Ruh Roh (One on One)

"Oh, siren," he said with a nod. "You gotta be careful on land being a siren. I was once friends with one, but she..." His face darkened and he cleared his throat. "Anyway. It's good to meet ya, Tez."

 

He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, she, uh... She was drained."

 

Rowan put an arm around Tez protectively.

"Raenos, the arrows?"

"Ach. Right, right. I'll be back."

 

He kissed the top of her head.

"I'd never let that happen. I promise."

 

He glanced down at her, his lips pursed.

"Mm. I love you."

 

Raenos returned a few minutes later with a long, thin, linen pouch.

"Here we are. Last set of the week."

Rowan exchanged money with him, taking the parcel.

"Thanks, Raenos. See you soon."

 

He looked grim, squeezing her hand.

"It's like a porcupine quill. Have you ever studied them?"

 

"They're not like needles. They're actually really difficult to get out. They can enter easily, but are almost impossible to get out by hand."

 

"Yes," he said, nodding. "They have these... I guess hooks would be the best term for them. When they're inside the skin, the hooks catch when you try to pull them out."

 

"Humans, remember? They're attack arrows, so they're not used for science or movement or anything. They're to protect."