Eden, the Inkspren

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*steals your dinner*

@edgedancing-food-thief

Hello, Lift. You know you’re always welcome to join us.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I know. I just prefer not to.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

My wife would love to have you over. If you ever want it, there’s a seat at the table for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Thanks, but nah. Stealin's more fun.

*slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sighs, rubbing his forehead*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Wait! I missed some! *slides back, grabs more food, then slides away again*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina calls after her* Wait! I have a pastry for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

*runs over, snatches the pastry out of Hesina's hands, then stuffs in in her mouth as she slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina smiles, shaking her head* I’ll get her over for dinner one day.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I'll be there. You just won't be able to see me.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Just so long as you’re here, dear.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

...anyway. I'm hungry again. *slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina holds out a bowl of lavis grain* We have plenty.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

It ain't the same for you to just give it to me, you know.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Well, then. I’ll just leave it here, unobser-

*an unexpected Oroden tackles Lift*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Woah there, tiny child! I'm supposed to be the small one!

*becomes just Slick enough to make her way out of Oroden's grip for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She watches the exchange from Lorin’s shoulder, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin smiles slightly* Questions, Eden?

[dark-small-shape]

If she wants food, why does she not eat it with you?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

It is a game for her.

[dark-small-shape]

A…game?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Yes. She enjoys the challenge of stealing, I think.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

This puzzles you?

[dark-small-shape]

Much humans do puzzles me. Understanding is said to come with the bonds

[crypticdesign031297]

It does!

You get to understand that there is no understanding some, if not most things!

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm. Thank you for your input. Your Radiant is the…offworlder? Is he strange?

[crypticdesign031297]

Yep!

[dark-small-shape]

Tell me about him.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*steals your dinner*

@edgedancing-food-thief

Hello, Lift. You know you’re always welcome to join us.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I know. I just prefer not to.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

My wife would love to have you over. If you ever want it, there’s a seat at the table for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Thanks, but nah. Stealin's more fun.

*slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sighs, rubbing his forehead*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Wait! I missed some! *slides back, grabs more food, then slides away again*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina calls after her* Wait! I have a pastry for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

*runs over, snatches the pastry out of Hesina's hands, then stuffs in in her mouth as she slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina smiles, shaking her head* I’ll get her over for dinner one day.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I'll be there. You just won't be able to see me.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Just so long as you’re here, dear.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

...anyway. I'm hungry again. *slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina holds out a bowl of lavis grain* We have plenty.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

It ain't the same for you to just give it to me, you know.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Well, then. I’ll just leave it here, unobser-

*an unexpected Oroden tackles Lift*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Woah there, tiny child! I'm supposed to be the small one!

*becomes just Slick enough to make her way out of Oroden's grip for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She watches the exchange from Lorin’s shoulder, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin smiles slightly* Questions, Eden?

[dark-small-shape]

If she wants food, why does she not eat it with you?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

It is a game for her.

[dark-small-shape]

A…game?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Yes. She enjoys the challenge of stealing, I think.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

This puzzles you?

[dark-small-shape]

Much humans do puzzles me. Understanding is said to come with the bonds

[crypticdesign031297]

It does!

You get to understand that there is no understanding some, if not most things!

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm. Thank you for your input. Your Radiant is the…offworlder? Is he strange?

[dark-small-shape]

Many of the inkspren look down on human emotions…I do not understand why. It is admirable how the surgeon puts his emotions aside to care for people.

[dark-small-shape]

And watching his child is…interesting. He behaves the most illogically

[dark-small-shape]

Many of the inkspren look down on human emotions…I do not understand why. It is admirable how the surgeon puts his emotions aside to care for people.

[dark-small-shape]

Hm…always much to consider around the surgeon and his family

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Do you have questions?

[dark-small-shape]

No. I simply consider

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

If you have any, I will try to answer.

[dark-small-shape]

Thank you

[dark-small-shape]

Hm…always much to consider around the surgeon and his family

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Do you have questions?

