The Dale Decision

Gristle - Allaying

After spending the day walking around, the triplets were rather tuckered out. Gristle was pretty worn out himself; he'd welcome the chance to sit for a while. Probably wouldn't carve if they were sitting indoors. Still, if they had some Sebastian Chambers songs – might put one of them on.

They had seen a variety of things that day, all sorts of structures scattered around the estate – elegant summer houses, greenhouses and a surprisingly fancy swingset numbered among these. Bristle and Thistle's turn on the swingset had been cut short from discomfort coming from their sore shoulders.

The graveyard had not required a second visit.

That evening, after dinner the triplets had a bath – not just because of the outdoor activities but also to soothe the aches. The Dales had given permission and explained where everything was.

Since they had a moment where they were assured privacy, Gristle and Crystal decided to use this opportunity to ask if the triplets had any further problems – they knew about the sleeping issue, and Whistle's guilt about eavesdropping, but that might not be everything.

They said it was okay to bring anything up – even something that could cut their visit short. The triplets exchanged rather surprised looks with one another.

It was then that Thistle said that he had a few... nagging qualms he and his sisters had been trying to figure out. Gristle was attentive, wondering if this had anything to do with Whistle's earlier eavesdropping – but it was time for listening at that moment, so he didn't say anything. Crystal also remained silent.

Thistle explained that he had been back and forth about whether or not he wanted to stay at the Dale Manor; much of it because of a nightmarish experience that had occurred on the first night that had been shared by Whistle and Bristle as well. This rung a bell; Crystal had informed him that Jade had spoken with the triplets about something that had happened, but the details had remained between them. Though Gristle had been curious and concerned, he wanted to give them their privacy.

There was also the feeling of being unwelcome, also during the night of their arrival, that had factored into Thistle's desire to leave.

He then quickly clarified that he wasn't feeling these things so much given the events of the past two days... things were much better now. Bristle also added in her own thoughts about how she felt like it was helping with her wanderlust. Gristle knew where she discovered that word.

Whistle communicated her feelings by nodding along with her siblings' words – he and Crystal knew that the place had given her a lot to write about, given how much she had been doing. One of the things she had written – a poem – she had taken to their recently vacated bedroom just before dinner, accompanied by her siblings.

Gristle hoped he hadn't put them all on the spot with this... especially when they were tired after a long day. This decision that they spoke of... he didn't want to demand an answer, despite his curiosity. Thistle said he wanted to stay much more than he wanted to leave now; that was enough of an answer.

These feelings were things that he could've followed up on before now; there were signs he should have heeded more. The first night they had been here, they had heard some upsetting things – they hadn't had much of an appetite for dinner. They visited a graveyard too, as an introduction. That wasn't something to overlook either.

They had been busy, getting unpacked, learning the lay of the land... but it was no excuse for his own inattention.

Once they had finished explaining, Gristle and Crystal were quick to assure them that they had done nothing wrong, and they understood their apprehension. That if they had these experiences, they would be entertaining the same thoughts.