Ruli was quiet while they worked, throwing his focus on the task at hand, and finishing before any more incidences arose. He wouldn't allow himself to dwell on his little slip; how he was angry at himself for it. Never mind that it was in the shadow of people being harmed and afraid. He feared that opening up the wound enough to let Kire in, to tell her a little bit about his past, had rendered the wound open. He would have to leave it alone for it to heal again, to let it become another scar. 
Envy, seeming to understand his mood, made idle talk; asking about the view, the people, the forest itself. Gavin answered almost all of the questions, giving Ruli the silence to bury everything he hated about himself once more as his hands flew over their runes.  

When they had finished, and the ward was placed along the outside of the camp, Ruli and Envy stood uncomfortably inside. While they'd made gaps in the wards just to allow the Kartaian's sun-blocking charm to continue working, he could still feel the effects of the wards. The ants on their skin, the cold sweat on their spines. 
The moment he was asked if he would stay, Envy shook his great head. "No." He said far too quickly. He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. Just. The wards."
Ruli nodded. While he seconded the Kartaian's dislike for being within them, he would tolerate them for now. "We allowed for your portals in case of emergencies, like the fires. But Ysaryn and I will have to leave in order to travel."
The fuchsia haired elf grunted unhappily. "This explains why I feel much heavier."

The promise of the inn, outside of the city gates and their wards, was inviting. Envy still looked town, then turned toward Narda. "I would hate to presume anything of you, but I would hazard a guess your furniture is, perhaps, slightly more accommodating? Is your couch long enough? Or, er, strong enough?"
"We can always press two beds together." Ruli offered. "Or take you home for the night." But Ruli grinned at Narda. [i]Not going to make me drag him home, are you?[/i]