To Kill A Moral Man

And The Curtains Laid Shredded

Warnings:

Remus being Remus, dead bodies (not real), light cursing, privileged protagonists being unaware of discrimination, self doubt, reuniting, mention of child abandonment
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"Before you go-" Val broke the sudden silence that fell upon them, "I have something to show you".

She turned and walked straight to the cabin, not looking back.

Her words seemed to shake away the lethargic energy as the group moved into action, following her steps.

Roman did as well, silently thinking of the past few years, of his brother, of his stupid, obvious, mistake.

Of the secrets, the cover ups.

They all know now anyway.

He stopped before the entrance, staring morosely back into the woods.

"You okay?" Thomas gingerly asked him, the last at the door.

"Yeah it's just-" he shook his head,

"Yeah".

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As time passed, Patton grew accustomed to the strange thought, the guest in his head, giving him words of advice, as well as, strangely enough, directions.

It was as if it knew everything there was to know about the world, as if the thought controlled its very fabric.

It had been encouraging him to use The Book's powers more often, teaching him how to turn mud into drinking water, leaves into food, trees and rocks into shelter.

He found he almost enjoyed the travel, the wind in his hair, the peace of the forest.

Even the spring nights and early mornings seemed to be in a forgiving mood, sparing him of rain.

"You know, you're not as bad as they say" Patton hummed as he sat down for breakfast, examining the eye on The Book, yet not daring to open it, "you're just misunderstood, aren't you?"

He shook his head, putting The Book back in his pocket.

Before him laid a freshly made apple pie, the smell attracting all sorts of fuzzy little critters to the branches of the trees above him.

He marveled at its change from a wood bark and some mud into a sweet, crunchy delicacy.

He knew there was no need for a careful first bite, this wasn't his first meal and it wouldn't be the last.

Something was satisfied in him as he took another full mouthed bite, humming in appreciation.

He couldn't help but think of his friends, his family, being here with him, sharing this pie and journey, the fresh spring air.

'I miss them terribly' he felt as much as thought, longing for them while feeling their absence in the very beating of his heart.

It has been a while since he allowed himself to miss them, the ache sharp and demanding in his chest.

His horse, tied close to Patton's sitting place, lifted his tail and released his feces into the forest floor, cutting his line of thought.

This too, could be fixed away, Patton revelled in the realization, turning the droppings into silver coins for the next lucky person to pass through.

_____

"What'd you have up your sleeve?" Virgil asked with a knowing smile as Val opened a small hidden drawer in the table.