( that's... a good point. ranulf's brows furrow and thankfully that concern doesn't do anything to interrupt his concentration on maintaining the ice they're stepping on. with a gentle hum, the laguz raises his other hand to his chin and thumbs his chin in thought. even the mages from tellius had some experience with their tomes or staves, while ranulf basically just waltzed right over and did the thing without hesitation. )

Maybe I'm just taking after some of the best and brightest from home. ( even though he winks and grins, maybe that apprehension is growing to where his grip slowly firms. ) Or... maybe it has to do with how unusual the circumstances have been, with some of the others that showed up right around when I did.

( downplaying the sudden seriousness of the situation is all he can do. either way, it's beyond him. )

It feels natural, though. Not sure how to explain it any other way. Do you think this temporary Bond will help at all?