Coming Together

As Rav and Ezra arrived back at the pagoda, Deek and Oberyn were just finishing their final ascent back up the mountain. Fortuitous timing brought the groups back together in perfect sync.

Ezra ripped off the mana-suckling necklace and ran to Oberyn. He picked up the Nephilim in both arms and spun him around affectionately.

"Hey, hey! Stop it!" Oberyn protested, but Ezra was too joyous to listen.

After several spins and a tight hug, he finally acquiesed to Oberyn's demands to be put down.

Deek and Rav watched intently, both of their tails twitching in suspense.

"I missed you," Ezra said, his voice smooth as it rolled off his tongue. He stared at Oberyn like he was the only other person on the whole planet.

"I missed you too," Oberyn blushed, his attention on Deek and Rav peering from the sidelines.

"Are you ready?" Ezra asked. "Let's do it. Right now. I want to take care of you."