"Something for the nerves?"
Two crystal flasks containing a slightly luminescent liquid with a pearly glow. The containers themselves seemed almost ceremonial, etched with delicate runes.
"This will help," Ren continued, offering a flask to each of his parents with a smile that attempted to be reassuring. His fingers trembled almost imperceptibly as he held them out.
Fern looked at the potion with suspicion, studying the way it swirled within the glass. "What is it?"
"A drink I brought you from the city," Ren responded with feigned casualness, though his eyes avoided direct contact. "It will help with fatigue and tension."
Reed, too exhausted to question, gratefully accepted the flask. "At this point, I would even drink that homemade liquor that our neighbor brought."
Lin exchanged a knowing look with Ren, a small smile forming at the corner of her lips reflecting her anticipation.
"To being together again," Ren proposed, raising his hand in an imaginary toast.
