09-26-2016, 06:04 AM
Just as Sören's deformity was studied, so too was Dane studied in return. The appraisal was a mile and lazy one, but snapped a judgement all the same. He certainly did not look to be a man in mourning. The smile did not have a flush of grief. No tell tale redness dampened the edges of his eyes. The two might not have been close, but surely there should have been some sign of Declan's passing.
"A pleasure under different circumstances, perhaps."
The words had no bite; it was only an observation. It was a strange reaction, to be sure, but Sören was also relieved not to have to burden the weight of unrestrained sorrow. Nor even the tension of pain that simmered controlled beneath the surface. He was content with that.
He turned to indicate to the bar man that the wine be added to his tab, and waited for the blood red liquid to be poured. Afterwards he held up his own glass. "To Declan."
"A pleasure under different circumstances, perhaps."
The words had no bite; it was only an observation. It was a strange reaction, to be sure, but Sören was also relieved not to have to burden the weight of unrestrained sorrow. Nor even the tension of pain that simmered controlled beneath the surface. He was content with that.
He turned to indicate to the bar man that the wine be added to his tab, and waited for the blood red liquid to be poured. Afterwards he held up his own glass. "To Declan."
![[Image: odinraven.png]](http://thefirstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/odinraven.png)