Mikael gave a worried little frown as he began reaching for the others hand before remembering the other wasnt fond of touch soon speaking "Are you alright? You seem down..." he worried tilting his head as he waited for the other to speak

He then blinked hearing the others words "Ah well thank you...It isn't always easy and can be rather hard but I think it's worth it in the end. Happiness and helping others are two things I value dearly so I'm just trying to stick to those and keep going no matter what others around me may think." he replied His gaze then went to the barmaid as he smiled and took his drink thanking her politely

He took a sip of his drink putting a bit more water and a little more meet by the drakes in case they were hungry or thirsty as he relaxed some letting his blush fade. He wasn't fully sure why he had and told himself it was most likely just the kindness of compliments, being as oblivious to such things as always

Mikael listened feeling his ears heat up a little as he heard those words and nodded "It truly is nice and I don't mind I honestly quite like the sound of it" He said with a gentle smile holding out his mug "To an odd pair" he chuckled a bit

Sable blinked, and for a moment, he didn't feel Mikael's gaze resting upon him, but Tallas'. Are you alright? a whisper right beside him as he worked on his reports. Is everything alright, love? given with greater concern and gentle touch. Do you need anything? because Sable would never say if he did without being prompted. Is there anything I can do for you? and even if Sable couldn't find the words, Tallas had somehow always known what was needed.

"I am... fine," Sable managed, the lie twisting sharply within him to the point where he could not simply leave it at that. Not when Mikael had been nothing but kind to him. "It has simply been... a day where my thoughts have not let me go," as they hadn't for some time now.

He didn't want to say more than that, nor could he have said more even if the desire had been there. Everything was too sharp and compounding, shrouded in an intense darkness that was constricting. He would much rather move on. He would prefer to ignore the way memories were constantly nipping at his heels. He wished to enjoy this unexpected distraction, to enjoy the company of someone who didn't seem to mind... him.

Although, it was something of a disservice to Mikael to consider him and Darius only a distraction. The lightning drake had become a fast friend to Celeste if the way they now were pressed to each other's sides as they drank a bit of water and ate a little food before settling down again was anything to go by. And Mikael was... something else, something beyond his radiant eyes and kindness. Sable just didn't know what, but he wished... to learn more about them and remain in their presence for as long as he could.

"...to an odd pair," Sable chuckled, the sound a murmur as he knocked his mug against Mikael's.

Mikael frowned a bit at the lie but nodded not wanting to confront the other on something that he clearly didnt want to speak of. He however was surprised as the other said more and nodded "Thoughts and memories always seem to linger whether we wish them to or not. If you need someone to talk to to keep the thoughts at bay just let me know" he offered

Mikael smiled a bit as they knocked glasses and took a sip "This night has truly turned out better than I can hope for." he remarked before beginning to fiddle with his cup some "Do you...think we could do this again in the future? Hang out I mean- It's been really nice talking to you and I would like to do it again-sometime-if that's okay with you and all" he remarked a bit embarrassed hoping his request wasnt too strange

Darius relaxed as he laid by the other after they got drinks nuzzling her side and closing his eyes enjoying the rest for now and the company

There wasn't truly a way for Mikael to know how grateful he was to not be pressed further about how he was doing. The pressure that sat heavily in his chest was eased some, and while he already knew that he wouldn't—that he couldn't simply talk about it, the offer to talk about other things to help keep those shadows and aches and pains from overwhelming him was... it was more than he expected. And deserved.

"...thank you, Mikael," he breathed, having to look away as he spoke this time. "I-I... it is kind of you to offer..."

The pleasant numbness that came from the alcohol helped the slight bit of embarrassment Sable felt for his stammering, and with that lightness he felt in his body, a sort of... lifting feeling on his being, he couldn't help but nod as Mikael spoke. "It has been... quite nice, yes," he agreed, and he had a feeling that Celeste would, as well. "I had... planned on spending the evening alone, but this was a... welcome change of pace."

A small flash of concern came over him when he noticed Mikael fidgeting with his tankard. It was a nervous tick, he knew, as he had seen the same or similar in others before, and he worried... that he might be the reason for it, that he had said something or done something wrong. Irrationally, maybe, but for all that he tried to be logical and forward-thinking, he was still very much human.

It was why the question caught him a little off guard, even as he already had an answer, and his expression gentled once more. "I would like that," he said, voice soft and thoughtful, "...and I know that Celeste would, too. It would be... cruel of us to keep them apart now that they've become fast friends, after all, and..." he hesitated, feeling very much like he was wading into darkened waters that were an unknown depth, "...and I have enjoyed talking with you, too. Even if it is a bit... one-sided because of me."

“Of course. No one should be alone in their dark times. It’s good to have someone to help you see the light even if you can’t reach it yet.” He smiled hoping his strange little saying made sense and didn’t come off as too strange to the other.

