Bristling slightly at his sister’s realization, Faolán let out a chuff to cut her off.

It’s fine. I’m fine.

He didn’t want to be coddled. Didn’t want to be underestimated. Yes, he had his disadvantages, but that didn’t make him incapable. He was responsible for himself. If he pushed too far, that was on him.

Still… he wouldn’t leave his sisters out here alone.

Yes, with all of us, we’ll be okay, he added, more firmly this time, for the sake of the more anxious among them.

When Saorlaith asked if they should continue, Faolán instinctively drew in on himself.

Yeah, just… go ahead. I’ll catch up.

He wasn’t confident he could go much farther after rushing to them. The tremors still lingered in his legs, subtle but relentless. He quickly averted his gaze, jaw tightening.

No. He wouldn’t let them see that.

Have you seen a rune before? Do we even know what we’re looking for?

He kept his voice as steady as he could, even as his cornflower eyes swept across the glade.

It was beautiful.

At least there was that.