Something in his heart gave a happy ache to hear Aurora speak so fondly of Talya. He’d deny it if ever asked or ever forced to think more clearly of it, but Talya’s insistence to worm her way into his life had made him care more deeply for her than he’d ever cared for anyone else. To hear Aurora was not tired of Talya’s mentality and actually thought highly of her was kind and it was enough to make Psychedelic smile, his gaze momentarily cast to the ground as he thought of his daughter and how much she was flourishing in the Forest. He’d been right to bring her here after all, regardless of the risk to his identity.

“Hmm, I’d say you’re right about that.” Psychedelic commented, shifting his weight and bobbing his head in agreement. “I’ve never been on these islands before now,” he lied so smoothly, “but out on the mainlands it’s a different animal than it seems to be here.” Mostly, Psychedelic was happy with this change of pace – it meant he was safe from being discovered, it meant Talya would remain absolutely safe in the Forest, and it meant he didn’t have to worry about a damn thing. A small part of him was, of course, absolutely bored and disgusted with whoever was living at the Lagoon. They might as well be nonexistent for the amount he’d heard from them.

He snorted and shook his head, turning his gaze to eye Aurora with scrutiny. “I wouldn’t say that if I were you. At the risk of getting overfamiliar,” he said, looking away – it was easier to look at something other than the pretty young girl at his side, “if I were years younger and I came to this Forest, you’d have my attention.” He shifted and cleared his throat. “Don’t discredit yourself so much, kid.”