this was the life mingling between regular folk; bandits and brutes with itching knuckles, empty pockets and bottomless throats sat at the same table too, they drank the mead and ate food together before unhinging their jaws for more. the kingfisher’s inn has been a place for artists and supporters alike, yet now it stands ransacked, regular clientele — scared off —— hurt. words didn’t matter, reasoning ignored.
worse than that —— neither the split at his cheek, stinging despite the gentle touch, nor alastor’s words are the reason for his sudden stillness. his gaze, usually lively in emotion and color, dulls once it sets upon a damaged instrument; his beloved, torn beyond repair. he speaks nothing of it, instead pulls his hand away from the wound, before moving towards a shelf where he kept a ‘73 vintage pomino. “ it’s just a bruise. ” a smile meant for the other, to reassure, and fades as soon as he turns away. fingers dance through the shelf, linger on the bottle’s neck. this brought up memories he’d rather not dwell on. after a minute, he picks it up. “ i am sure it’ll heal just fine. ”