[div style="max-width: 360px; font-family: georgia; color: #664b4a; text-align: left; padding-top: 8px; padding-left: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-size: 12px;"]NEVER GETS ANY BETTER, ONLY GETS WORSE

An enigma. Rather apt a descriptor where concerned the one deemed Aesior, a point of interest as much he was grievance, false his once held belief all were open books needing little effort to understand. Aside that particular line of thought had been placed when his intrusion upon this barren land had brought contact with a sort that seemed of a different cloth, each more intriguing than the next. Yet, as though his mind had become but clockwork set on a particular schedule, always back was he drawn to that particular individual.

It seemed a habit had been made of finding the presence of the other, coincidence all it was though to stop his thoughts from turning to other reasoning a task he did not undergo, drawn almost. There was no foul intent behind it, nothing more than old habits that seemed to evade the grave given any chance. All the same annoyance sparked, a simmering heat in his chest, brief the twist of lips, a frown light beneath the crease of his brow. Internal the cause, indulged this childish whim to find understanding in a manner unconscious and unwanted, and thus it was directed.

Between the stream gently gurgled, slowed as the runoff caused by melted ice dwindled, their voices lost, mild the interest beneath his apprehension. Short the time he lingered, enough the final seeds were placed in shallow spaces dug out for each in turn, continued his study as Aesior settled, seemingly pleased with the progress made thus far. His thoughts turned to other pursuits, unnecessary his intrusion where it was surely act as a hindrance rather than aid, the notion dashed as others approached.

Fragglerock, a strange child who bore a name of similar status, pleasant enough though a point of contest Vincent could not understand. And then the one who seemed the root cause of the hostility, her words stolen though apparent the manner her visage twisted, poison laced a tongue that moved too freely. Thoughtless his movement, cool still the water though it barely rose to graze elbows and knees, stained his paws by sediment as he pulled himself up onto the opposing embankment. Time enough was there to handle that, the sparse vegetation gaining a fine layer as he stopped at irregular intervals to remove at least some of it.

Still overly apparent that which remained as he came to a stop, allowed some distance between himself and the trio. "It seems you have been quite busy." He trailed into silence, gaze moving over the patches of smoothed over earth. It was more than he could say for some, at the least, off hand his next remark. "I would be willing to assist if you need it."

© MADI

[div style="max-width: 360px; font-family: georgia; color: #664b4a; text-align: left; padding-top: 8px; padding-left: 10px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-size: 12px;"]NEVER GETS ANY BETTER, ONLY GETS WORSE

Had he been informed of the shared curiosity, well educated the guess he may formulate for numerous those grown brazen and thus aloud spoken queries alike the fly that proved insistent, maybe looser his tongue. Or tighter the cage, his questions locked alongside stories embedded in flesh that left a fading map of his history written against his skin. Reserved, secretive in a fashion that incited only suspicion, further thrown at him, spat into his face when refusal met cruel digging. Unfitting such for the man before, a soul that seemed heavy beneath a burden that acted a mirror to his own, and thus opinion was shelved, softened beneath gathered knowledge.

Always seemed on hand a smile to paint along those pale lips, prepared as though pleasant the company of any, a notion difficult to accept, grating grown his for found a purpose in it. Aside put it, however, crooked the manner mouth curled, unnecessary in a presence that imparted a warmth Vincent found he wished to indulge within. Fleeting the thought, attention following shifting vision, assessed once more the work already performed. Settled upon the necessary task, rigid the extremity that rose in brief gesture, taunt grown his lips as Aesior allowed his discomfort to show.

Too far had he pushed himself, it seemed prone to this, few and rather distant the instances recalled when seen the other resting. Idle hands a distressing thing, that much Vincent may understand, this seemed all too far simply to find a way to occupy oneself. His thoughts were broken as the silence was similarly shattered, the voice familiar though the tone not, words taking a moment to register.

It seemed the child had a bit of a short fuse, or the barely concealed barbs had grown too numerous and retaliation had become the only suitable response. Still startling the manner Fraggle spoke, sharp the snort of laughter he tried to mask as a cough, paw briefly pressing against his chest. Poor the act, still his laughter continued even through the coughing, his efforts not the best as it were for he cared little for what Cleo thought of him. Thus far she seemed set on acting in a particular fashion that incited nothing but a bitter taste in the back of his mouth, acting in a cordial manner towards her was beyond him now.

Lacking any suitable addition his attention turned as Fraggle began his work, though he made no move that may be deemed as interference. The child was capable, and his offer was one that would stand for him as well though he bore no wish to foist unwelcome assistance on the lagamorph, few the steps he took towards the embankment.

© MADI