Veritas vos liberabit

Jareth leaned back against the rough wooden wall, his staff balanced loosely in one hand, its faint hum settling into a soothing rhythm that mirrored his heartbeat. He watched the spirit wisp dance near the griffon, a small, tired smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Better than the things we’ve been dealing with lately. A bit of mischief beats fire and blood any day, he said, his voice dry but not unkind.

The griffon chirped again, and Jareth chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. if it nests in my coat, I make no promises about my patience. You think that thing’s playful? Wait ‘til you see me after I’ve been woken up by feathers in my face.

As Garryn spoke, the gravity of his words cut through the quiet. Jareth’s expression shifted, his usual sarcasm giving way to something deeper. He studied Garryn for a moment, the flickering light casting sharp shadows across his features.

Abdicating, huh? Jareth said, his tone softer now, laced with curiosity and a hint of understanding. Big step. Not the kind of thing you decide on a whim. Leaving all that behind… I’m guessing you didn’t do it because this side’s got better views.

He paused, tapping the staff gently against the floor, its faint glow reflecting in his tired eyes. But I get it. Sometimes you’ve gotta walk away from what people expect of you—what they demand of you—to figure out who you are without it. Doesn’t mean it’s easy, though.

Jareth glanced back at the griffon, then at the wisp, its soft light painting a fragile warmth over the room. And here you are. In the middle of nowhere, with a griffon, a house that’s not yours, and… Dora, was it? He smirked faintly, but there was no malice in it. Not the grand halls of Tantervale, but maybe it’s better for you. Simpler.

His gaze met Garryn’s then, steady despite the exhaustion weighing on him. For what it’s worth, Garryn, I think you’re onto something here. Found yourself a place to breathe, a chance to rebuild. That’s more than most of us get. And hey, if this is where you’ve landed, I guess I’ll take you up on the offer. Long as the griffon and I can come to an understanding.

Jareth straightened, rolling his shoulders with a faint grimace before clapping Garryn lightly on the arm. Rest sounds good. But first, you’ve got to tell me—what’s Dora like? And do I need to watch my pockets around her?