She nearly jumped when he touched her shoulder, her heart threatening to jump out of her chest. A soft sigh of relief and warm smile shortly followed when Taryn realized it was merely Sebastian returning from the band. Yet, she remained silent as she slipped onto the stool next to his, eyes turning to the deep crimson liquid in her glass, her mind once more on the intentions behind Kieran's words. Do things for herself? Something she wants to do?

"Hmm? Oh, Kieran?" Taryn glanced up at her brother-in-law with a light blush, noticing Kieran giving them a deep nod of acknowledgment. "They are twins. Identical only to the most physical traits." Kieran moved around Taryn and gave Sebastian a friendly clap on the shoulder. "I would quite enjoy to stay and see what kind of man actually catches my sister's eye," Taryn gave a small gasp as she turned on him with incredulous surprise, which sounded more like a squeak. "However, I do have husband duties to attend. Take care of her for me?" He retrieved the two glasses the bartender had left by Taryn, pausing momentarily as he looked down at her.

"Remember, Taryn. Help is only a scream away. Ria, Dae… Teu is still formidable even in her present condition. You are not alone. And… Think about what I said. No matter what happens, Ari will always be welcome at our home." Taryn nodded slowly, realizing exactly what Kieran meant. Was he trying to get her to leave the shop? He knew of her desire to see more beyond the four walls of her nightmare. Kieran seemed to glide through the crowd with grace like he was meant to be in this environment. She took a steadying breath before giving Sebastian another small smile. "My brother, by marriage. He's always looked out for me." The smile melted into a frown as she found herself fidgeting with her hands again. "Everyone has difficulties with my husband."

Taryn knew her deepest, darkest wish was to be rid of him. She didn't want to call him husband, forced to endure his cruel entertainment. What would life have been like if it was someone else, anyone else she was wed to? Yet, she couldn't share this wish with anyone. She swiped a hand across her eyes, took a deep breath and smiled up at Sebastian. "I'm sorry. I'm not being good company, am I?"

With the glass of indulgent stout mostly drained, Sebastian was already beginning to feel the unfortunate side effects. Lowered inhibitions and loose lips were the least of his worries; though they did come with the territory of being such a lightweight. His demeanor and speech were scarcely affected, but internally, his every sense was alight with an unnatural hyperactivity. It was still mild enough now that he could manage it with some focus.

Kieran's friendly clap on the shoulder rippled through Bash's nerves jarringly, though he did not show it outwardly. As long as he maintained a certain level of lucidity, he would keep from embarrassing himself. He turned to shake his hand, a grin spreading from his lips to all his features as he caught Taryn's reaction to her brother in law's words in his peripheral. He didn't even need to look directly at her to feel the depth of her blush.

"She couldn't be in more capable hands, lad. I believe it's two throttlings I shall receive now if I don't keep that promise."
The words were full of jest, but he exchanged a private, knowing look with Kieran before he turned to Taryn. Yes, he was quite aware of his brother…and there was no fear in him to be found.

Sebastian idly swirled the remaining mead in his glass as Kieran made his leave. "He's a good man," he confirmed Taryn's explanation in a contemplative tone. With her concern at his pause following her reaffirmation of her troubles, he chuckled and shook his head. "You're the best company I've had in some time…pardon if I'm a touch thick and bold in these matters, but why not just…leave?"

Glancing at Taryn momentarily, Sebastian then resumed looking at his drink. His voice took on an even greater depth, and lost some of its characteristic twang as he mused solemnly. "I know nothing of the finer details of your circumstances…if there are moments of shocking splendor midst the darkness, if things used to be grand. I do know that another person can cease to feel like home for a number of reasons. Being without each other is often the only wake up call one or both people need to mend things. Other times, you find you're better off…" he trailed off, and turned to offer an encouraging smile.

There were many more things he could tell her, but the familiar, slow-building rhythm of the music he had requested caught Sebastian's ear. "Ah!" he exclaimed, gesturing in the band's direction. He downed the last quarter of mead, set the glass forcefully down, and clapped his hands. "This isn't a time for that sort of reflection though, wouldn't you agree? Tonight, we celebrate life, reaffirmed. Any other melancholy haze can be braved in good time." he held out his hand to Taryn, intent on leading her out to the dance floor.

His senses swam, tingled, and rang, but he simply let every minute sensation come. The heightened awareness began with simple things…how soft Taryn's skin felt on his callused hands…the intoxicating perfume that wafted from her person. It then evolved to things that others could not perceive. Strange lights danced at the edges of his vision that slowly took on human shape and faces - specters moving in rhythm to the music. They were the dead taken by Eldritch Horror, celebrating its defeat.

He stepped and waltzed casually at first, but as the music built to a passionate crescendo, he twirled, tossed, and caught Taryn while the Revaliites around them, both living and dead, let loose with equal fervor.

