Activity

Alessio blinked, staring up at Nithel.

Nithel’s chest ached for him, and he held the youth’s eyes as he thought. Take your time my friend.

It’s alright, Nithel was about to think, you don’t have to. When Alessio spoke.

“I…don’t know how to,”

Nithel’s chest dropped, filling with sorrow and concern. You don’t know how to. Nithel’s eyes lowered for a fraction of a second, before they lifted to meet Alessio’s.

The youth’s eyes searched Nithel’s. It’s alright. Nithel tried to put comfort into his face. I won’t leave you.

Alessio swallowed, “It’s…” he struggled, then gave Nithel a sad smile. Nithel returned it the smallest bit, forehead crinkling. “I guess…most people treated you differently whenever you said who your father was. And if there’s something…different enough about you a lot of people forget you’re still human.”

Nithel’s brows lift the smallest bit. Are you speaking about me, or you, Alessio? Memories rush him, but he pushes them down, eyes locked on Alessio’s face. Brows lowering again.

Alessio looked away, rubbing his jaw. “He wasn’t all bad you know,” he murmured finally “my…father. Actually, he probably knew I wasn’t his even before…but he treated me like his own. He was more proud of my brother, because he was a warrior. He couldn’t allow for anything less than exactly what honor dictated. Probably would’ve killed me himself if he knew about–” Alessio motioned to the fireplace with his eyes “…that.”

Nithel’s chest ached a bit more. Like a needle was being twisted in it.

Alessio faded off, pulling his knees to his chest again, wrapping his arms around them.

Nithel’s eyes look like he’s being cut.

“I’m sorry,” Alessio whispered, and Nithel shook his head the smallest bit.

No. Don’t be. Please, Alessio… He wanted to press his forehead to Alessio’s shoulder. As… he had been taught. Heart aching.

“If you wish, I have a tale. It is not a happy one, although I hope it ends well.” The dragon rumbled. Interrupting.

Nithel’s teeth ran over each other, brows lowering, and he tried to lessen his frustration. You, who can read minds, know- 

“I am sure it is a tale worth sharing, but I am beginning to think that we should leave this barbed cave before the castle changes and traps us here.” Jericho said, “I am sure such would be of most discomfort to you.”

Nithel presses his lips together, and swallows, ire lessening, though still upset. I’m sorry. Nithel breathed, and stared at Alessio. While we walk friend. 

Alessio was already on his feet, and grabbing the supplies. A shock of regret touched Nithel, he’d missed carrying the supplies again.

The youth then smiled at something in the sack, surprising Nithel. He stared at Alessio,  The youth could smile. And it didn’t seem fake. It was like a ray of light touched Nithel, and he smiled sadly. Carefully, he pushed to his feet, glancing at his arm again.

__________

@joelle-stone @skylarynn @this-is-not-an-alien