Veritas vos liberabit

Jareth paused, his expression softening for a brief moment. A faint smile was drawn at the corner of his mouth as he shifted his stare. His hands, still slightly trembling, clasped together in front of him, as though the praise was something he wasn’t quite sure how to handle. He glanced down, gathering his thoughts, before meeting the other’s eyes with a quiet nod.

It’s nothing, he muttered, the words spilling out almost too quickly. Just… just glad I could help. He looked away again, the weight of the moment slipping through his fingers.

He let out a soft breath, his shoulders relaxing beneath the hand resting on them. For a heartbeat, he stood still, allowing the warmth of the gesture to sink in.

Jareth’s brow furrowed, a faint trace of a smile tugging at his lips as he met Garryn’s eyes. His countenance softened, but a slight shake of his head followed—a subtle dismissal of the praise.

You don’t owe me anything, he said, his voice firm & kind.

We’re in this together, same as before.

And then—there he was. As if pulled straight from one of those books he constantly read. The ones about heroes, about overcoming impossible odds. The mage’s jaw tightened, the weight of Garryn’s words settling deep within him. A flicker of something—admiration, perhaps?

Well said, friend, he added, his voice carrying a note of approval.

Jareth’s expression was hard now, his mind made up. There was no hesitation in him, no second-guessing. He would see this through—whatever it took.