Just slightly forward-dated

[gatheringstorm]

[Early in the morning, or as early as Korrin can think straight, her drained voice can be heard over the sending crystal. It’s more than a little hoarse, but she wouldn’t leave this up to anyone else but her and Mal. They’ve known Asher for a long time, and this is the least they can do for him. ]

...Asher’s gone. There wasn’t any pain, not in the end. He just...slipped away. To anyone who helped make his last days easier, thank you.

We’ll be heading to Honey Badger Hold to give him a proper Avvar send-off. Anyone who he counted as friend, you’re welcome to join us. Mal says to dress warm and bring some kind of gift to show respect to the Hold. First person to be a jackass gets to take a long walk off a short cliff. Don’t test us on that. Asher deserves better, and he’ll get it.

[Her throat closing in on her again, she passes it on to Mal without further comment should he have anything further to add, and leans on him. His shoulder was damp before, thanks to her, and likely will be again before long.]

Comments

[chainlightning]

I will. Thank you.

Furs or smoked meats. [ She will... have to find some. ] I might need to go on a hunting trip, then.

[gatheringstorm]

If you want, I can come with but I also understand if it's something you want to do yourself. Or we could see what the merchants have available here, too.

[She understands the sentiment behind getting it personally, though, which she might do. It's hard to take action yet, though, with her mind in a fog.]

[chainlightning]

I thought I might ask Mal? I think he might appreciate getting away for a little bit, and I want to see how he's doing.

[ Beat. ]

Not that I don't want to spend time with you or see how you're doing, Korrin, I just- it can be easy to feel lonely, and you have Araceli, and...

I'm going to stop talking now.

[gatheringstorm]

[There's a soft huff of what in any other situation would be amusement.]

No, that's fine. And you make a good point, Mal could use the support. I won't take that away from him.

[chainlightning]

I'll come and see you after, [ Merrill promises, having just decided. ] And- maybe Bronson would like to spend some time with Barkley, while I'm out hunting?

[gatheringstorm]

What do you say, Bronson?

[There's a grunt in response, and the sound of shifting weight.]

...that's not a 'no'. I think.

[chainlightning]

I'll bring him by, then.

[ Dogs can use all the friends they can get after loss, too. ]

Is there anything else I can do?

[gatheringstorm]

Just hug Mal, a lot. He needs it.

[chainlightning]

I can definitely do that.

[gatheringstorm]

You're the best, Merrill.