NOAH
For the first time in a while, Noah felt like he’d stepped into more than a house, but that he’d stepped, tentatively, back into belonging.
Noah made his way to the long table, the smell of food pulling him forward more than hunger alone. It was clear that Maea had worked very hard on this spread. As she closed the distance to the kitchen to retreive the last of the desserts, he reached for a plate, and began to serve himself in quiet, deliberate motions, despite the way his hands still felt unsteady from the weight of the evening and the anticipation of coming to see his friends in the wake of what had happened.
He found a spot near the edge of the room, a quiet corner where he could still hear the easy flow of conversation. The food was better than he’d expected—tender, perfectly seasoned, made with the kind of care that spoke of years of experience in the kitchen. Each bite seemed to unwind something tight inside him. IT reminded him of Cordelia, of his mother, of traditions and times lost.
As the evening went on, the sounds of the hearth and gentle chatter filled the space around him. By the time his plate was empty, the heaviness he carried had eased. For the first time in what felt like ages, Noah allowed himself to simply sit, to breathe, to exist in a moment untouched by duty or ghosts.
Tonight, this warmth was enough.
[closing ME w/ guidance from chan]
FIN
Noah made his way to the long table, the smell of food pulling him forward more than hunger alone. It was clear that Maea had worked very hard on this spread. As she closed the distance to the kitchen to retreive the last of the desserts, he reached for a plate, and began to serve himself in quiet, deliberate motions, despite the way his hands still felt unsteady from the weight of the evening and the anticipation of coming to see his friends in the wake of what had happened.
He found a spot near the edge of the room, a quiet corner where he could still hear the easy flow of conversation. The food was better than he’d expected—tender, perfectly seasoned, made with the kind of care that spoke of years of experience in the kitchen. Each bite seemed to unwind something tight inside him. IT reminded him of Cordelia, of his mother, of traditions and times lost.
As the evening went on, the sounds of the hearth and gentle chatter filled the space around him. By the time his plate was empty, the heaviness he carried had eased. For the first time in what felt like ages, Noah allowed himself to simply sit, to breathe, to exist in a moment untouched by duty or ghosts.
Tonight, this warmth was enough.
[closing ME w/ guidance from chan]
FIN
I'll follow you down through the eye of the storm
Don't worry I'll keep you warm
Don't worry I'll keep you warm
