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Mike was silent for a while, staring at his untouched meal. Eventually he sighed, seeming more calm now. "All right, fine. Sorry for snapping. I'll try to be more….mindful in the future. Thanks for the tip."
"It's no problem," Bernon said encouragingly. "And I should say that I do think you've been trying harder at this lately, so props for that. Anything else, Tanrial, or are we happy with his apology?"
Tanrial shrugged, "I think that's all for now. But I agree, you have been getting better at being nicer to people. Just… let's try not have this conversation again."
"Yes, Mom," Mike said. But he was smiling the tiniest bit as he said it, and he no longer looked angry. "I'll do my best."
Brandon relaxed and started to eat again. "Does that make me the concerned pushover dad?"
"Pretty much." Mike chuckled. "I may not always like it, but you guys…..you're good friends. Thanks for sticking with me."
(brb, gotta eat)
(Sorry, had to do some cleaning an okay)
"No problem son," Tanrial smiled, "But really, it's no problem. You're a pretty good friend too."
"Thanks." Mike smiled at her.
Bernon finished off his stew with a slightly loud slurp. "So, back to work in the morning, then? Tanrial and I are gonna visit the next town over to find some supplies. Wanna come, Mike?"
Mike nodded. "Sure, sounds good. I need some things myself."
"What things? You really need to stop being so mysterious Mike, it's not good for you." Tanrial said, finishing off her own bowl.
"Oh come on, I'm not being mysterious. Bernon just over-explains things so it makes me look bad." Ignoring Bernon's indignant sputter, he fished a small, badly-dented tin out of his pocket and set it on the table, popping off the lid. "Sometime yesterday my compass broke," he said, showing them the shattered glass and bent needle of the instrument inside. "Not sure how, but I need a replacement. It's just little stuff like that, no big deal."
"Riiiight, okay. I haven't seen a compass like that for a while, where'd you even get it from?" She asked, looking for the instrument to him.
He shrugged. "I think somebody gave it to me in exchange for guarding their house while they were sick. I've had it for years, and it's always worked fine. I doubt I'll find one of the same quality around here, but you never know." He closed up the tin and returned it to his pocket. "Did you recognize the make or something?"
Tanrial shook her head, "No, it's been a while since I've seen a compass like that, though. No one really used them back in the day, well, those types anyway so I thought the were all gone or something."
"Huh. I guess not."
"You probably just destroyed a priceless historical artifact," Bernon said.
Mike rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the info. Good thing nobody cares how old stuff is anymore, as long as it works. And, welp, this thing doesn't now, so it's trash." He sat back from the table and sighed drowsily. "I think I'm going to bed next. See you guys in the morning."
"Alright. Night Mike. Sleep well, I'll be heading up soon too." She shrugged and smiled.
(I'm off to bed myself, see you later ^^)
Mike nodded and went upstairs. Not long after, Bernon gave a yawn and stood up as well. "I guess I'm out now too. Night, Tanrial. We should leave pretty early in the morning, so feel free to hunt us down if one of us sleeps in."
(Seeya ^^)
Tanrial chuckled and stood with him, "I'll keep that in mind. See you in the morning, I'm gonna head up too."
(I really can't think of a new way to describe how the night passed so let's just skip to the morning lol)
The next morning was dark and clouds hung over the lake, threatening rain. Out on the lake, the fishermen were working quickly to bring in the day's catch before the weather turned. On the shore by the woods, Dane's men packed up the last of their things and set off back towards the prairie, leaving a cloud of dust that hung over the old road long after they were gone.
(m o o d)
Tanrial was up early, sitting down at the bar with some tea while she waited for Bernon and Mike to get up. Then again she was contemplating waking them up just because she could.
Luckily they seemed to sense her intentions and got up before she could come get them. Mike was the first one down, already dressed for travel and carrying his empty backpack. "Morning," he said to Tanrial. Bernon will be here in a minute, he's double-checking the grocery list."
Tanrial nodded, "Okay, but it looks like it's going to rain soon so we need to travel quickly. Anyway, how'd you sleep?"
"Pretty good." Mike glanced out the window. "Hopefully the weather won't be too bad. A little rain is okay, but a full-on thunderstorm is not something I wanna be caught up in. How'd you sleep?"
She shrugged, "Alright I guess. I was looking forward to walking you two up this morning but you ruined my plans."
Mike gave her a dry grin. "Sorry about that. I'm sure you'll get another chance, with the late nights we've been pulling."
Bernon came down just then, also carrying his backpack, which looked strange when it wasn't stuffed with gear. "Okay, I'm ready. Let's grab some food for the road and head out."
"Damn, who knew you could pack light Bernon?" She teased, grinning, "I've already has some stuff so it's up to you guys to be quick."
Bernon snorted, stepping aside so Mike could get them something from the counter. "I only travel light when I'm preparing to weigh myself down even more. Don't get used to this look, it'll be gone by nightfall."
"I have no doubt it will," Tanrial leaned against the counter, "You got the list, yeah?"