@apprenticeasher !
Asra sighed down at his cards. He’d gone to them for answers, and of course they were right, reading into the turmoil in his soul like it was a children’s book, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. The Seven of Swords reversed, the Four of Cups reversed, and the Five of Cups reversed all told him that it would be unpleasant no matter what he chose to do. Inaction, or even putting it off, would only make things worse.
Hearing Asher come down the stairs, he tucked the cards away quickly and put on a brave face. “Good morning,” he greeted, standing up to meet her in the kitchen. “Want some tea? I could start some for you.” He was too eager to be of help, perhaps lingering a little too long when he hugged her... He really didn’t want to say goodbye.
He’d gone on so many trips before, and leaving, in itself, was nothing special. The difference this time was that he didn’t have plans to come back. And, with Asher’s life in Vesuvia, there was no way he could even ask her to go with him. “Anything in particular you want for breakfast? I’ve been up for a while, so it’s no trouble to make it myself.”