[ Red doesn't take his hand away, allowing Cilan to hold it, his own gaze kept downward with it now being the other boy's time to speak. And though there's nothing but kindness in his words, Red's stomach twists a little more all the same, and for that reason, replacing the pride he had promised himself to feel when looking back on his achievements.

But he smiles away, bringing it into view as Cilan does his own much brighter one, accompanied with that physical glow about him that makes his eyes flicker away, at the same time he speaks. ]

Can people go to the lake right now? [ Actually, that's a reason to look back, his smile dipping. ] I thought Sosyne went there... aren't people still trying to get through to her?