[ It may seem as though he has been mostly ignoring her efforts to reach out to him, as his demeanor and expression did not change one bit, even when she began to brush his hair. It is as much a habit to him as something he does to protect himself, or so he tells himself. Vampires are hardly sentimental creatures, and the man he was before he was turned should have no bearing on who he is now. But beneath the outwardly cold exterior, there is more beneath the surface than anyone would realize.
He surveys Matoya carefully, as if asking himself whether it is wise to lower his guard and be more than the cold person that she has seen thus far. Certainly his friend Estinien would caution against such foolishness, but there is something telling him that this is one person who will not use a show of vulnerability against him. ]
Who would have cared for one such as me and seen to it that I survived? [ He is under no illusions; voidsent are not looked upon with favor, and while he has not always been as he is now, there are those who still eye him with suspicion. And he is certain that many believe he should not be allowed to walk around freely. ] Nay, I believe that I owe you quite a significant debt, and I mean to see it repaid.
[ But before he continues and answers her question, he allows himself a moment of indulgence. His eyes slide closed and a sigh escapes him in response to the way her fingers have weaved themselves into his hair. Not many would touch one such as him, and yet she does so with no hesitation. Her touch is timid, yes, but it is a touch regardless. For just a few moments, he relaxes entirely beneath her touch, knowing that he is putting himself once again at her mercy, should she wish to strike him while he is vulnerable. ]
It is not much, and it surely will not take the place of your home, but out of gratitude for what you have done, I could take you under my protection, such as it is.
[ He is hardly seen as a formidable threat, or even a formidable being when compared to others, but he has some skills that he can use to his advantage. And the home he inhabits when he is not called away to fight is at least a home, even if it is lacking in comforts in quite a few ways. ]
Of course, that would mean taking you from this place, from your home, so I expect my offer is not to your liking.
[ He barely understands why he has extended it, except for the notion that he wishes to have more time with her. Why that should be, he does not know, but he wishes for more time to speak with her and become acquainted with her, and parting ways now would feel very much like a missed opportunity.
These thoughts are, of course, foolish, but he finds that he cannot hold them back in spite of himself. And neither can he hold back his hand from reaching out to her to lightly touch the side of her face with one finger. ]
no subject
He surveys Matoya carefully, as if asking himself whether it is wise to lower his guard and be more than the cold person that she has seen thus far. Certainly his friend Estinien would caution against such foolishness, but there is something telling him that this is one person who will not use a show of vulnerability against him. ]
Who would have cared for one such as me and seen to it that I survived? [ He is under no illusions; voidsent are not looked upon with favor, and while he has not always been as he is now, there are those who still eye him with suspicion. And he is certain that many believe he should not be allowed to walk around freely. ] Nay, I believe that I owe you quite a significant debt, and I mean to see it repaid.
[ But before he continues and answers her question, he allows himself a moment of indulgence. His eyes slide closed and a sigh escapes him in response to the way her fingers have weaved themselves into his hair. Not many would touch one such as him, and yet she does so with no hesitation. Her touch is timid, yes, but it is a touch regardless. For just a few moments, he relaxes entirely beneath her touch, knowing that he is putting himself once again at her mercy, should she wish to strike him while he is vulnerable. ]
It is not much, and it surely will not take the place of your home, but out of gratitude for what you have done, I could take you under my protection, such as it is.
[ He is hardly seen as a formidable threat, or even a formidable being when compared to others, but he has some skills that he can use to his advantage. And the home he inhabits when he is not called away to fight is at least a home, even if it is lacking in comforts in quite a few ways. ]
Of course, that would mean taking you from this place, from your home, so I expect my offer is not to your liking.
[ He barely understands why he has extended it, except for the notion that he wishes to have more time with her. Why that should be, he does not know, but he wishes for more time to speak with her and become acquainted with her, and parting ways now would feel very much like a missed opportunity.
These thoughts are, of course, foolish, but he finds that he cannot hold them back in spite of himself. And neither can he hold back his hand from reaching out to her to lightly touch the side of her face with one finger. ]