[o] There's no plan

"Mmh. I have found you to be very effective." It wasn't a smile. The memories he had spoken of were still too close to the surface for that. But his eyes were gentle and warm, as were the fingers that squeezed hers in turn, grateful for her care and recognizing the stubbornness and loyalty that would have kept her by his side until he was ready to set his fear aside once more. He had made his choice long ago, and so perhaps had lost something beyond price. But from it he had gained a true friend, and he would honor and cherish that bond for the treasure it was, even as they both forged against the currents of the world and its myriad dangers.

He followed her gaze as she stretched, emerald eyes drifting over the crystals that flashed from the light of fire and stars and passing over others that yet hid from them, tucked into shadow or tilted so that the light could not catch their facets. "I would like that," he agreed quietly, but was content to sit a while longer and listen to her forays into crafting, giving a silent shake of his head to admit his ignorance of glasswork. He was an attentive and thoughtful audience, familiar with some of the terms though needing to ask quiet questions about others. Neither fire nor starlght dimmed, as they sat and talked amidst the crystal cavern.

And perhaps for both of them there was a measure of healing in it.

~Fin