[dark-small-shape]

No. I simply consider

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

*Oroden wraps himself around your leg and clings to it*

@surgeon-of-hearthstone

Hey, Oroden.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Gagadin!

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

Oroden!

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin smiles* He’s thrilled to have you back.

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

choked up

I missed you too, gemheart.

bends down to kiss the top of Oroden's head

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Oroden attempts to scale him like a tree*

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

offers him a hand up

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*takes it* Baba has a Fyl.

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

Syl has a twin?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin clears his throat* He means I have a spren. Kaladin, this is Eden. @dark-small-shape

[dark-small-shape]

Hello, Herald. We have spoken before

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

Right. I'm sorry. I was confused.

[dark-small-shape]

It is alright. I did not say the surgeon was my Radiant

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

*Oroden wraps himself around your leg and clings to it*

@surgeon-of-hearthstone

Hey, Oroden.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Gagadin!

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

Oroden!

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin smiles* He’s thrilled to have you back.

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

choked up

I missed you too, gemheart.

bends down to kiss the top of Oroden's head

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Oroden attempts to scale him like a tree*

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

offers him a hand up

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*takes it* Baba has a Fyl.

[kaladinsuniformviolationslog]

Syl has a twin?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin clears his throat* He means I have a spren. Kaladin, this is Eden. @dark-small-shape

[dark-small-shape]

Hello, Herald. We have spoken before

[dark-small-shape]

Hm…always much to consider around the surgeon and his family

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*steals your dinner*

@edgedancing-food-thief

Hello, Lift. You know you’re always welcome to join us.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I know. I just prefer not to.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

My wife would love to have you over. If you ever want it, there’s a seat at the table for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Thanks, but nah. Stealin's more fun.

*slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sighs, rubbing his forehead*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Wait! I missed some! *slides back, grabs more food, then slides away again*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina calls after her* Wait! I have a pastry for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

*runs over, snatches the pastry out of Hesina's hands, then stuffs in in her mouth as she slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina smiles, shaking her head* I’ll get her over for dinner one day.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I'll be there. You just won't be able to see me.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Just so long as you’re here, dear.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

...anyway. I'm hungry again. *slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina holds out a bowl of lavis grain* We have plenty.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

It ain't the same for you to just give it to me, you know.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Well, then. I’ll just leave it here, unobser-

*an unexpected Oroden tackles Lift*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Woah there, tiny child! I'm supposed to be the small one!

*becomes just Slick enough to make her way out of Oroden's grip for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She watches the exchange from Lorin’s shoulder, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin smiles slightly* Questions, Eden?

[dark-small-shape]

If she wants food, why does she not eat it with you?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

It is a game for her.

[dark-small-shape]

A…game?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Yes. She enjoys the challenge of stealing, I think.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

This puzzles you?

[dark-small-shape]

Much humans do puzzles me. Understanding is said to come with the bonds

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*steals your dinner*

@edgedancing-food-thief

Hello, Lift. You know you’re always welcome to join us.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I know. I just prefer not to.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

My wife would love to have you over. If you ever want it, there’s a seat at the table for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Thanks, but nah. Stealin's more fun.

*slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sighs, rubbing his forehead*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Wait! I missed some! *slides back, grabs more food, then slides away again*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina calls after her* Wait! I have a pastry for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

*runs over, snatches the pastry out of Hesina's hands, then stuffs in in her mouth as she slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina smiles, shaking her head* I’ll get her over for dinner one day.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I'll be there. You just won't be able to see me.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Just so long as you’re here, dear.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

...anyway. I'm hungry again. *slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina holds out a bowl of lavis grain* We have plenty.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

It ain't the same for you to just give it to me, you know.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Well, then. I’ll just leave it here, unobser-

*an unexpected Oroden tackles Lift*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Woah there, tiny child! I'm supposed to be the small one!

*becomes just Slick enough to make her way out of Oroden's grip for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She watches the exchange from Lorin’s shoulder, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin smiles slightly* Questions, Eden?

