[Pseudosym]

Leoden relaxed his grip. "All right then," he said. The sudden onslaught of tears unnerved him. What had he gotten himself into?

From the doorway, Gavin chirped, "You gonna do something about his clothes?"

"Hm? What's wrong with his..." Leoden looked the boy up and down. For the first time, he noticed the oversized, tattered garments. "Oh. Well, yes, I..."

Gavin waved a hand. "Leave it to me," he said. "You two keep getting to know each other."

Leoden glared at him. The kid knew he didn't like to be teased. But Gavin only grinned broadly, then quickly left the room.

After he'd gone, Leoden fixed Moira with an appraising look. "I can finish the potions," he said. "Why don't you find something to play with?"

...Well, that's a terrible idea.

"That is, why don't I find you something to play with."

He rummaged through the various drawers and shelves stacked in the large tower room. On the windowsill, he found a wooden bird one of the maids had left for him. It was about the size of his fist and had been whittled from a single block of soft wood. Probably the most harmless thing he was going to find in here. He should have asked Gavin to bring back some toys.

"Here." He handed Moira the bird. "You can play with this."

He sat at the table to resume his poisons.