On the one hand, Adrian wanted to protest on Lydia's behalf that she was certainly old enough that law enforcement wouldn't have to get involved. On the other hand, he was pretty sure there was little creepier than some guy leaping in to protest that a young lady wasn't underage. So, sorry Lydia's potential indignation, you could take it up with Yelena on your own time, Adrian was doing the smart thing and staying quiet.
(Besides, Lydia was Too Young, regardless of what the police had to say about it.)
And, in fact, he was hieing over to Lydia right now to talk with her about her comfort, and then actually retreated behind Yelena to strip off his sweaty, dirt-covered shirt as Lydia also turned the other way. Yelena was free to turn around if she liked, but he figured another person between himself and Lydia just made everyone feel a little better anyway.
"Some rituals have to be performed that way," he said, pulling his shirt off over his head. "But not this one. And, ah. There won't be any where my attendance and Miss Bennet's overlap." He certainly didn't have to go hunting for herbs under the moon or whatever. "Now that this is a Blackwood forest I--oh! Bran! Thank you!"
Bran had come flying out of the house, carefully balancing a bucket of water one end of the broom and a clean shirt of Adrian's on the other, just before the bristle's started. "Considerate as always, my old friend."
Re: After the Ritual
(Besides, Lydia was Too Young, regardless of what the police had to say about it.)
And, in fact, he was hieing over to Lydia right now to talk with her about her comfort, and then actually retreated behind Yelena to strip off his sweaty, dirt-covered shirt as Lydia also turned the other way. Yelena was free to turn around if she liked, but he figured another person between himself and Lydia just made everyone feel a little better anyway.
"Some rituals have to be performed that way," he said, pulling his shirt off over his head. "But not this one. And, ah. There won't be any where my attendance and Miss Bennet's overlap." He certainly didn't have to go hunting for herbs under the moon or whatever. "Now that this is a Blackwood forest I--oh! Bran! Thank you!"
Bran had come flying out of the house, carefully balancing a bucket of water one end of the broom and a clean shirt of Adrian's on the other, just before the bristle's started. "Considerate as always, my old friend."