"I know why everyone is blaming themselves for..." he trails off and points at his leg, the armor still torn and the skin pink from the healing, "And I can understand why you're upset with me, but I think you know your wife better than that. She's impulsive, and headstrong, which you deserve, but she's not stupid. Far from it. And more than capable, just as you are. Being angry with me for leaving her behind means that there is, however small, a doubt that you do not trust her, and that is a foolish, foolish thing. She loves you, and you love her and that will keep you both safe, not some crotchety halfling. Even if I'm pointy. Trust her, Eldthor. She is strong."
He pauses for a moment, staring deep into the fire.
"I'm not used to needing looking after. And it hasn't been that long since I started travelling with people...any people, again. Things are changing," he taps his temple, "But it takes a while for this old halfling to learn new tricks. And even longer for him to realize that his friends would do the same for him, that he would for them. I'm not used to being healthy. I'm not used to being whole," he sighs, "To being more than expendable."
They sit in silence again as the fire cracks and pops.
"Do you know what kept me alive all those years on the road? Hedda. We loved each other so very much, but duty is a harsh master, and he had other plans. She made her choice, and she made the promise. But her smile. Her touch. Her laugh. I lived for her when I could not live for myself. You will see this, I think, when the love is old and tough, like good leather. But now, when the love is green and tender...you think I left her defenseless."
There is a whoop from Kay, and the smell of charred grass and hair.
"I think you are mistaken."Statistics: Posted by Eliahad — Tue Oct 18, 2016 11:12 pm
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