In spite of Dolphus’ sudden onset coldness, there was an audible gulp from his throat at the change in mood. Mariner’s two glowing eyes were somehow much more dangerous, and the calm reply from the acting captain of the Caelin’s Hand did little to ease his worry.
Quickly pocketing the second bottle in his other hip pocket, Dolphus opened the door and quickly stepped out, his face immediately drawing an emotional blank as he realized he had absolutely no idea where Alexis had gone. Busy dealing with Mako’s slander, he had completely missed her presence and departure.
Idiot. He frowned. He wasn’t sure if that thought was meant more for him or for Mako. Regardless, he had to pretend he knew what he was doing, or Mariner might assume he was stalling and unload his fury on him.
Okay. Dolphus exhaled, slowly blinking. They couldn’t have gone far. Likely up the stairs or around the end of the stairwell. I’m just going to pretend I know what I’m doing and move further along so that it looks like I’m not completely winging this if you think about that phrase for even a moment I’m going to hurt you.
It didn’t matter that Dolphus wasn’t speaking to anybody, he would be defensive if he felt like it.
So saying, he took one, two, three steps, then four, nearing the stairs-
The fourteen-year-old swordplay prodigy slammed his shoulders into his neck before whirling his head around to stare in undisguised shock at Karl, before realizing Karl wasn’t there. It was just the door to one of the cabins, and the shadows made it clear somebody was inside. A second’s pause followed, with Dolphus finally relaxing his shoulders and adjusting his collar with a weary exhale.
Stepping forward, he tapped twice on the frame with his cane, hoping that he was out of the way enough in case Mariner decided to barge past him.