She was taken aback by the knowledge that she was the best company he has had. Her shoulders slumped at the question. "Wish I could…" Sebastian went on about the possibilities, assumptions that were never true. Elwin was never her home, there was never shocking splendor in his arms. It left her feeling empty and lost, alone in the dark that seemed oppressive. Particularly when she looked at her sister-in-law and her successful marriage and now Kieran with Teu. She shook her head at the thought of any possibility to mend things with her husband. Despite attempting to return his encouraging smile, Taryn was close to tears once more.

Apparently, the song he requested had come on, for Sebastian became jovial almost instantly the moment the new one started. With a nod, she finished her wine and took his hand, abandoning her seat. A strange sense of excitement overpowered her helplessness as Taryn was led into the dancing crowd. Outside of her married family, she had not been so close to anyone, a fact that was threatening to withdraw her hand from Sebastian’s own. Somehow, she managed to maintain contact, pushing through the mental blocks. His hands were rough and dry from some form of labor. ’Like Kieran.’

The dance started out familiar, something she could perform in her sleep. One, two, three, one, two, three. It allowed her thoughts to finally still as she lost herself to the movement. By the time the tempo rose with intensity, Taryn was positively glowing as he twirled her around and tossed her. She moved in perfect tandem with his lead, matching every step. When the music faded, she found herself almost giggling in Sebastian’s arms. Taryn had forgotten the amount of joy she got from a simple dance.

The amusement faded from her gaze as she took in the autumn tones of his eyes. ”How cruel the gods are… To show me the small moments of perfection…” she whispered. ”Things I have only dreamed… I…” Taryn took a step back, out of Sebastian’s hands. ”I can’t…” Before she could go any farther, the noblewoman was nearly toppled over by a toddler who had abruptly thrown his arms around Taryn’s leg. ”Arziros?” She knelt down, a hand running over his mop of curly blonde hair before cupping his cheek to stare into his mismatched blue and green eyes. ”Sweetie, what’s wrong?” Arziros lifted his hand and pointed behind her with one word on his lips, the fear clear on his face. ”Daddy.”

Taryn promptly stood, trying to keep her son behind her as she stood to face her husband. He was advancing with cold fury in his icy eyes, the expression causing her to flinch slightly. Elwin was not glaring down at her, however. She ensured she was directly in his path. ”Elwin–” He placed a single hand on her shoulder and moved her out of the way and punched Sebastian. ”I told you to keep your hands off my wife!” There was nothing she could do but watch the scene unfold before her, watching as the males fought over which action was inappropriate. ”Mommy…” Arziros tugged on her dress, stressing out over the scene. She closed her eyes, suddenly struggling to catch her breath until it was too much to bear.

”Enough!” Taryn’s voice rose, screaming at Elwin as she stomped her foot. He looked at her, confused. ”I’m done, Elwin. You should leave. We are done.” ”Taryn, what are you saying?” She shook her head as she took a step back, retreating from him. ”We’re over, Elwin… Just… go…” The words were whispered as Elwin looked at her dumbfounded. She removed her wedding ring and tossed it at him, which he caught and appeared to be in disbelief it was physically in his hand. He finally straightened himself, his gaze narrowing. ”Very well… I shall give you some time to reconsider, my love. I will be waiting for you.” Elwin gave a hateful glare to Sebastian before walking away. Taryn, on the other hand, was trembling. Her breathing was more as if she was gasping for breath as she looked around aimlessly. ”What… did I do?” Taryn asked breathlessly, her trembling making her appear quite unsteady on her feet.

It all happened so fast; yet in the moment, time seemed to slow.

Still riding the high from the dance, Taryn's child running to her with the word of warning didn't completely register in Sebastian's mind until Elwin's fist struck his face - hard. Though stepping back once from the impact of the blow and turning his head, he maintained enough poise to remain on his feet. His hands balled up in righteous fury, so much that the blood drained from his knuckles. He loathed men like Elwin. Preparing to retaliate, his eyes glowed threateningly with an inner fire…a fire that was quickly extinguished as his autumn gaze met Arziros' frightened heterochromic one briefly.

Seeing this cowering innocence was enough to assuage his initial, incensed, alcohol-fueled reaction. It grounded him, and reminded him of himself.

Sebastian began to chuckle softly, and ever so darkly. Standing upright again, he stared Elwin down. "I've made no trespass worthy of ire," he stated with a measured, deadly calm. "If you are averse to your wife having a friend and confidant, one must wonder what skeletons you're afeared they will dig up."

These words, as expected, evoked another violent rise in Elwin. Sebastian was ready this time though, stopping his fist and entire body with a brand of telekinetic concentration. The man strained with all his might, fruitlessly, until Taryn finally put a stop to the little scene. Not just this, but her marriage as well, it seemed. Bash was in almost as much shock as her would-be husband. His gaze followed him as he turned to leave. He knew from that glare that this was far from over…at least between the two of them. He would be the scapegoat for this divorce in Elwin's pride-adled mind.

Regarding Taryn thoughtfully, Sebastian approached her once more. Miming the motions of removing manacles from her wrists and tossing them away, he grinned. "You did what you've wanted to do for a long time, clearly," he answered while steadying her with an embrace, then taking a hand in his own. Once he was sure Taryn wouldn't faint, he lowered to one knee in front of Arziros. "I'm sorry you had to see that slice of life, boyo. Now, I don't think you and your mum will have to any longer."

