Elizabeth
His swear surprised her, and Elizabeth flinched a little, worried he was angry before she noticed the all-encompassing smile that had spread across his face. That certainly didn't look like someone who was upset, and she settled her chin on her hand, the concern melting off into a warm smile as he stumbled through whatever explanation he had for his outburst. By the time he was done, her hand had come up to cover her mouth, to cover the laughter that had slowly increased over the last few minutes. Trying hard not to disrupt Goose as she shook with the force of her amusement, Elizabeth bit at her lip.
Recognizing that Iskra may think she was making fun of him, she waved her hand dismissively, as if she might wipe the laughter from her face (and failing). "Sorry. I'm just surprised." Despite the shock, her smile was so wide it almost hurt, sweet as honey on her lips as she added, "Most people would rather talk to anyone else." Her laughter bubbled again as she shook her head to give him an appreciative smile. "It's nice to hear someone who sees it as a good thing." And as much as she'd love to spend the night talking about whatever troubles plagued him, she was similarly invested in the current conversation. Leaning forward on her elbow, she tilted her head so that the warmth of her eyes assured Iskra of her sincerity. "And I'd be more than happy to have a session with you anytime, anywhere."
She took another sip of her drink, finding it harder with the smile stretching her mouth, but it helped calm the fit of laughter that still threatened to erupt. When she set the glass back on the table, Elizabeth nodded her head, not in the least bit surprised by his answer based on the calluses she'd felt. "I thank you for that. We need people who are willing to trapse through the snow for those important resources. Gods know I do not handle the cold very well and would probably freeze without my fireplace." In spite of her best efforts, another small chuckle escaped, recalling an unfortunate curse a few seasons ago, and her preference for warm blankets and not tea.
Recognizing that Iskra may think she was making fun of him, she waved her hand dismissively, as if she might wipe the laughter from her face (and failing). "Sorry. I'm just surprised." Despite the shock, her smile was so wide it almost hurt, sweet as honey on her lips as she added, "Most people would rather talk to anyone else." Her laughter bubbled again as she shook her head to give him an appreciative smile. "It's nice to hear someone who sees it as a good thing." And as much as she'd love to spend the night talking about whatever troubles plagued him, she was similarly invested in the current conversation. Leaning forward on her elbow, she tilted her head so that the warmth of her eyes assured Iskra of her sincerity. "And I'd be more than happy to have a session with you anytime, anywhere."
She took another sip of her drink, finding it harder with the smile stretching her mouth, but it helped calm the fit of laughter that still threatened to erupt. When she set the glass back on the table, Elizabeth nodded her head, not in the least bit surprised by his answer based on the calluses she'd felt. "I thank you for that. We need people who are willing to trapse through the snow for those important resources. Gods know I do not handle the cold very well and would probably freeze without my fireplace." In spite of her best efforts, another small chuckle escaped, recalling an unfortunate curse a few seasons ago, and her preference for warm blankets and not tea.
Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.
and find there pearls beyond price.
