Noctisardor Bypass [m] ashkola

Now came the subject that had been like a fraying thread between them. Glaukos had not thought of its validity when Druid had initially spoken it to life, but now as he watched Heda and he listened to her answer, he knew he could serve in such a way. He knew what he had been craving since encountering Sialuk, and what Druid had done her best to mitigate within him.

As Heda drew closer, Glaukos did not move. He did not want to upset her.

He did not know if he could be trusted. He did not think he could be a father, not really; but he could hunt, and he could fight, and already one sister thought that was enough. Trust was something he could not outright give to her - it was to be built. Perhaps by giving her what she wanted, and by proving he would not take more than what was offered, something could begin here.

He slowly rose to his full height, dwarfing her.

The expression on his face had not shifted much from the sullen, stoic mask that he often wore; but there was wonder in his eye, too. Something struggling to remain passive, hiding a deeper hunger.

You are safe here, he intoned finally, and bowed his head to her; this bear of a man, ready to do as she required of him — or nothing at all, if she should change her mind.