#sgathan

        So immersed in the book, and her own thoughts, was she that Croft’s approach went unheard by elfin ears. The sight of her curled up with her delicate nose stuck in a book was more than enough to make a slight smile upturn his lips. When looking for the young woman, since she tended to be RATHER predictable, one only had to scan the shelves and reading nooks to find her. And it helped that Selena had pointed him in the right direction, for she always seemed to know WHO was in the library and WHERE exactly they were. Her knowledge of things made Croft wonder if that was how his mother knew of all his secluded sleeping places in the library. Ah, well -- it wasn’t as if he wouldn’t scope out more in the near future.

        He quietly approached, head canting to one side whilst he studied the cover. The lock upon the front and its worn appearance made it all too easy for him to know what she was reading. Not a word said, he sat beside of her, grey-green eyes quickly looking over the page she was reading before settling on her face. He could almost laugh at how DETERMINED she looked -- petite features scrunched up and brows furrowed while her eyes moved from each word to the next. 

        ❝ Intent on finishing this, are we? You don’t have too much more to go,❞  he commented lightly, tapping its cover. 

        ❝ Not too much, no, but I do not think I will be done with it by this evening.❞  Marking the page with a book mark she gingerly shut the book and set it on the other side of her. ❝ Mayhap I will be finished with it by this time tomorrow.❞

        ❝ I’m sure I could finish it in a few hours’ time.❞  The corners of his lips twitched, the makings of a small smile becoming apparent. ❝ We could read it together if you would like -- so that you can start on something new in the morning.❞

        His offer was appealing. She mulled over his words for a mere moment, as if she even HAD to think; of course she would accept. Curled up together on a rainy day while both immersed in Croft’s favourite book -- it wasn’t a hard decision. 

        ❝ Well, if you insist,❞  Elvóthien drawled, rose hues curling upwards to reveal a smirk. She grabbed the book and handed it to him, then settling herself into his lap. Head upon his shoulder and slender legs swung out to one side, she at last made herself comfortable. She rose and fell with each breath he took, and the warmth he provided was more than enough to make her content.

        Croft rolled his eyes, scoffing at her. She was such a sassy little thing, but it was something he dearly loved about her -- she wouldn’t be HIS El without such a quality. Though, as she pulled herself into his lap, he could feel as a blush began to creep up his cheeks and tip pointed ears. Even after being together for so long, she still had the ability to turn him into a flustered mess; something that Elvóthien oft took pride in being able to do.

        Opening the book, he looked down to her, hues of olivine soft. ❝ Where did you leave off?❞ 

        ❝ Here,❞  she murmured, taking his hand within her own to point to the exact place where she had stopped reading. 

        The prince hummed in response before curling his fingers around hers, then bringing up to his lips to plant a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. He began reading to her then, each word precise and spoken confidently. 

        Before long, Croft shifted his gaze back to the little brunette in his arms. Her eyes were closed and lips parted ever so slightly, breathing even and slow. It wasn’t UNLIKE her to doze off while reading; it was something they often both did. The book he held was gently closed and set down, his now free hand tucking a stray chestnut curl behind Elvóthien’s ear. While he had looked forward to finishing the book, he could hardly complain about the change of plans. Lithe arms wound around her tiny frame, pulling her closer as eyelids drooped and shut completely.