[dark-small-shape]

If she wants food, why does she not eat it with you?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

It is a game for her.

[dark-small-shape]

A…game?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Yes. She enjoys the challenge of stealing, I think.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*steals your dinner*

@edgedancing-food-thief

Hello, Lift. You know you’re always welcome to join us.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I know. I just prefer not to.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

My wife would love to have you over. If you ever want it, there’s a seat at the table for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Thanks, but nah. Stealin's more fun.

*slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sighs, rubbing his forehead*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Wait! I missed some! *slides back, grabs more food, then slides away again*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina calls after her* Wait! I have a pastry for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

*runs over, snatches the pastry out of Hesina's hands, then stuffs in in her mouth as she slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina smiles, shaking her head* I’ll get her over for dinner one day.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I'll be there. You just won't be able to see me.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Just so long as you’re here, dear.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

...anyway. I'm hungry again. *slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina holds out a bowl of lavis grain* We have plenty.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

It ain't the same for you to just give it to me, you know.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Well, then. I’ll just leave it here, unobser-

*an unexpected Oroden tackles Lift*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Woah there, tiny child! I'm supposed to be the small one!

*becomes just Slick enough to make her way out of Oroden's grip for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She watches the exchange from Lorin’s shoulder, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin smiles slightly* Questions, Eden?

[dark-small-shape]

If she wants food, why does she not eat it with you?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

It is a game for her.

[dark-small-shape]

A…game?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*steals your dinner*

@edgedancing-food-thief

Hello, Lift. You know you’re always welcome to join us.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I know. I just prefer not to.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

My wife would love to have you over. If you ever want it, there’s a seat at the table for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Thanks, but nah. Stealin's more fun.

*slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sighs, rubbing his forehead*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Wait! I missed some! *slides back, grabs more food, then slides away again*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina calls after her* Wait! I have a pastry for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

*runs over, snatches the pastry out of Hesina's hands, then stuffs in in her mouth as she slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina smiles, shaking her head* I’ll get her over for dinner one day.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I'll be there. You just won't be able to see me.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Just so long as you’re here, dear.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

...anyway. I'm hungry again. *slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina holds out a bowl of lavis grain* We have plenty.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

It ain't the same for you to just give it to me, you know.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Well, then. I’ll just leave it here, unobser-

*an unexpected Oroden tackles Lift*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Woah there, tiny child! I'm supposed to be the small one!

*becomes just Slick enough to make her way out of Oroden's grip for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She watches the exchange from Lorin’s shoulder, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin smiles slightly* Questions, Eden?

[dark-small-shape]

If she wants food, why does she not eat it with you?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*steals your dinner*

@edgedancing-food-thief

Hello, Lift. You know you’re always welcome to join us.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I know. I just prefer not to.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

My wife would love to have you over. If you ever want it, there’s a seat at the table for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Thanks, but nah. Stealin's more fun.

*slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sighs, rubbing his forehead*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Wait! I missed some! *slides back, grabs more food, then slides away again*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina calls after her* Wait! I have a pastry for you.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

*runs over, snatches the pastry out of Hesina's hands, then stuffs in in her mouth as she slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina smiles, shaking her head* I’ll get her over for dinner one day.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Oh, I'll be there. You just won't be able to see me.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Just so long as you’re here, dear.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

...anyway. I'm hungry again. *slides away*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Hesina holds out a bowl of lavis grain* We have plenty.

[edgedancing-food-thief]

It ain't the same for you to just give it to me, you know.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Well, then. I’ll just leave it here, unobser-

*an unexpected Oroden tackles Lift*

[edgedancing-food-thief]

Woah there, tiny child! I'm supposed to be the small one!

*becomes just Slick enough to make her way out of Oroden's grip for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She watches the exchange from Lorin’s shoulder, tilting her head*

[dark-small-shape]

*a small child spots you, picks you up, and tries to put you in his mouth*

@surgeon-of-hearthstone

Put me down! *She grows to full size again, frowning at uim*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Oroden! *Lirin picks him up* No. This is our friend, Eden. We do not put her in our mouth. *turns to Eden* I’m terribly sorry.

