"My poor brother, suffering," Verin teases, giving him a bit of a smile. It's a little indulgent, but not mocking. They'll figure things out. And Verin's mostly used to limited or non-existent funds, having to barter, the name only meaning so much.

He shifts, winding an arm over Essek's shoulders and starting to make him walk.

After a few steps, Verin says, "Terrible enough that you got married?"