My dear, we're slow dancing in a burning room
Maeve huffs a soft laugh at Aidon's display, sending a gentle reassurance along their bond that this newcomer is of no danger, soothing him enough that he draws his wings back in. There aren't any bared teeth or growls. Just the little show he gives in front of her before taking a few steps back and moving to stand at her side instead, head cocking to the side inquisitively, orange eyes glowing in the dimming light. "He takes his job very seriously. Sorry." Maeve offers the soft apology, knowing Sunjata isn't likely intimidated by the little thing, not when he was a dragon himself. She won't tell Aidon that, not wanting to discourage his protective nature, but knowing that he would really be no match for Sunjata.
The single word is dismissive and she knows it's a lie. He's not fine. Maeve sighs, a faint prickle of irritation crawling across her skin at his tight lipped response, eyes narrowing as she looks him over. Fine. Fine. Fine. He's anything but. That much was clear to anyone who knew how to look. The scales on his shoulders are the first thing to give it away, covering his skin much like they did the first night they met in this very spot, a shield against the world. Maeve doesn't push, knowing it won't do much good right now, not when he's already so wound tight.
Instead she lets the conversation shift to the Halenani and the rebuilding efforts, nodding in confirmation before she speaks, "We're getting ready to start the last major bit of construction. Roof, windows, doors and the like... Then it's just the final touches. I think we might be done by the end of the season. Maybe the first week of next at the latest." Maeve tells him, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth, hesitation flickering in her gaze as she considers her next words carefully, "I know you have a lot going on right now and I know that's the understatement of the season... But I'm not expecting your help if it's too much." She tells him gently, taking another small step forward, closing a bit more distance between them. Maeve doesn't reach out to touch him. She makes no move to engage beyond closing the distance so he doesn't have to strain his voice so much. So they might speak a little more quietly.
"How is Kamaria? Doing well, I hope. I'm sure she's growing by the day." Another safe topic. Something that Maeve hopes won't be crossing the line. The Madame has spent time with the girl, helped with her during the monsoons. It makes sense she would want to know how she was doing. There are harder things they need to talk about. Things that neither of them want to broach. Hotaru, the fires, the state of Torchline in general. All of these hang over them, an anvil waiting to drop on them both, crushing them beneath the weight of it all.
The single word is dismissive and she knows it's a lie. He's not fine. Maeve sighs, a faint prickle of irritation crawling across her skin at his tight lipped response, eyes narrowing as she looks him over. Fine. Fine. Fine. He's anything but. That much was clear to anyone who knew how to look. The scales on his shoulders are the first thing to give it away, covering his skin much like they did the first night they met in this very spot, a shield against the world. Maeve doesn't push, knowing it won't do much good right now, not when he's already so wound tight.
Instead she lets the conversation shift to the Halenani and the rebuilding efforts, nodding in confirmation before she speaks, "We're getting ready to start the last major bit of construction. Roof, windows, doors and the like... Then it's just the final touches. I think we might be done by the end of the season. Maybe the first week of next at the latest." Maeve tells him, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth, hesitation flickering in her gaze as she considers her next words carefully, "I know you have a lot going on right now and I know that's the understatement of the season... But I'm not expecting your help if it's too much." She tells him gently, taking another small step forward, closing a bit more distance between them. Maeve doesn't reach out to touch him. She makes no move to engage beyond closing the distance so he doesn't have to strain his voice so much. So they might speak a little more quietly.
"How is Kamaria? Doing well, I hope. I'm sure she's growing by the day." Another safe topic. Something that Maeve hopes won't be crossing the line. The Madame has spent time with the girl, helped with her during the monsoons. It makes sense she would want to know how she was doing. There are harder things they need to talk about. Things that neither of them want to broach. Hotaru, the fires, the state of Torchline in general. All of these hang over them, an anvil waiting to drop on them both, crushing them beneath the weight of it all.
Maeve