[dark-small-shape]

He is so small. Does he prefer to not be large?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Humans cannot change their size like you can. Oroden is only three years old.

[dark-small-shape]

Oh…so very young. I see.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Children this age often try to learn about things by putting them in their mouths. *looks down at Oroden* Apologize to Eden, son. We do not put things in our mouths, especially friends.

Sowwy, Eden.

[dark-small-shape]

Hm.

*She returns to Lirin’s shoulder, watching Oroden warily*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I do apologize for him. I don’t believe he will do it again. Right, Oroden?

*Oroden nods* No mouth.

[dark-small-shape]

That is good to hear

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Oroden stares at her, fascinated*

[dark-small-shape]

*She stares back, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*pointing* Back!

*Lirin smiles slightly* Yes, she is black.

[dark-small-shape]

I am made of ink, little one

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*squints up at her, seeing the rainbow sheen* Ainbow!

[dark-small-shape]

Yes, rainbow.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Pitty! *big smile*

[dark-small-shape]

Oh. Thank you, little one.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Baba has a Fyl?

*Lirin smiles* Perhaps, son.

[dark-small-shape]

A…Syl? I am not an honorspren

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

He’s asking if you’re my spren, like Syl is Kaladin’s.

[dark-small-shape]

I understand.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Mama get a Fyl?

*Lirin smiles slightly* If she chooses to.

...I get a Fyl?

*Lirin's lips tighten and he holds Oroden protectively* I... rather hope you don't, son.

[dark-small-shape]

*She leans against Lirin, thinking for a second. There’s a slight feeling of pressure, but she’s mostly intangible*

In…in the past, not all Radiants were warriors. Perhaps, when he grows, we will return to that time

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*softly* My sons have been through enough. Oroden's only three and he's been through too much. I would spare him more pain, if I could.

[dark-small-shape]

The Watchers at the Rim. Those who suffer pain so others do not

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I am willing to take that on myself. I wish I could keep Kaladin from it. I hope Oroden never steps into it. And Tien... I would like him safe, now that he is back.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm.

*She goes quiet, thinking*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin holds Oroden against his chest. Oroden wiggles, confused, then hugs his neck and kisses his cheek* Baba sad?

*softly* I'm alright, son. *sets him down* Go to your mother, alright?

[dark-small-shape]

*She shifts to full size again, beginning to pace while she thinks*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin draws in a trembling breath, holding one hand over his mouth while he stares into space for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She stops, turning to watch him questioningly*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*takes a deep breath, straightening* I worry about my family. I never stop worrying. I sometimes wish the world would settle down, but it has never done so in my lifetime. There is nothing for it. They will have to learn to weather the storm, as we have.

[dark-small-shape]

You act…illogically at times

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

How so?

[dark-small-shape]

You…switch from emotion to emotion quickly. You do not linger on them, consider them, how they affect you

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

There's no point in it.

[dark-small-shape]

There is not a point in reasoning how your emotions may affect your logic?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I keep my emotions out of my work.

[dark-small-shape]

Perhaps I need to reconsider some of my assumptions, then

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

It is a difficult lesson for a surgeon to learn, but a necessary one.

[dark-small-shape]

Hm. Perhaps, you can do more good focusing on the living rather than the death in the past

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*softly* I try to do so. It just never seems to stop.

[dark-small-shape]

Things must get better, Lirin, or else why would you try?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Every time they seem like they will the world comes crashing down again. I don't know that things can get better. All I can do is try to improve things a little, in my own way. I cannot fix the whole, but I can help with parts.

[dark-small-shape]

I think the parts is where it starts

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

That's all I've ever been able to do.

[dark-small-shape]

*She nods, thinking for a second, choosing her words carefully*

Hope is. It must be.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Hope is... difficult. I had given up hope of ever seeing Kaladin or Tien again, but both have surprised me. I don't know what to hope for the world anymore. Kaladin certainly seems capable of doing the impossible.

