"Congratulations, Brother-Athanasius," Tycondrius chuckled.
He was happy for his two young companions. They had a healthy relationship and he was pleased that Tanamar was doing his best at nurturing it.
"There's... uh," Tanamar hesitated. He rubbed the back of his silver-haired head, looking overall uncertain.
"Go ahead," Tycon gestured.
"Something's been bothering me-- us, really... Apparently the Frozen Cairn sect wants her-- us back, after this mission."
"Ah, of course," Tycon nodded. "Standard procedure. Athena is a rare and valuable anomaly. Did you bring reinforcements from the sect, then?"
Tanamar looked off into the distance, gazing wistfully at Caeruleum below.
"...Athanasius," Tycon cleared his throat. "You... must have brought reinforcements."
Still, the silver-haired Holy Lancer kept his silence.
Tycon crossed his arms, "You did not ask."
It wasn't a question. He spoke the words aloud to confirm it.
