"I would much rather be with you…" he said, holding his breath. He stood behind her, near the entrance of the kitchen. Laboring over the soup pot, Eira froze. She stopped mid stir, completely frozen in the moment. So many questions, doubts, memories, and more lightning struck at her memory in a barrage. She finally straightened up, leaving the heat of the fireplace. She still looked at the pot. A small flint of joy sparked inside, yet…
She looked into the fire, confusion in her voice. "I… I think I want-" She stopped and shook her head, lifting a hand to her forehead. She had forgotten she was wearing an oven mitt. "Wooing sounds so complicated."
She turned to face Nimraph. She yearned, she longed. It was easy to see in her dark oak eyes. "But after watching Ris' experiences with love. With everything that happened with my father, my mother, and the potential of him having had a wife. After learning about your former wife." She blinked, tears flooding her eyes, "I don't - wait!" She bit her lip, trying to think through her words.
… "I like you, Nimraph. I really like you. And I feel strongly for you, believe me! But…" She shook her head, "I don't think I'm ready for something like that yet."
Nimraph stood, silent and stoic as always. He nodded slowly, taking in every word. "It does sound complicated. But I see how happy Ris and Beri are now... and Egfor and Dem..." His face reflected a similar yearning. He took a breath, then spoke, "I like you too, quite a bit. And there is no need to rush, I will be here, I will wait till you are ready."
Eira pulled the oven mitt off and wiped the tears from her eyes, "I'll try not to make you wait too long."
She nervously approached him, reaching a gently hugging him. She rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.
Nimraph accepted the hug, wrapping his arms around her and briefly resting a hand on her head. He chuckled, "This is why Ris is acting a little odd lately. I admitted my feelings for you when I asked her what wooing was."
Eira opened her eyes, "Oh."