[dark-small-shape]

*She nods*

The Herald is…brave. He saved the spren.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sad smile* He is.

[dark-small-shape]

*She tilts her head again, observing him.*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I wish he could rest without taking the fate of everyone else on his shoulders.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm. *She goes back to pacing as she was earlier*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

You are... alright?

[dark-small-shape]

I am fine. *Her tone sounds a bit off* Much new information to consider

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*concerned nod*

[dark-small-shape]

*She pauses, shrinking a bit to be shorter*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Would you… like to talk about it?

[dark-small-shape]

…I am not a very good inkspren.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Elaborate.

[dark-small-shape]

We are meant to be focused, logical. I try, but I am not. I must work harder for it than the others. It will simply take me longer to fit the new information into my perspective

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*nods* It takes time, for some people. There's nothing wrong with that.

[dark-small-shape]

Many of the others disagree.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Anyone can be wrong.

[dark-small-shape]

Mm. Perhaps.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I would rather someone take their time and work through information slowly than work quickly and come to the wrong conclusions.

[dark-small-shape]

*She smiles at him*

Thank you. You will make a good Radiant

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*slow smile back* I hope so.

[dark-small-shape]

*She shrinks back down to her smaller size, standing on the table.*

You will be

[dark-small-shape]

*a small child spots you, picks you up, and tries to put you in his mouth*

@surgeon-of-hearthstone

Put me down! *She grows to full size again, frowning at uim*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Oroden! *Lirin picks him up* No. This is our friend, Eden. We do not put her in our mouth. *turns to Eden* I’m terribly sorry.

[dark-small-shape]

He is so small. Does he prefer to not be large?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Humans cannot change their size like you can. Oroden is only three years old.

[dark-small-shape]

Oh…so very young. I see.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Children this age often try to learn about things by putting them in their mouths. *looks down at Oroden* Apologize to Eden, son. We do not put things in our mouths, especially friends.

Sowwy, Eden.

[dark-small-shape]

Hm.

*She returns to Lirin’s shoulder, watching Oroden warily*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I do apologize for him. I don’t believe he will do it again. Right, Oroden?

*Oroden nods* No mouth.

[dark-small-shape]

That is good to hear

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Oroden stares at her, fascinated*

[dark-small-shape]

*She stares back, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*pointing* Back!

*Lirin smiles slightly* Yes, she is black.

[dark-small-shape]

I am made of ink, little one

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*squints up at her, seeing the rainbow sheen* Ainbow!

[dark-small-shape]

Yes, rainbow.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Pitty! *big smile*

[dark-small-shape]

Oh. Thank you, little one.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Baba has a Fyl?

*Lirin smiles* Perhaps, son.

[dark-small-shape]

A…Syl? I am not an honorspren

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

He’s asking if you’re my spren, like Syl is Kaladin’s.

[dark-small-shape]

I understand.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Mama get a Fyl?

*Lirin smiles slightly* If she chooses to.

...I get a Fyl?

*Lirin's lips tighten and he holds Oroden protectively* I... rather hope you don't, son.

[dark-small-shape]

*She leans against Lirin, thinking for a second. There’s a slight feeling of pressure, but she’s mostly intangible*

In…in the past, not all Radiants were warriors. Perhaps, when he grows, we will return to that time

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*softly* My sons have been through enough. Oroden's only three and he's been through too much. I would spare him more pain, if I could.

[dark-small-shape]

The Watchers at the Rim. Those who suffer pain so others do not

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I am willing to take that on myself. I wish I could keep Kaladin from it. I hope Oroden never steps into it. And Tien... I would like him safe, now that he is back.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm.

*She goes quiet, thinking*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin holds Oroden against his chest. Oroden wiggles, confused, then hugs his neck and kisses his cheek* Baba sad?

*softly* I'm alright, son. *sets him down* Go to your mother, alright?