“Yes I’m very grateful for this fateful encounter bringing new friends” he said with a bright smile relieved that the other was also enjoying their time together

He nervously awaited an answer quickly lifting his head in surprise at the others agreement lighting up like a kid “r-really? Thank the gods.” He brightened “they can hang out whenever they want from now on! And I don’t mind! You just take your time and do what’s comfortable for you. Even your presence is enough to make me happy so don’t worry too much” he replied

Sable's smile grew just a touch more when Mikael said that Celeste and Darius would be able to see one another again. He often worried that his company wasn't... enough for the small drake, that his own limitations would prevent her from learning best how to socialize with other people or with others of her kind. With the promise of a... friend in her future, some of that worry eased from the quiet corners of his mind. There was nothing he wouldn't do for her, after all, and while it was no means suffering the presence of another to do so in this case, he would have even if he and Mikael had not... gotten along so well themselves.

"...I thank you on her behalf, then," he said with soft amusement at the way Mikael seemed to shine a touch brighter with Sable's own admission, but just as soon as it was there, it was gone, lost to the wealth of understanding Mikael continued to have and speak on.

That wasn't to say that Sable's expression suddenly dropped, that the peaceful and somewhat wistful gentleness to his features was eased away and replaced with something indifferent. Instead, there was surprise, an innocent sort that was not unlike a wounded animal shown a sliver of kindness at the end of a beating. Before that, too, was gone in the next heartbeat of time. It had been nothing more than a flash, the smallest crack in his stoicism before the calmness that perforated every fiber of his being returned.

"You... you are too kind, Mikael," he managed after a beat of silence. "Certainly for a stranger like me, but I am... glad to have met you."

He should say more, he knew, just as Mikael had, but the words were too much, and admissions were dangerous. To speak of how Sable felt almost comfortable sitting with them would be too much like a betrayal, and he could not risk it. Not so soon.

"Hm? Oh! no need to thank me I think it's nice and they seem to have fun so yeah" he remarked amazed at the smile and chuckle from the other but he was happy to hear and see it in all honesty. It was nice. "Ah too kind? Well I try to show everyone kindness but you yourself are kind so it's nice. I-I'm glad to have met you as well" he replied his smile never dampening as he took another sip of his drink

He relaxed a bit further in his chair, the rigidity that he carried himself melting away just a touch as he leaned back. Drink in hand, he brought it to his lips, and for the first time in a long while, he didn't mind the faintest traces of fog over his senses and the sharpness of certain sensations that came.

It wasn't often that he indulged, always seeing it as foolish to dull one's mind without reason, but he was both comfortable and knowledgeable with his limits. It would take about another ale before he began to approach them and test the limits of his tolerance, and he was not the type of person to test them, but with Mikael, with Celeste settled next to her new friend, Sable did find himself enjoying this moment.

Even if Mikael was... wrong about him. He wasn't... he wasn't kind. He was odd. Strange. He didn't know how to connect with people, could only ever carry on a conversation when he was on duty because duty demanded it of him, and his attempts were always... faltering. He was a broken man that hid himself behind a wall of indifference and stoicism for protection... and not just for himself.

...which is why Mikael would ever remain at arm's length, he told himself. It was why, even if they were to meet again in the future, it would only be as acquaintances. To be anything else, anything more would be dangerous. Too dangerous, and he couldn't... risk them.

That didn't mean that the conversation had to come to an end, though. Nor did the night. It was... harmless to speak. It would just have to remain as only that.

"Are you from the city...?" he asked a touch out of place. "I don't believe I've seen you before. Or Darius."

"I am yes" he nodded with a soft smile "More on the outskirts so the creatures have room but yes" he remarked. "I'm guessing you are too maybe?" he asked a bit of hope in his eyes that he may run into the other a bit here and there, his tail swaying a bit as he awaited an answer. It was rare he would hope for such thing or making such friends. His face tinted a little as he felt a bit embarrassed to hope for something so simple and silly

He really liked talking to the other and spending time with them and truly hoped this night wouldn't be the end. What would he do if they didn't? Why was he so nervous if they didnt? It was confusing but all he knew is that he wanted to see the other again and talk to him more

"I... I am originally from Moonveil Village," he said after a bit of a debate over what was safe to share and what was too much. "...but I moved here ten years ago or so." He rolled his tankard, watching the way the ale shifted inside before taking another drink.

"It has been... some time since I was assigned to the outskirts, now that I think about it," he added, setting his drink back down on the table. "It must be why I don't recall seeing you before," because Mikael was someone he wouldn't have forgotten, not with such an incredible and unique gaze, though he wouldn't be saying anything quite like that.

Icy eyes saw the movement of the tiefling's tail, though he didn't draw too much attention to it. Silent acknowledgment on his part, but not something he focused on. What claimed his thoughts more prevalently was remembering that Tallas used to do the same... when something was on their mind, when they had a question or was waiting for something. Something that usually involved Sable in some way.

...he wondered if it was the same for Mikael, if it was an absentminded tick that he might not even be aware he was doing. He wondered if it was a tell, and he wondered... why if it was. What was on their mind? Were they waiting for something?

"Most of my assignments have been around the housing district and marketplace more recently," he offered, waiting to see if it prompted anything more from Mikael. "It is... quiet, and the people usually don't pay mind to me unless they need help."

