Brotherly mischief gleams in Jasce’s eyes as he speaks. “Is that what you call it? I thought it was more akin to exaggeration.”
“Exaggeration?” Jude scoffs. “Never. Every word that comes out of my mouth is pure, unadulterated truth.”
“If your fishing tales were any taller, they’d be scraping the clouds,” Jasce says.
Jude gasps in mock indignation. “How dare you question the veracity of my fishing exploits? I’ll have you know that I once caught a fish so large, it nearly capsized my boat.”
Arian raises an eyebrow. “Really? And where exactly is this mythical fish now?”
“Well, you see,” Jude begins, “it was so massive that I had to release it back into the water. I couldn’t possibly deprive the ocean of such a magnificent creature.”
“How very noble of you, Jude.” I slip my hand into Jasce’s and continue. “Sacrificing your legendary catch for the greater good of the sea.”
“It probably snapped his line before he could reel it in,” Jasce says.
“Details, details.” Jude waves his hand dismissively. “The important thing is that I had an unforgettable encounter with a true leviathan of the deep.”
Arian shifts to sitting in the chair next to Jude. “And what did this leviathan look like?”
Jude strokes his chin thoughtfully. “Picture a fish the size of a small island, with scales that glimmered like polished silver in the sunlight. Its fins were as wide as the sails on a ship, and its eyes held the wisdom of the ages.”
I can’t contain my laughter any longer. “Jude, I think you’ve been spending too much time under the sun. The heat must be getting to your head.”
Amusement glimmers in Jasce’s eyes as he grins at his brother. “Either that or he’s been sampling some of the local tavern’s strongest ale.”
“I resent that accusation,” Jude says, feigning offense. “My mind is as sharp as ever.”
Sympathetically, Arian pats Jude’s knee. “Of course it is. We wouldn’t dream of questioning your mental faculties.”
“Although,” I add, “perhaps next time you should invite us along on one of your fishing adventures. I’m sure we’d love to witness these legendary catches firsthand.”
“Oh, no, no, no. I couldn’t possibly subject you to the rigors of the open sea. It’s a treacherous place, not suitable for delicate constitutions.”
Jasce snorts. “Delicate constitutions? Have you met Annora and Arian? They’re tougher than you give them credit for.”
I nod in agreement. “Absolutely. We’re not some fragile flowers, Jude. We can handle a little adventure.”
Arian grins. “Who knows? Maybe we’ll even out fish you.”
A scoff escapes Jude as he shakes his head at us. “Impossible.”
“You know…” I wag my hand at him, “…impossible is a word used by those lacking a keen imagination.”
“Imagination without experience is like a ship without a rudder,” Jude says, showing off his more insightful side. “It may sail, but it lacks direction.”
I shift next to Jasce and smooth my surcoat. “But experience without imagination is like a rudder without a ship. It may provide direction, but it has no way to get there.”
Amusement plays across Jude’s face as he smiles at me. “Well played, Ani. It seems we’ve reached an impasse.”
As the evening wears on, I find myself more and more at ease in the company of Jude, Arian, and Jasce. The conversation flows effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and good-natured teasing. It’s a welcome respite from the weight of my guilt.
Jude regales us with more of his fishing tales, each one more outlandish than the last. Arian and I exchange amused glances as we listen to his wild exaggerations. Jasce occasionally interjects with a witty comment or a playful jab at his brother’s expense.
As the night grows later, a comfortable silence settles over the room. The fire in the hearth has died down to glowing embers, casting a warm, wavering light across our faces.
I stifle a yawn as Jasce stands and looks down at me.
“Shall we retire for the night?”