[dark-small-shape]

*She shifts to full size again, beginning to pace while she thinks*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin draws in a trembling breath, holding one hand over his mouth while he stares into space for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She stops, turning to watch him questioningly*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*takes a deep breath, straightening* I worry about my family. I never stop worrying. I sometimes wish the world would settle down, but it has never done so in my lifetime. There is nothing for it. They will have to learn to weather the storm, as we have.

[dark-small-shape]

You act…illogically at times

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

How so?

[dark-small-shape]

You…switch from emotion to emotion quickly. You do not linger on them, consider them, how they affect you

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

There's no point in it.

[dark-small-shape]

There is not a point in reasoning how your emotions may affect your logic?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I keep my emotions out of my work.

[dark-small-shape]

Perhaps I need to reconsider some of my assumptions, then

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

It is a difficult lesson for a surgeon to learn, but a necessary one.

[dark-small-shape]

Hm. Perhaps, you can do more good focusing on the living rather than the death in the past

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*softly* I try to do so. It just never seems to stop.

[dark-small-shape]

Things must get better, Lirin, or else why would you try?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Every time they seem like they will the world comes crashing down again. I don't know that things can get better. All I can do is try to improve things a little, in my own way. I cannot fix the whole, but I can help with parts.

[dark-small-shape]

I think the parts is where it starts

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

That's all I've ever been able to do.

[dark-small-shape]

*She nods, thinking for a second, choosing her words carefully*

Hope is. It must be.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Hope is... difficult. I had given up hope of ever seeing Kaladin or Tien again, but both have surprised me. I don't know what to hope for the world anymore. Kaladin certainly seems capable of doing the impossible.

[dark-small-shape]

*She nods*

The Herald is…brave. He saved the spren.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sad smile* He is.

[dark-small-shape]

*She tilts her head again, observing him.*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I wish he could rest without taking the fate of everyone else on his shoulders.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm. *She goes back to pacing as she was earlier*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

You are... alright?

[dark-small-shape]

I am fine. *Her tone sounds a bit off* Much new information to consider

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*concerned nod*

[dark-small-shape]

*She pauses, shrinking a bit to be shorter*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Would you… like to talk about it?

[dark-small-shape]

…I am not a very good inkspren.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Elaborate.

[dark-small-shape]

We are meant to be focused, logical. I try, but I am not. I must work harder for it than the others. It will simply take me longer to fit the new information into my perspective

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*nods* It takes time, for some people. There's nothing wrong with that.

[dark-small-shape]

Many of the others disagree.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Anyone can be wrong.

[dark-small-shape]

Mm. Perhaps.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I would rather someone take their time and work through information slowly than work quickly and come to the wrong conclusions.

[dark-small-shape]

*She smiles at him*

Thank you. You will make a good Radiant

[dark-small-shape]

*a small child spots you, picks you up, and tries to put you in his mouth*

@surgeon-of-hearthstone

Put me down! *She grows to full size again, frowning at uim*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Oroden! *Lirin picks him up* No. This is our friend, Eden. We do not put her in our mouth. *turns to Eden* I’m terribly sorry.

[dark-small-shape]

He is so small. Does he prefer to not be large?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Humans cannot change their size like you can. Oroden is only three years old.

[dark-small-shape]

Oh…so very young. I see.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Children this age often try to learn about things by putting them in their mouths. *looks down at Oroden* Apologize to Eden, son. We do not put things in our mouths, especially friends.

Sowwy, Eden.

[dark-small-shape]

Hm.

*She returns to Lirin’s shoulder, watching Oroden warily*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I do apologize for him. I don’t believe he will do it again. Right, Oroden?

*Oroden nods* No mouth.

[dark-small-shape]

That is good to hear

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Oroden stares at her, fascinated*

[dark-small-shape]

*She stares back, tilting her head*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*pointing* Back!

*Lirin smiles slightly* Yes, she is black.

[dark-small-shape]

I am made of ink, little one

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*squints up at her, seeing the rainbow sheen* Ainbow!

[dark-small-shape]

Yes, rainbow.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Pitty! *big smile*

[dark-small-shape]

Oh. Thank you, little one.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Baba has a Fyl?

