"What do you mean hampered?" he looked at him curiously, though there was still a brief tone of worry in his voice. He wasn't even sure why he had been so worried, considering he didn't even fear the possibility that his own rune might be forcefully taken from him. No, if that had been the case, he wouldn't pursue the subject nor risk the chance of exposing his rune any more.

Of course, there was the fact that---

He clenched his fist silently, wondering for the nth time as to what had happened after they were chased by that queen ant. Why did he give the rune to Tir, what danger had he been placed in enough that he would give it up and let his best friend, the one person he trusted and wanted to protect more than anyone else, be its unfortunate bearer. He didn't let it show on his face, or at least, he hoped he didn't, as he waited for an explanation.