The tiny part of him that thought they could unite in mutual embarrassment was disappointed when Preacher punched him before running to the back of the barn. It was a weak blow, but it was one he hadn't expected. The smartest thing to do would be to run away at that point, but he didn't want to face bald man retribution for skipping out on chores. Axel trailed after Preacher, drawing close enough to the other person to see who it was ... and prevent Preacher from killing them if he had to.
Oh. It was Tala.
Tala overhearing their idiotic conversation was marginally better than some other trainees. He was pretty sure Tala wouldn't go gossiping about it, at least. But he actually liked Tala, and after Preacher's horrendously awkward exit, he didn't know what to say.
"Uhhh," Axel said. "We were just talking to Neighbelline and Trotto."
Unable to meet Tala's eye, he went back to Trotto to lead the horse into his clean stall.
The Semblance of Unity
NaomiNaomi
