This wasn't getting any better. It didn't matter what he said, or what Monty said in return - it had no effect. Nothing had changed between them, not really: Monty snarked back, but he hadn't thrown him out. Ishmael was still here. And all the fear, the doubt, the caution, all the sense in his head - it was a shadow, compared to this gravitational pull.
He forced himself to avoid, even furtively, looking at Monty, as though not looking would allow him to forget who he was. Instead, Ishmael pored over the map with laboured intent, tracing out the lines and routes with his fingertips in appraisal. An easy enough job, then, particularly in the muggle world, as long as they managed it subtly, the news didn't reach the Ministry too quickly, and they kept Magical Law Enforcement off their tail.
Besides the jewel, if it was particularly hidden. With any luck, it had been in muggle hands for its whole history, and wouldn't have had the opportunity to be cursed before they laid their hands on it. There was one jab Ishmael couldn't resist, though. "Of course," he snorted sardonically: of course Monty would choose jewellery if he could. All the riches and wonders and powerful objects in the world, and he'd always go for whichever dazzled brightest, never mind its value. "What are you going to do with it, set it in a ring?" He drawled, tossing Monty a look and regretting it instantly, as well he regretted the jibe. His thumb unconsciously rubbed at the place where the band of his sun ring usually sat on his hand.
Best not think of rings.
He forced himself to avoid, even furtively, looking at Monty, as though not looking would allow him to forget who he was. Instead, Ishmael pored over the map with laboured intent, tracing out the lines and routes with his fingertips in appraisal. An easy enough job, then, particularly in the muggle world, as long as they managed it subtly, the news didn't reach the Ministry too quickly, and they kept Magical Law Enforcement off their tail.
Besides the jewel, if it was particularly hidden. With any luck, it had been in muggle hands for its whole history, and wouldn't have had the opportunity to be cursed before they laid their hands on it. There was one jab Ishmael couldn't resist, though. "Of course," he snorted sardonically: of course Monty would choose jewellery if he could. All the riches and wonders and powerful objects in the world, and he'd always go for whichever dazzled brightest, never mind its value. "What are you going to do with it, set it in a ring?" He drawled, tossing Monty a look and regretting it instantly, as well he regretted the jibe. His thumb unconsciously rubbed at the place where the band of his sun ring usually sat on his hand.
Best not think of rings.