*Lirin smiles* Perhaps, son.

[dark-small-shape]

A…Syl? I am not an honorspren

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

He’s asking if you’re my spren, like Syl is Kaladin’s.

[dark-small-shape]

I understand.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Mama get a Fyl?

*Lirin smiles slightly* If she chooses to.

...I get a Fyl?

*Lirin's lips tighten and he holds Oroden protectively* I... rather hope you don't, son.

[dark-small-shape]

*She leans against Lirin, thinking for a second. There’s a slight feeling of pressure, but she’s mostly intangible*

In…in the past, not all Radiants were warriors. Perhaps, when he grows, we will return to that time

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*softly* My sons have been through enough. Oroden's only three and he's been through too much. I would spare him more pain, if I could.

[dark-small-shape]

The Watchers at the Rim. Those who suffer pain so others do not

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I am willing to take that on myself. I wish I could keep Kaladin from it. I hope Oroden never steps into it. And Tien... I would like him safe, now that he is back.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm.

*She goes quiet, thinking*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin holds Oroden against his chest. Oroden wiggles, confused, then hugs his neck and kisses his cheek* Baba sad?

*softly* I'm alright, son. *sets him down* Go to your mother, alright?

[dark-small-shape]

*She shifts to full size again, beginning to pace while she thinks*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*Lirin draws in a trembling breath, holding one hand over his mouth while he stares into space for a moment*

[dark-small-shape]

*She stops, turning to watch him questioningly*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*takes a deep breath, straightening* I worry about my family. I never stop worrying. I sometimes wish the world would settle down, but it has never done so in my lifetime. There is nothing for it. They will have to learn to weather the storm, as we have.

[dark-small-shape]

You act…illogically at times

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

How so?

[dark-small-shape]

You…switch from emotion to emotion quickly. You do not linger on them, consider them, how they affect you

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

There's no point in it.

[dark-small-shape]

There is not a point in reasoning how your emotions may affect your logic?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I keep my emotions out of my work.

[dark-small-shape]

Perhaps I need to reconsider some of my assumptions, then

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

It is a difficult lesson for a surgeon to learn, but a necessary one.

[dark-small-shape]

Hm. Perhaps, you can do more good focusing on the living rather than the death in the past

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*softly* I try to do so. It just never seems to stop.

[dark-small-shape]

Things must get better, Lirin, or else why would you try?

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Every time they seem like they will the world comes crashing down again. I don't know that things can get better. All I can do is try to improve things a little, in my own way. I cannot fix the whole, but I can help with parts.

[dark-small-shape]

I think the parts is where it starts

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

That's all I've ever been able to do.

[dark-small-shape]

*She nods, thinking for a second, choosing her words carefully*

Hope is. It must be.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Hope is... difficult. I had given up hope of ever seeing Kaladin or Tien again, but both have surprised me. I don't know what to hope for the world anymore. Kaladin certainly seems capable of doing the impossible.

[dark-small-shape]

*She nods*

The Herald is…brave. He saved the spren.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*sad smile* He is.

[dark-small-shape]

*She tilts her head again, observing him.*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

I wish he could rest without taking the fate of everyone else on his shoulders.

[dark-small-shape]

Hmm. *She goes back to pacing as she was earlier*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

You are... alright?

[dark-small-shape]

I am fine. *Her tone sounds a bit off* Much new information to consider

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*concerned nod*

[dark-small-shape]

*She pauses, shrinking a bit to be shorter*

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Would you… like to talk about it?

[dark-small-shape]

…I am not a very good inkspren.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Elaborate.

[dark-small-shape]

We are meant to be focused, logical. I try, but I am not. I must work harder for it than the others. It will simply take me longer to fit the new information into my perspective

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

*nods* It takes time, for some people. There's nothing wrong with that.

[dark-small-shape]

Many of the others disagree.

[surgeon-of-hearthstone]

Anyone can be wrong.

[dark-small-shape]

Mm. Perhaps.