30.Oct.12, 02:46 AM
The smile Talian gave him helped relax Valerian that little bit more that was needed in order to enjoy what had turned into a surprise party. It was indeed a surprise since he hadn’t been aware that either of his friends knew when it was but with everything going on in his life lately, he could have been the one to tell them at some point and actually forgotten he had. Veeth would be to blame if it wasn’t obvious that Talian was the one who arranged everything. “Thanks and yeah, it’s in a few days.” No need to question how it was known or why it was being acknowledged; even he had learned some things didn’t need a reason or logic behind it.
Despite believing Talian was still a friend thanks to his gesture of a birthday surprise, Valerian was still cautious and after accepting the glass, chose the chair that was closer to Erisi than to the Healer. An extra person between them wouldn’t hurt! He still raised his glass in a mock toast of not having a toast before Valerian began sipping on the wine. He wasn’t a huge drinker, preferring to take his time on the drink or two he allowed himself at gatherings or when Erisi visited before Impressing and wanted someone to share the bottle with. Since Impressing Veeth, Valerian couldn’t remember when he drank, finding it not something he missed. He’d have to be careful that evening or he’d end up drunk before he realised it thanks to being out of habit.
Not being one for casual small talk, Valerian suddenly realised he wasn’t sure what to say to fill in the silence. There were two other men in the room that were perfectly capable of it – if they were anyone else. Erisi loved to talk but even he could fall silent at times and Talian was, well, Talian. Still, he wasn’t sure what should be said and went with the first thing that came to mind, “I’m glad we found time to meet up like this again. It’s been a while. I missed it,” he was almost uncertain in that confession but as the words were said, he knew them to be true. A lot had happened and changed since that night on the Sands and it seemed like such simpler times back then with three friends trying to figure things out together getting together regularly.
A longer swig of wine was taken to mask his frown.
Despite believing Talian was still a friend thanks to his gesture of a birthday surprise, Valerian was still cautious and after accepting the glass, chose the chair that was closer to Erisi than to the Healer. An extra person between them wouldn’t hurt! He still raised his glass in a mock toast of not having a toast before Valerian began sipping on the wine. He wasn’t a huge drinker, preferring to take his time on the drink or two he allowed himself at gatherings or when Erisi visited before Impressing and wanted someone to share the bottle with. Since Impressing Veeth, Valerian couldn’t remember when he drank, finding it not something he missed. He’d have to be careful that evening or he’d end up drunk before he realised it thanks to being out of habit.
Not being one for casual small talk, Valerian suddenly realised he wasn’t sure what to say to fill in the silence. There were two other men in the room that were perfectly capable of it – if they were anyone else. Erisi loved to talk but even he could fall silent at times and Talian was, well, Talian. Still, he wasn’t sure what should be said and went with the first thing that came to mind, “I’m glad we found time to meet up like this again. It’s been a while. I missed it,” he was almost uncertain in that confession but as the words were said, he knew them to be true. A lot had happened and changed since that night on the Sands and it seemed like such simpler times back then with three friends trying to figure things out together getting together regularly.
A longer swig of wine was taken to mask his frown.