He might not have known Melita long, but this subdued thoughtfulness was not an aspect of her he associated with the sunlight summer child, all quick movements and bright enthusiasm for life and challenge. Then again, the same could be said for him, given how hard he usually worked to project an aura of cheerful competence and wit. A facade that had crumbled in recent weeks, and left him weary and heartsore, watching the lies he had woven around himself crack and shatter beneath the stresses of failure after failure, and the merciless confrontations with his own helplessness.
The bard was glad that he was able to offer hope, however, and Melita's excitement brought a smile to his own face as she lit up with eager relief. "He is a generous man," he agreed with a smile. "I think he would give it to you for free, if he still has it. But he will appreciate the gift-in-trade, too." He shook out his comb, beginning the process of bundling his hair up in twists and pins so that it looked casually messy and of indeterminate length. Her offer had him blinking in surprise and then his smile softened at the inherent fairness - and kindness - of it. "You helped me immensely with repairing the Atheneum,", he said instead, blue eyes warm. "I'm the one who owes you! Though, if you're up for it, I could use a hunting companion. It might be dangerous, though..." After their previous talk of risks his warning was somber, but he gave Melita the chance to choose for herself whether she wished to join him or not.
The bard was glad that he was able to offer hope, however, and Melita's excitement brought a smile to his own face as she lit up with eager relief. "He is a generous man," he agreed with a smile. "I think he would give it to you for free, if he still has it. But he will appreciate the gift-in-trade, too." He shook out his comb, beginning the process of bundling his hair up in twists and pins so that it looked casually messy and of indeterminate length. Her offer had him blinking in surprise and then his smile softened at the inherent fairness - and kindness - of it. "You helped me immensely with repairing the Atheneum,", he said instead, blue eyes warm. "I'm the one who owes you! Though, if you're up for it, I could use a hunting companion. It might be dangerous, though..." After their previous talk of risks his warning was somber, but he gave Melita the chance to choose for herself whether she wished to join him or not.
