Desir watched from a distance as Irwyn and Alice experimented in the field outside the mansion. There was a single large stretch of flat ground and well-kept grass, likely meant to be used exactly as they were doing. Him and the rest of their party had taken up the large gazebo that had seemingly been set up specifically to observe people in said field. Though, because of the original seating arrangements, he and Elizabeth actually sat quite far apart.First off, he tapped the arm of his bench in a specific pattern, letting Waylan know that he wanted actual privacy for what was to come. The signal system that had been drilled into the former Tears was indeed rather convenient, and not particularly difficult to learn or slightly adjust. He gave the handsome bastard a moment to flee, then walked over to where Elizabeth was sitting.“So, I know you will probably not be happy to hear this, but we have to talk,” he broached, taking a spot at her side.“What about?” She asked, already raising that disgustingly potent bubble of privacy. How in the world she had achieved it with Concepts focused mainly on the body was a mystery to Desir.“Are you in the mood for smalltalk first, or should we rip the bandage right off?” He tried to lighten the atmosphere.“Just get to it,” and she rolled her eyes with amusement, so that was a success.“When was the last time you have eaten?” So Desir pitched his voice ever so slightly, making it sound minutely more severe and serious. Too small of an adjustment to be consciously noticeable, but enough that he was confident it had an effect.“Admittedly… not in a while,” she said slowly.“Will I have to drag the answer out of you?” He shook his head. “My guess is, you have not touched any food since leaving the Trial. Am I correct?” Because he had already suspected, but the unfinished platters of snacks in the parlor had been the last confirmation he had needed.“Yes…” she said (...)