Back.

[illgotten]

He walks in as though he's just come up from the cottage, instead of back from the dead. He looks just as always, except that the recent marks of stress have evaporated (two weeks' rest, however unexpected, have done him good) and that he now, like his brothers and his friend, has a sword belted on. "All right," he says crossly to no one in

Comments

[le_desirous]

"It's about time," with equal irritation. "You stupid bastard."

[illgotten]

"I missed you too."

[le_desirous]

"Of course you did." He grasps Mordred's shoulder roughly.

[illgotten]

Well, obviously it is hugs tiem, then.

[russet_goddess]

Zara looks at him for a few moments, holding her breath, and then pushes a bundle of cloth at him. "Shirt. Y've got a hole in that one."

[illgotten]

He laughs, tucking it under his arm. "As my lady bids me."

[russet_goddess]

"Ent your lady."

[illgotten]

"Of course not." He punches her lightly in the arm.

[dutifuldaughter]

Clar throws herself on him, not bothering to catch herself, just clinging to his shoulders.

[illgotten]

Mordred staggers a bit, and hugs her. "Sorry I'm late."

[dutifuldaughter]

She's shaking. She hides her face against his shoulder and takes a great, ragged, gasping breath.

[illgotten]

"Sister." He tugs her close, steadying.

[cywyllog]

"I would prefer you waited at least a few months before pulling another stunt like that," a soft voice answers.

[illgotten]

Little smile. "I'll do my best."

[cywyllog]

"Much appreciated," she nods slightly.

Then she adds, softer, "Your son would do well to see you. I fear he feels he has failed you." The 'again' lingers in the air.

[illgotten]

He winces. "That's ridiculous. --I'll go find him."

[inglewoodblues]

"I pray thou hast that sword of thine aready to slay thine aunt."

[illgotten]

"Oh, believe me, I am this close." He comes over to hug her tightly.

[inglewoodblues]

She hugs back, holding him close. She smells very strongly of the forest, of trees and leafy secrets. One can only assume she's been doing a fair bit of holding the family unit steady without him, and to an extent she's used her little portion of hedgemagic to help with that. "Thou shouldst do it upon thy first sighting," she whispers, "when she is unguarded by surprise that she should be proved wrong."

[illgotten]

Mordred laughs a little. "Bloodthirsty woman."