Stone's Throw

[Andreas Amell]

"And what are merikos?" The question slips out before he can stop it, but to his credit, he doesn't try to backtrack it afterwards.

[GamesMaster]

"Whichever they choose."

[Andreas Amell]

"You don't think people can be both?"

[GamesMaster]

"I'm not an expert," he demurrs. 

[NPCs]

"Master, expert, dabble," Cadmus recites, holding up one finger, then two and then three. 

[GamesMaster]

Don looks away. "I once thought you could be both, but I don't anymore."

[Andreas Amell]

Master, expert-- oh. You can master one thing, be an expert in two things and... Andreas frowns, sting twice by the meaning. Is that why I can't find... "I see," he says belatedly. "Umm. Well. I should-- I don't want to tire you out. Overstay my welcome."

[GamesMaster]

Don nods. "Have a good evening, child. Feel free to visit again, and soon."

[NPCs]

Cadmus doesn't speak, instead gesturing Andreas closer. There's a second of hesitation, but he does approach, then kneel at a second gesture. Placing his hand on Andreas's forehead, Cadmus murmurs, "bountiful hunts, warm dens, cool water and a strong Tribe."

Looking both touched and a little stunned, Andreas stammers out his thanks before rising to his feet.

[GamesMaster]

Don smiles, fighting back tears. This is how it should have been, his traitor heart tells him. This is how things would have been if you had stayed. 

[GamesMaster]

When Andreas gets to the compound, hoping for some shop talk to settle his nerves, everyone is up on the roof, chatting and laughing. There's a picnic blanket spread out, and a spread of cheese and crackers laid out, but the sun is setting soon. Are they almost done picnicking? But they look to have barely started...

[Andreas Amell]

"Dinner on artist time?" Andreas calls up before he even finishes dismounting the ladder. Wow, they really set this up nicely. Blankets and pillows, a half dozen jugs, instruments, pai-- is that a stage? It is! 

[GamesMaster]

Pip, the dancer, comes over, wearing tight leather pants and no top, their skin oiled and gleaming. "Andreas! What a pleasant surprise. Have you come for the moonshower party?"

[Andreas Amell]

"Moonshower?" Andreas repeats, glancing upwards despite the sun still peaking over the horizon. "Party?" he adds brilliantly.

[GamesMaster]

"There's a full moon and a meteor shower tonight," laughs Pip. "We're gonna stay up until the shower finishes. You can crash in our spare room if you want, stay the night."