He could help her build the little pyre, that will soon help brew his tea. The way her hands work the twigs and grasses together is strangely mesmerizing, though, and he finds himself simply watching, meditative, but listening. Their parting is close at hand, and now that he's paying attention he can hear the little catches in her voice, detect all the little signs that she's struggling with the upcoming goodbye. He's had so many goodbyes in his life, and this one he firmly intends to be temporary, so what's one more? He listens to her talk, and says nothing, but swallows, once. Shutting down, going still and quiet, is always easier than some emotional display.
When she stands, he realizes his face is probably set in stone, a careful blank, and she deserves so much better than that. Once again, she's on her feet, and he's sitting on the ground, and he's sure he couldn't get up fast enough to reach her if she decided to whirl away and go, now. Instead he forces himself to look up, composed but quietly pained, and if any distress in his eyes gives her pause, it's not really intentional on his part. "You've been the most important part of it. Please... 'Mara..." What to say? Not goodbye. He's had far too many. If each goodbye were a pebble, he's standing on a mountain of them. "Plant that for me? I'll be back in a few days to check up on it..." His smile is a struggle, and he's sure the offhanded words are inadequate, but perhaps she'll see past them. He only hopes she knows him well enough for that.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2015-04-02 01:43 am (UTC)When she stands, he realizes his face is probably set in stone, a careful blank, and she deserves so much better than that. Once again, she's on her feet, and he's sitting on the ground, and he's sure he couldn't get up fast enough to reach her if she decided to whirl away and go, now. Instead he forces himself to look up, composed but quietly pained, and if any distress in his eyes gives her pause, it's not really intentional on his part. "You've been the most important part of it. Please... 'Mara..." What to say? Not goodbye. He's had far too many. If each goodbye were a pebble, he's standing on a mountain of them. "Plant that for me? I'll be back in a few days to check up on it..." His smile is a struggle, and he's sure the offhanded words are inadequate, but perhaps she'll see past them. He only hopes she knows him well enough for that.