[h3][color=#166FC2]Cloven Brevis[/color][/h3] [@TheHangedMan] | [@Sanguine Rose][hr] [indent][indent]When had he found her again? Had his gaze been tracking her while his mind worked? while it listened absently to the song. [color=#166FC2][i]This can’t be good,[/i][/color] he brooded. [color=#166FC2][i]Not again. This is the whole, Syra situation all over again.[/i][/color] Hidden by his cloak, he reached up to his chest to soothe an old aching. [color=#166FC2][i]That hurt like a dagger.[/i][/color] His name managed to slice open his cocoon of thought. He fixed his sights on Marduk several feet away, voice carrying strong. If he actually believed he'd get near the plant-wizard… if he considered that an option, then Marduk was clueless to what the woman was. The stonework in his reply was non negotiable, [color=#166FC2]“No thanks. I have other things to do. They can clean up their own mess.”[/color] And like that he strolled off aimless, if only to put more distance between him and the now too-close plant-wizard. Before he knew it only a few feet separated Astoria and himself. He was close enough to have understood her request to Asher. He frowned unbidden, thinking, [color=#166FC2][i]Body warmth? Do you really need that, Astoria? from him?[/i][/color] A quick check of his own body made it clear his cloak and clothes were also soaked. Everyone's were. A low grumble sat in his throat and as some internal clock had begun to tick, he strode even closer. Four feet from Astoria with his arms at his side and eyes coldly penetrating her; he said, [color=#166FC2]“I’ll trade you, Astoria. [i]My[/i]… warmth. For answers, to my questions.”[/color] He unfurled his arms from his cloak, revealing the black leather-armor beneath, an invitation to take refuge. [color=#166FC2]“What do you say?”[/color][/indent][/indent]