[ All the languages he'd learned- never much put mind to the elven tongue. All lilting and odd, airy, best spoken in soft whispers not meant for human ears. He doesn't know what it means, what Merrill says. But her arms are 'round him tight and her voice is soft and so maker damned kind that it's like a knife. But she's lost Asher just as much as him. They were friends too. And oh how he'd be laugh'n if he went and fucked this up now, wouldn't he? Sit back and tell him he owes it to them both to be good to Merrill. Show her a good time.
Later, when the hurt's less. When they can both breathe without bleed'n.
His hand comes up to smooth her hair back, head tucking down to rest against her scalp. She's so slim, is Merrill, like most elves. Fine and fair and delicate in ways that say she oughta be fragile. But there's a strength in the arms that cling to him. A braided, whipcord steel that makes him hug back just as tight without think'n. He won't hurt her. Won't bruise her. She's stood up against worst things, he's sure. You don't lose people on the regular without build'n up a little steel. ]
You loved him too, huh?
[ In their own ways. Low and tightly wound and friendly. Asher was like that, pick'n up sorts that cared. ]
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Later, when the hurt's less. When they can both breathe without bleed'n.
His hand comes up to smooth her hair back, head tucking down to rest against her scalp. She's so slim, is Merrill, like most elves. Fine and fair and delicate in ways that say she oughta be fragile. But there's a strength in the arms that cling to him. A braided, whipcord steel that makes him hug back just as tight without think'n. He won't hurt her. Won't bruise her. She's stood up against worst things, he's sure. You don't lose people on the regular without build'n up a little steel. ]
You loved him too, huh?
[ In their own ways. Low and tightly wound and friendly. Asher was like that, pick'n up sorts that cared. ]