turning into something caustic

Nodding to Jata (he absolutely needed the food right now more than Ronin), the hunter kept an eye on his daughter and buried his hands in his pockets, letting himself have a moment of quiet. "I was telling Seren about mermaids and pirates, and how they probably work together against the bigger things in the sea," he explained. "So she is probably sad that you don't have a mermaid friend. As am I - it's a terrible shame." He winked. Before he knew it, everyone was finished, the bowls were returned to the stall owner for washing and reuse, and the rain was picking up. Catching Jata's glance at Seren and her bare feet, and the long walk to the lighthouse, he offered his arms out to the girl. "We'll get there much quicker if I carry you," he said. "And besides, you'll see a lot more of Haulani from up here. Shall we?" RONIN Darkness is a funny thing. It creeps up on you.