[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/HqAuns2.png[/img][/center][@Crimson Flame] [@Ryik] [@Letter Bee]

As Conner hinted at the location of the energy drinks and said they both had to "keep them safe", Kieran chuckled. [color=BB1CFF]"That we do."[/color]

Of course, it was right at that moment that Niles reappeared, accompanied by Ciel and Deuel. [color=BB1CFF]"Ah, hey!"[/color] Kieran feigned innocence. [color=BB1CFF]"We most certainly weren't searching for anything we weren't supposed to!"[/color] Niles remained silent, looking particularly tense as he threw sticks into the firepit Ciel set up a short distance away. It wasn't an unusual look for someone as easily stressed as Niles, but Kieran suspected there may be more to it than the fact that this was the group's last day together. When Niles wandered off again, Kieran decided not to press the matter. [color=BB1CFF]"Wonder what got into him?"[/color] he murmured to Conner.

He watched as Noah set about lighting the fire, flames crackling and glowing against the dusk, filling the air with the comforting scent of woodsmoke. Once Niles returned, sitting by the bonfire, Deuel leaned back and made a speech that brought a warm smile to Kieran's face. Deuel then proceeded to head over, giving out gifts to him and Conner. [color=BB1CFF]"Oh nice!"[/color] Kieran accepted the book, The Emerald Tablet of Hermes and The Kybalion. While he wasn't really a big believer in the occult despite the spooky air he gave off, he was no hardened skeptic either, and it'd make for an interesting philosophical read. [color=BB1CFF]"Thanks, who knows, maybe it'll help me unleash my inner warlock!"[/color] He waggled his fingers as if casting a spell.

Conner showed equal appreciation of his own gift - goggles and a waterproof phone. So very fitting, although the thought that they may not get to go surfing together again brought a pang. [color=BB1CFF]"C'mon, let's join the others,"[/color] Kieran said to him, traipsing after Deuel to the campfire. He sat down and watched the others receive their gifts, one of which was a plushie in Deuel's likeness. The recipient, Niles, accepted it with a strained expression. A smile that didn't reach his eyes as he told Deuel they needed to talk later. 

Kieran winced inwardly. Had they had some kind of argument? Was tonight going to end with a falling out?