Stone's Throw

[Aveline Vallen]

Learning to fight? Well now, that's a big change. Hmm. I wonder how much of this is coming from this business with Cadmus bringing up thoughts of fathers. In her heart, Aveline considers Andreas her son as well, just the same as any of her spouses' children. After all, Carver is Dreas's father as much as uncle. "And you were hoping to have the guard's finest trainer give some lessons?" 

[Charon Tethras]

"Of course," he jokes, trying to imitate Dreas's carefree, prissy tone. "Why settle for less?"

[Aveline Vallen]

"Can't argue much with that," Aveline replied with a grin. "But what's this about varnish?" And how did it put that notch in your ear?

[Charon Tethras]

"I was carrying painting supplies and someone tried to pickpocket me. I chased him, but I tripped and got varnish all over me, and he attacked -- I got healed, don't worry -- but I got away, only he got my purse and the paint supplies were ruined."

[Aveline Vallen]

"Did you report the incident?" Aveline asked crisply, somehow looking like an on-duty guard despite wearing a silly apron and having a smear of flour on her cheek.

[Charon Tethras]

"Um. No, I was... I wanted to get the varnish off as fast as possible and then I was spending time with Gran-- with Cadmus, and then I sort of. Forgot."

[Aveline Vallen]

Of course you did. "You are your mother's son," she huffed. Her grin was rueful but warm. She rosed to her feet after a glance at the clock. "Strong scent warning." And indeed, when she opened the oven door, a wave of spicy smells filled the room. Not hot spicy, but rather warm and cozy ones, with just a bit of sharp to them.

[Charon Tethras]

It's a good thing she moved, because he's stricken by inexplicable sadness and pride as she says that. By the time the scent washes over him, he's schooled his face back into a neutral expression, half-closing his eyes to take in the smells. "Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and... what's that last one?" 

[Aveline Vallen]

"Last two, actually; cardamon and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Just enough to give the warmth an extra step." She laughed, glancing back at him to wink. "I hope anyway."

[Charon Tethras]

Charon sniffs deep, trying to separate out the faint scent of cayenne from the stronger spices. "Ah, I see. Smells great."

[Aveline Vallen]

"I made three batches of the chai loaf. Three levels of cayenne; 1:6, 1:10 and 1:17," she went on to explain, setting the baking trays on the stone counter to cool a bit. "Who did you get to heal your ear by the way?" And why didn't it heal properly?

[Charon Tethras]

"My... ear?" he asks, reaching up to feel both ears. Upon finding the notch he affects surprise. "Huh. That's. New."

[Aveline Vallen]

His words were met with a flat, reproving stare. Thankfully it was still more mom than guard but it's still a powerful thing.

[Charon Tethras]

"I can't see my own ears. Can you?" he argues. 

[Aveline Vallen]

"See them? No. But I've enough proprioception to notice a change like that," the paladin replied. "Even more importantly, why was this incident able to leave a scar?"