High above the west gate of Shard, two figures stand close together, gazing over the parapets as the sun sets over the Wyvern mountain range. Sighing contentedly, the shorter of the pair snuggles in closer and her companion tightens his arm around her waist in response. As much as she enjoys the rush of the hunt, this quiet time together is something she treasures. "What's on your mind?" he asked, brushing his lips against her ear.
She shivers slightly and smiles, twisting around in his arms to lean against the wall and look up at him through the dark veil of her eyelashes. "What makes you say that?"
Chuckling softly, he tilts her chin upward with his knuckle. "Dearest, I know you. There's -always- something. Now, what's on your mind?"
She flashes a crooked grin at him, marveling for the thousandth time at having finally found a partner as direct and unflinching as she. "Eckan," she replies after a moment.
He arches an eyebrow at her in surprise. "Thinking of trading me in for a younger model, then?"
She smirks and gives his chest an affectionate shove. "Yes, you absolutely bore me to tears and I feel like I could do better." His grey eyes crinkling in amusement, he pulls her even closer in a tight hug and then releases her, leaning back to gaze into her eyes patiently. "No, you lovely fool," she continues. "I was thinking about that offhand comment at that badge quest thing the other night, about sending Eckan off for some additional training. Protecting someone, Mistanna perhaps, like we mentioned. I think it would do him some good to be around...well, people, and she is more tolerable than most. It would be good for him."
"I don't disagree," Samsaren begins thoughtfully. "The lad has always been a bit...skittish around people. Spending all his time in the field is great for his martial skills, but you're right, rounding him out a bit isn't a bad idea. Would you mind making the arrangements? You're better at finding the proper words for such."
She reaches up and gives his carefully arranged ponytail a playful tug, drawing an amused chuckle from him. "Paperwork? Hmph. I suppose I could be persuaded..." Suddenly he leans in and captures her lips with his, and whatever she was about to say is lost in the night air.
---
The next day in Rivercrossings, an Elven Trader glances at a pressed sheet of pale blue paper before sealing it with a blob of dark purple tinted wax stamped with a lily and sending it off with a courier.
"Mistanna,
I hope this letter finds you well. Straight to the point, we have been giving the matter of Eckan some thought, and we feel it would round out his training to have some practical experience in a more social setting. Martially, the boy is quite capable, but he suffers a bit with anxiety in some situations and could use a bit of polish. With your experience and good nature, we think you would be perfect if you are willing to take him on as a bodyguard. As he is still Samsaren's squire, you naturally would not need to provide a salary. Consider it more of a temporary fostering. Mull it over, and let us know.
~S"
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