As Mikael's smile faded, Sable winced, the familiar twist of guilt and regret coiling within him. He hadn't meant for that to happen. He hadn't meant for his past—for the darkness that wrapped itself around him—to diminish the other man, as well. Certainly not when he was... a source of light.

"No, it is..." Sable let out a breath of frustration with his own ineptitude. "You do not need to apologize. You... couldn't have known." He had to force the words a little, but he added, "Family can be hard. As you said. And sometimes... it is impossible."

It was a gentler way of putting it, and the last he would allow himself to say on the matter. A part of him had known not to share that story, but he had done it anyway. Another mistake like that, he would not be making again.

"...either would be nice," he agreed, glancing at Celeste and signaling her with a subtle yet practiced motion of his hand, "...and I have enjoyed your company, as well."

He had lingered too long and made too many careless comments. It might be nice, this conversation they were sharing, this moment where he had been able to forget he was in a tavern at the end of several long days and sleepless nights, but he didn't wish to make things inevitably worse. For Mikael and for himself.

"I am afraid that I must take my leave, however," Sable said softly, Celeste yawning as she rose to her feet, stretching her wings a little and patting Darius with them before a few beats brought her to land on Sable's shoulder. "...the night has grown later than either of us was expecting, I believe, and I... have an early shift in the morning. In the housing district."

Adding where wasn't necessary, but it was something of an invitation. Mikael was welcome to find him, and in truth, it would likely be easy to do so. There weren't many guards that had an ice drake that accompanied them in Eclipse City.

"Well..whatever you think is best I am sure it is the correct decision" He smiled a small gentle smile to the other thankful they were still able to talk at least for now. He smiled more and nodded glad the other enjoyed their time as well. He nodded hearing the other had an early shift and nodded with a smile "Maybe I will run into you tomorrow then"

Darius let out a little noise of sadness as the other left and gave a quick nuzzle before moving to sit on Mikael's shoulder figuring they would leave soon as well. He was right as Mikael stood up "Thank you for this evening Sable I really appreciated it" he said happily

A soft yet thoughtful noise escaped him at the mention of being run into tomorrow came. "...maybe," Sable found himself agreeing, a murmur of a smile curling ever so slightly at the corners of his lips. "It would be... a welcome interruption should it come to pass."

Standing from his seat, as well, Sable left coin enough to cover the extra drinks and meal that Mikael had ordered before turning back to the tiefling. He hadn't exactly been expecting to be thanked of all things, but he was coming to learn that it was simply a facet of that kindness that seemed to be as much a part of the other man as his illuminated gaze.

"It was... my pleasure," he said with a bow of his head, "and I hope the rest of your evening is pleasant, as well." Then, after a beat, he added, "Goodbye, Mikael," the other's name gentler than most of his words had been that night.