"That's nice that it is a quieter area. My family lived on the outskirts but I never got out much for a good while. Afraid I get sick easily so my family was against my exploring and such for a long time" he shrugged a bit "But it's nice out here. I mean yes there are so many new things and some things are a bit dangerous but that's part of the experience right? Plus I wouldn't have met so many lovely creatures and you if I stayed inside constantly" He smiled a bit looking on the positive side.

In all honesty the house was lonely with just him around. With the creatures it was nice and he even had a few people to help care for them when he was on an expedition to find others. "Staying inside was no way to live and I couldn't be much help like that so why not explore the world and help the creatures I find along the way and care for them? oh- sorry that turned into a bit of a rant didn't it?" he questioned rubbing the back of his neck a bit with a small chuckle "sorry about that"

Sable canted his head ever so slightly as Mikael mentioned being sick as a child. A question was there, one that asked after him, asked if he was better now and if being in a musty tavern helped at all should it still linger. But for as quickly as that curiosity came, that desire to learn something a bit more... personal, it was just as easily quelled.

They were strangers still, no matter how polite or kind they were to one another. There were certain things that were too much far too quickly, and he had already decided. Aquaintances and nothing more. Friendly but not...

"...one of my brothers used to say something similar about experiences—or living and danger," he found himself saying instead. "Of course, we didn't hear him use it as an excuse for his recklessness very much when he..." a soft hum of amusement escaped him with the memory, "...found himself hanging upside down in a tree from one of his own traps."

Lifting his mug of ale once more, Sable finished off the last of it before adding, "I think he could have learned a little from hearing your perspective, though. Your view on experiences is far more... tempered, and your goal is far kinder than any he ever managed for himself." The empty mug was settled back on the table, as his wintered gaze found Mikael's. "...before I left, at least. Things may have changed, I suppose, but I have no way of knowing."

For as easy as the words had come to him, Sable didn't know why he was talking about his brother—about his family at all. It wasn't because he missed him, he immediately lied to himself, and it wasn't because of the gaping hole in his chest that was only spreading further and further out from his heart.

It was just... easy. To talk. To sit. To listen. Even if he wasn't very good at it.

"And... that is to say, no need to apologize, of course."

Mikael nodded and listened to the other curiously laughing at the story "he got stuck in his own trap? How long was he there for?" he asked with a smile as he tried to picture someone looking similar to Sable stuck upside down from a tree and laughed a bit more.

"well... maybe you can go see them again sometime or ask around the area to see how they are doing ya know? Family can be hard and they don't always listen or know how to care but time can change things, hopefully for the better. If you ever need a traveling companion for such things just lemme know! I'm sure I could find a way to help out" he remarked with a small smile

It was nice to be able to talk about his past a bit with someone even if he didnt know them well though he honestly wished he did at this point. He seemed quite nice and caring even if he tried to hide it. Mikael wondered what kept the other so distanced around others but obviously asking someone you just met that is weird so he restrained himself from doing as such

The tiefling's laughter was... melodic. It was a sound without compare for the way it seemed to sing of their joy and mirth, and Sable found it captivating, in a way. Strangely so. He was not typically moved by such things, not for some time now, and even then, it had only ever been in one person.

Perhaps, it was because he found the memory humorous himself? It seemed... the most logical explanation, and it certainly didn't have anything to do with the way he had been on his own for well over a year now. Sable was fine in his loneliness and stronger when he was alone. Safer, too.

Celeste was the only exception he now allowed himself.

"...when I first found him, he claimed it had only been an hour or so," Sable answered, "but I overheard him mentioning to our—to the eldest of us, that he was there for nearly half the day."

What Mikael said next had him freezing in place, though, his gaze darting away quickly. There was no way for them to know what they were saying, that what they were suggesting was... something he adamantly refused. He would not be going back. He would never contact them. He would go the rest of his life without them if fate was kind.

His family was... not as such to him any longer. His blood was stained and corrupted by the shame that followed them. And even though the choices of his ancestors were not his own, he still felt them and refused to accept the excuses and explanations given to him as if they did not need to atone for them.

"...thank you, Mikael, but that is... not an option for me," he finally managed, finality carried gently in his tone to draw an end to it.

Actively forcing himself not to clench his jaw, Sable immediately ducked his head. "Ah, forgive me, that was... more intense than I meant it to sound," he added. "I only wished for you to... not get your hopes up for something like that. Not that such a thing cannot happen with you accompanying me or... or the opposite should you have need of... protection or... companionship, but simply not for that. Specifically."

Of course, it was now that his words failed him.

Mikael covered his mouth laughing more at the story "I'm surprised all the blood didn't rush to his head" he remarked with a bright smile. "I always wondered what siblings were like" he added enjoying the thought of the story.

His smile however faded as he saw the look on the others face and heard how he spoke "Ah I see..I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn." he remarked, his ears and tails drooping a bit with guilt at speaking so simply on things he had no idea about in the first place "Alright then well I would love to do either of those options in the future if that's okay with you. Not for that butI do really enjoy your company