Raymonde the dog stood out from the crowd. Lachlan would normally be gladdened at the sight of a sacred animal. The hound certainly attracted many a smile from the other festival-goers. But for Lachlan, Raymonde was not only one of Galarrayn’s creatures but a herald that his owner was nearby.
Just as expected, the dark-haired, light-eyed Clove was not far away. He appeared to be carrying a notebook in one hand, and in the other was that ever-present cane. The lacquered wood, seen on a day that held family in such prominence, was a discomforting reminder of Morrigan. Auster would be rid of his limp in time thanks to his Gift, but she would never have that same chance at relief whilst hers was bound. Relying on her doctor and Rees’ own hampered ability to relieve her pain was not the same as Morrie being able to manage it herself.
Avoiding Viola’s guest was no easy task when dancers were cavorting on either side of him, blocking paths to a smooth escape. Lachlan might have otherwise passed by unnoticed whilst the other man was engaged in conversation with one of Godsbreath’s florists, but the woman was drawn away into a dance as he neared. Walking past and saying nothing would shout louder than any brief exchange, so Lachlan steeled himself to speak to someone who he had no desire to give the time of day to.
“Enjoying the festivities?” He asked, with a glance down at the notebook Auster carried. Was he planning his next speech? Even if the papers had twisted the words that he’d uttered on Usurpation Day, and they almost certainly had to some extent, any attempts at ‘correcting’ that wrong would only offer them more fodder to fuel anti-Aurellian sentiments. “Have you offered anything up to the flames? Absence of Faith does not prohibit anyone from participating.” Auster might get no benefit from casting his notes into the fire, but the burden his words would place on Aurellians would at least go up in smoke.