She beamed in the response, every little bit of resplendence and effervescence she had once presided in so thoroughly – before everything else seemed to dim. But she leaned into the kiss rather than dissipating the good humor of the day, laughing and parading away while she layered the blanket downward, opting to anchor the sides with some small stones from nearby.
The inclination of Maea had her curious; though she’d often gotten along with the Ancient, she knew it wasn’t the same for everyone. “Did she bother you?” She wasn’t immediately defensive, but Lena’s sheltering, protective, and shielding hand hadn’t gone without lectures and sharp grit when it was necessary – but if her tone sounded a little more inquiring and mindful than before, she couldn’t quite help it. Not after everything Zavien had been through.
Settling down on her stomach, intending to be radiantly comfortable and content, she reached for some portions of cheese, listening all the while. “That’s a relief.”
The inclination of Maea had her curious; though she’d often gotten along with the Ancient, she knew it wasn’t the same for everyone. “Did she bother you?” She wasn’t immediately defensive, but Lena’s sheltering, protective, and shielding hand hadn’t gone without lectures and sharp grit when it was necessary – but if her tone sounded a little more inquiring and mindful than before, she couldn’t quite help it. Not after everything Zavien had been through.
Settling down on her stomach, intending to be radiantly comfortable and content, she reached for some portions of cheese, listening all the while. “That’s a relief.”
Lena
