#s:tine

"Not at all," Elincia responds, "take your time, I'm in no rush." She smiles reassuringly at the girl at the table. This is the first time she's seen her about, so she decides to introduce herself.

Lene wraps an arm around Tine's shoulder, pulling her closer. It's symbolic, of the bond they share. Not one of blood but one of choice, one filled with love all the same.

To outsiders, the pair couldn't seem more different. If Lene's eyes shine with delight like the midday sun, Tine's, filled with unshed tears surely reflected the moon's waning light. However, Lene knows what most people don't. The adversity both of them have faces, even before the Liberation War. Horrors seen and inflicted upon them that no one should have to endure. Especially not children. They fight, each day to cope and move on. Lene had witnessed Tine's strength, both of character and thunder first hand. Beams with pride everytime Tine steps bravely out of her comfort zone because she knows how difficult it is.

She thinks to herself, that Tine is one of the bravest people she knows.

"Thank you! It goes both ways, y'know?" Lene's eyes crinkle in happiness as she presses a gentle kiss to Tine's cheek. Her hand reaches out, intertwining their fingers and squeezing ever so lightly. "We're friends -- no, we're more than that! We're like a family. I'll always be here for you, Tine. Lifting you up and cheering you on."

Tilting her head back, she laughs full and warm. After all, she knows not if she has any blood relatives still living and breathing in this world but instead of weeping, she has every reason to smile. Forged by her own hands, Lene has a family of her own. To love and to be loved by.

" i'm... i... " but the apology doesn't slip completely from her lips and she's already fast asleep within the next moment.

"Tine. Tine, wake up." Ares hisses under his breath at the young mage next to him. It's not that he minds her taking a break but surely that can't be comfortable? His shoulders hardly make for a soft pillow.

"Tine, please." No response.

He considers waking her but gods, she must be exhausted to fall asleep so quickly and easily. For a minute he ponders what to do next. There's only one thing for it. Unclasping his cape with only his left hand, and without disturbing her, is a vexingly intricate task. Somehow, Ares manages it after a few minutes and he folds it over itself a couple of times for good measure.

Sliding it between his arm and her head is even more cautious work. Twice, Tine nearly startles awake. Ares bites his lip as he works and breathes a deep sigh of relief when he's done.

They have been sat at this piano for what feels like hours, Elincia gently guiding Tine's petite hands across the keys. Scales and chords practiced one after another, filling the room with a jaunty, broken kind of music. Deconstructed, waiting to be tied together.

It's when Elincia starts flicking through sheet music, looking for a beginner's tune, that she feels Tine's head on her shoulder. She stifles a giggle as the younger looks up at her through heavily lidded eyes. Elincia hums softly, lifting one hand to stroke the mage's silver, silky hair. She continues flicking through pages, ruling out songs that are too complex or morose when she finally chances upon that's appropriate.

"Ah, here let's try this--" Tine's arm settles around her waist and her eyelids droop shut. She's not quite asleep, not yet, but she curls into Elincia's side like a cat. It's been a long day. With a soft chuckle, she folds the corner of the page down and closes the book. "Tomorrow. Get some sleep for now, okay?"