astarill:

For the first time since his former student came up to him, Astarill looked at him directly, meeting the cat’s questioning gaze with a hard, unrelenting stare. Just because they no longer found themselves in a hierarchy where one was above the other, didn’t mean this fumbling excuse for a mage-to-be could suddenly make inquiries of a personal nature.

“I left because my contract came to an end.”

That probably got the message across, and Astarill averted his stare to have a sip of his drink. “But I’ve never agreed with the College’s complacent approach to Thalmor interference.”

J’hasi frowned a little when he looked down to break the unsettling stare, finding that Ghost had stolen what was left of his drink, nickering softly as she prodded his shoulder with her nose.

“I s’pose, if you’re not makin’ enough or if you don’ like the job, that’s fair.” The Khajiit’s brows tensed a little, his jaw tightening before he looked to the side instead, at the falling leaves, the trees gently rustling in the breeze, hearing snatches of laughter and conversation on the wind. His voice dropped to a mutter, still audible to the mer in the conversation, while not so much to the passersby.

“Wish more people weren’t so damn scared to say somethin’ about them being there. Excuse sounds like utter bullshit to me.” he grumbled.