Shitty Moods and Departures

The moon was high in the sky when Ageless finished his story.

Everyone was asleep except him.

He rolled over on his carapace this way and that, trying to find a comfortable position. Scrape... scrape...

It was no good. He stood up and began prowling around. Sniff..sniff...

He could smell water. It smelled like fishy water. It smelled like pebbles, and grit.

Ageless set off down the road, following the scent of the water, leaving his friends and his book behind.

......

The sun came up, and Ouvert opened his eyes.

Good. It was morning.

Wake up, Baby Pierre! said Ouvert. Wake up, Arthur! Wake up Sapphires!

What about ME? said Lavender.

You're already awake, said Ouvert.

But I wasn't, said Lavender.

It's not easy to tell, said Ouvert. It's not like you've got a real face.

Lavender started to cry. She hoped Arthur would notice.

But Arthur didn't notice.

Surely Ageless would notice.

But where was Ageless?

Hey! Where's Ageless? said Lavender.

Arthur looked around. There was no sign of Ageless. Arthur didn't care all that much.

Looks like he's gone, said Ruby. But he's left his stupid old book.

Too bad about that, said Arthur. We're going. And we're leaving it here.

Morning, Curly-Wurly, said Emerald.

Next person that calls me Curly-Wurly, said Arthur, gets a tickle with what's in my pocket.

What's in your pocket? said Emerald.

Arthur brought out the glittering knife.

He's pretending, said Lavender. Aren't you?

No, said Arthur. I'm not.

Who's in a shitty mood? said Ruby.

Let's go, said Arthur. How far's Gemtree?

You'll find out, said Emerald. Just start walking.

Arthur strode off, leaving everyone behind.