Ailwin leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes scanning the room as he absorbed Flea's words. The coziness of the space, the warm firelight casting gentle shadows, made it easy to pretend that the world outside didn’t exist. He watched her as she ate, noting the way her tension slowly eased with each bite. She had been through a lot—that much was clear—but she was still here, still pushing forward. It was something he could respect.
He reached for a piece of bread, tearing it with deliberate slowness, as if the simple act of eating was something to be savored.
Her mention of his own appearance brought a faint smirk to his lips.
He reached for the vegetables she pushed his way, making a show of indulging her care. It was a small thing, but in the quiet of the room, it felt significant. He took a bite, savoring the taste before turning his attention fully back to her.
He leaned back in his chair, relaxing for the first time in what felt like weeks. There was no rush, no pressure. Just the two of them, a meal, and the comfort of knowing that, for tonight at least, they didn’t have to face the world alone.
@Little Flea
You’re too kind,Ailwin replied, his tone dry but with an undercurrent of warmth.
Sweet words have their uses, but you and I both know actions matter more.His gaze softened slightly as he added,
And you’ve done more than your share of heavy lifting lately. Training, dealing with Bajie’s son, keeping your head above water. No small feat.
He reached for a piece of bread, tearing it with deliberate slowness, as if the simple act of eating was something to be savored.
Good to hear your strength’s returning,he commented, eyes flicking to her arms, noting the subtle changes in her form.
You were always tougher than you looked. Glad to see you’re filling out properly now.
Her mention of his own appearance brought a faint smirk to his lips.
Eating better, sure. Sleeping? Let’s just say I’m still working on that.He caught her concern, the way her eyes lingered on the dark circles under his own. Ailwin wasn’t one to let people fuss over him, but with Flea, it was different. She didn’t press, didn’t demand explanations. She simply noticed, and somehow that was enough.
I’ll manage,he added, his voice softer now.
But I appreciate the thought. The room’s secure, I’ll sleep fine. And if I don’t…He shrugged as if it didn’t matter, though they both knew it did.
At least I’ve got good company.
He reached for the vegetables she pushed his way, making a show of indulging her care. It was a small thing, but in the quiet of the room, it felt significant. He took a bite, savoring the taste before turning his attention fully back to her.
A walk sounds good,Ailwin agreed, his voice as steady as ever.
We can talk more, or just enjoy the quiet. Whatever you need.He paused, eyes meeting hers with a calm intensity.
And don’t worry about the words. I’m not here for grand speeches. Just this.He gestured vaguely to the space between them, the shared warmth, the unspoken understanding.
He leaned back in his chair, relaxing for the first time in what felt like weeks. There was no rush, no pressure. Just the two of them, a meal, and the comfort of knowing that, for tonight at least, they didn’t have to face the world alone.
@Little Flea
08-12-2024, 02:59 PM
