*The little girl raises her head just a bit at Valya's question and just as quickly lowers it again.*

*Jayce's eyes nearly pop out of his head at Valya's effciency.* Jesus! I thought you were joking! You didn't even put any lemon juice on it...

*Jayce feels Rio haul herself right onto his floating form and then lay down on his stomache. He strokes a hand down the slick, wet fur along her back as she gets comfy.* D'aww, youre just sweet little lady.

*Jayce throws back his head and laughs.* Okay, fine—down you go! *His hands lock firmly onto Valya's waist and tosses him into the waves with a splash.*

...oh. *Jayce rubs the back of his neck.* I didn't know that. I just figured you wouldn't care since we aren't exactly close. At the time, I just needed to numb myself a bit. It hurts too much otherwise. But I get it, I won't drink around you anymore. I dont want to scare you.

*Jayce lies still beneath the heavy blankets, staring up into the fabric. The cottage is quiet, but his mind is racing at full speed. He lets out a sigh and prays for sleep to take him so he can stop thinking.*

*Jayce looks back down at his book, his thumb absentmindedly rubbing against the edge of the first page. He stays lost in his own head for awhile before reaching down to rummage through his backpack.*

Valya is braving his first trip into town today. I had to assure him that the locals weren't staring at him, but at me. They're probably shocked to see the Hermit out of his abode. Valya chose to go to the library. Its nostalgic, think with the smell of old books.