Sebastian's moment of clarity banished the phantoms from the fringes of his vision, but his head still span somewhat. That was likely more than the drink's doing. Looking about, he saw the few interested and concerned faces amongst the revelers that stopped to witness the violence turn away to focus anew on enjoyment. The band started to play a more muted, backdrop of a melody.

What a night this had turned out to be.
In a matter of…what had it been…hours? Minutes? He had met someone new, emboldened them to turn their entire life upside down, and made a new enemy himself in the process.
Originally, he had planned to keep to himself on his little boat following the aftermath of the many battles he'd had and witnessed; to sail about and make sense of everything. As much as a part of him regretted not making that decision, he knew that this was how things should be for this family. How much longer would Taryn have endured her private nightmare if he hadn't happened along? Until Elwin one day took his cruelty too far? To the death of her?

The snow still fell softly outside, and the party slowly dwindled as the hour grew late. Sebastian stood, crossing one arm over the other, and rested his chin on his hand, looking to Taryn. "He'll be waiting for me when I'm alone, you know."
Certainty was heavy in his words, but the assurance was not ascertained by any supernatural means. This was a gut feeling.

His form dwarfed her as he approached, callused hands reached for her own, the movement catching her attention. Sebastion acted as if he removed bondages from her wrists as if he freed her, a frown creasing her expression as she lifted her face to meet his grin. Taryn’s chin trembled as he pulled her into a long comforting embrace. Was she truly free? ’Do things for you.’ She did want to be rescued from the daily punishment, liberated from the pain of simply being. Did it finally happen for them? Was Arziros finally able to grow up without being permanently scarred by hatred?

Taryn took a steadying breath and nodded to Sebastian’s silent questions. She did not have the time to be an emotional wreck. Arziros needed her to be strong. His gaze followed Sebastian as he lowered himself to be more on eye level with the child, blinking simply at him. ”Daddy mean,” he stated before turning to Taryn and lifted his hands to her, wanting to be picked up. When she did, he rubbed his eye almost violently before resting his head on Taryn’s shoulder. ’That’s it? No beating on me, screaming and creating mayhem?’ So many things were happening tonight that she was unsure how she was going to process everything.

Slowly, she began to sway, lightly patting her son’s back as he slept. How she wanted to just bury her face in his soft curls and weep! She was at a loss of where to go from here, what to do. Going back to Teu’s felt like returning to a sheltered hideout. Krizira’s home held too many painful memories. Sebastian began speaking, stating a plain truth. Elwin would wait for him to be alone, the chance to strike. Twice, now, he had been bested and he was not a graceful loser in anything. Her spring gaze lifted to his autumn orbs as she whispered the only thing that sprang to her lips. ”Then take me with you.”

The words took a moment to seep into her realization of what she proposed. To suddenly ask someone she just met to take her away from the troubles of her past… Trusting him with her child… She didn’t know him! Yet, despite logic trying to reason out a thousand facts why this was a bad idea, she felt calm and collected. ”Any bad move he makes will drive me farther away. Elwin would suspect this is true with my newfound self-will. If you see no problem in it, I can’t go back to the Rothslin Estate. Too many memories. I shouldn’t deposit my problems on Kieran’s lap… And my parents… wouldn’t understand. I’m just a noble-born woman, raised to obey my husband and keep his house…” Taryn allowed her voice to drift off into silence ”Please? At least, until we can find a place where I can be safe.”

Come with him? The night seemed to be filled with a neverending procession of surprises, one after the other, taking a bow into his sphere of comfort. Sebastian regarded Taryn with a look of bemused incredulity. "You hardly know me, lass; aside from having two good ears and two deft feet…and you would entrust me with the care of you and your son?"
His tone was one of astonishment, but the patronizing undertones were entirely in jest, emphasized by crossing his arms again in an exaggerated manner.

"Not to say your trust would be misplaced, mind you," Sebastian continued. "I don't exactly have the safest of existences, though. Work I do carries with it a unique brand of intrigue…and enemies. Now I've forged another tonight by pure virtue of dumb luck."

He chuckled to himself and shook his head. "Sod it all though. I'm game if you are. I just hope you and your own aren't prone to getting seasick."

——

The trek to the docks was relatively silent, all things considered. Sebastian and Taryn both had much on their minds. It was when he observed Arziros stirring in his mother's arms that he decided to open up a wee bit.
"I've a daughter, myself. Hazel, she's called…with Bryony, an oracle. She's of our dear Lady of Love's lineage. I'm actually somewhat surprised I didn't run into them tonight, considering the locale. I suppose it's for the better. I don't think my daughter would know me if she saw me anyhow."

Lamp lights reflecting off the water caught the burnt bronze calligraphy on the hull of the ship Sebastian suddenly halted at: Calypso. It was rather bland-looking and small in comparison to the vessels that flanked it, aside from darker, more exotic woods being used in the planking.
"Here we are…She's not much, but she has more room than I know what to do with, at least."