The walk back was unhurried.
Quinlan held Aurora's hand in his left, and Kaelira's in his right, and neither woman seemed inclined to let go. Aurora's fingers were warm and relaxed, still carrying the loose contentment of someone whose day had gone better than planned.
Kaelira's grip was lighter, more tentative, her thumb resting against his knuckle without quite committing to movement, but she hadn't pulled away once since they left the gnome household, after many grateful bows from Aurora toward the pair. Thistle was a bit emotional to see the girl go, while Thindlebrim waved her off, saying he was too busy for this.
Typical Thindlebrim.
However, Aurora wasn't dismayed by the cold shoulder she was given, having already known what was coming.
