and every broken heart will mend

[scourgingstars]

[Not too long after the trial, a note found its way under everyone's doors, all of them written in the same neat handwriting that had been asking after a ring not that long ago.]

If any of you would prefer not to be left alone after all of that, I propose we meet in the dining hall. Nari has taken up cooking at the moment, and should anyone wish to talk I will be present regardless of whether or not the group at large should choose to join us.

-Ardyn

[True to his word, Ardyn was at a smaller table in the dining hall with an untouched cup of coffee in front of him; lost in thought leaning his head on one hand as the other turned a silver coin over between his fingers.]

[King in an empty hall, and savior of nothing. All that effort to prevent bloodshed, and it had come down to a situation designed to force their hand from the beginning.]

Comments

[tacomeme]

[He had remained red eyed but dry this entire time, but her pointing out his rat nest of a head makes him start too]

I-it's okay... I won't go bald or anything from one day...

[goteachother]

[It's a futile effort but she starts threading her fingers through his hair, combing out a tiny fraction of the tangles in that one spot.]

Nah but... you're prettier when we can-

Tomorrow, yeah? We'll spend some extra time on it.

[tacomeme]

That sounds like a good idea. I can even make breakfast if you want.

[Her fussing is familiar, so he doesn't even try to wiggle away]

[goteachother]

After today... I might just let you.

[She forces herself to pull her fingers out of his hair, moving instead to brush some of the tears from his cheek before leaning in to place a kiss there.]

[tacomeme]

[He makes a small whining noise, trying to come off as embarrassed, even though he's secretly pleased]

I'll even make eggs instead of just rice.

[goteachother]

Don' gotta make nothin special fer me. I'm... kinda liking trying all this new food.

[She hasn't really eaten rice much in her life but she's had so much since she got here.]