tell me something sweet to get me by

It wasn't the same without Mortis around. Halo knew it. Halo could feel it. There was an almost irrational attachment to him-- her best friend. Really, her closest friend, her confidant, the one who'd gotten her through all of the rough patches that came with settling in somewhere new. The growing pains. That, and then almost losing Hazel, he'd been here for all of that as well. Really, there was nothing that could replace the presence of her best friend... and he'd moved away. That was fair, it was his life, and Sirius had been less than understanding about certain things... there was still a bit of guilt that she harbored for that, too. She'd said she'd help him, but then things got out of hand... and Hazel... and Hazel. Halo's shoulders sagged at the thought. There was always the nagging guilt, the things she struggled with.

But there was no time for that. The first batch of clear alcohol was done, it was properly boiled off, and frankly she was proud of it. This particular bit she'd flavored with lavender, and it smelled fantastic. Mortis had helped her sort out the still and do all the heavy lifting earlier this year, it was only right that he got to take part in drinking some of the first batch. It was the very first of it distilled up north, and Halo didn't want to try a drop, not without Mortis to share it with. With a determined glimmer in her eye, Halo set off in the direction of Valta with a basket weighed down heavily with gifts. She hadn't attended the land claim party, so it was only right that she not only bring something for Mortis, but something for Valta's healers too.

Weighed down with various seeds and honey for the pack, and a few large jars of alcohol to share with Mortis, Halo drew to Valta's boarder. With her voice high, excited, like the ringing of a bell, she called for Mort.

"Halo"