text; @Goldilocks, after April fight

[likemybooks]

[Everyone has to know. Some saw what happens to Ereshkigal during the fight, some only know that she disappeared. As the one responsible, Taryon feels he's deserved the position on breaking the bad news to ll Outsiders.]

It is with a heavy heart that I must relay to you all that our friend Ereshkigal is not with us any longer.

She was thrown into a Rift by the kaiju and vanished.

She fought valiantly and tried to protect me even in her last moments.

I'm sorry. I wish we didn't suffer such a heavy loss in this fight.

- Taryon Darrington

Comments

[likemybooks]

[It's not often someone lays a hand on him in a comforting gesture - save for his closest of friends. Granted, the hand above the knee draws a pinkness onto Taryon's cheeks for other reasons, but that's not a bad thing. It doesn't make him uncomfortable as long as it's just a brief touch.

His hand balls into a weak fist.] I wouldn't blame you. I mean, it's not the same thing, but growing up, I was envious of stories where people were free to leave their home and have adventures while I was stuck to do my duty and...

[He clears his throat.] But just so you know, if you fell into the rift, I'd also want to help you get out. But I'm also glad that you're still here. [His eyes narrow as he smiles at his good friend. A kind friend, despite having lived for so long.

He's so lucky to also have all these people that have his back.]

[sanguivorous]

[It isn't a brief touch, his hand remains there as he stares at him. Taryon was right that his situation didn't match his, and in the past Astarion would have snapped at him for comparing them, but he knows this man understands. He has been a witness to just enough to understand.

Astarion wants to lean in and kiss him.

There was no other way to take this feeling he has. He might as well fully admit it (to himself at least) that the fondness he has for Taryon has grown to affection at some nebulous point before this day. It's a frightening feeling; the last time he had grown soft for a man it had not ended well after all, and so he can't bring himself to act upon his desire. However, seeing Taryon smile was enough for him in this moment.

So all he does is smile back, and nods in acknowledgement to Taryon's words that even through Astarion's pessimism he knows he means.]

And I, you.