In their rooms at the HoA

[not_only_wisdom]

Nynaeve is brushing out her hair in the bedroom, still a little damp from her bath.

Quite likely she'd be sitting closer to the fire if she could be, but there's only so much proximity a human body can bear.

Pity, that.

Comments

[taishar_malkier]

Firelight gleams orange on her face, gilds her damp hair and the backs of her hands.

Lan, sitting in the other armchair, watches her with a faint smile.

[not_only_wisdom]

Nynaeve turns her head to better reach a few of the longer strands, and catches sight of Lan.

She smiles in return, small but very warm.

Almost done, now.

[taishar_malkier]

There are reasons he would rather not be here at Milliways; reasons he checks the locked door daily. Reasons of duty, and battle, and a life-long war.

And then there are reasons he's glad for every day here, in spite of the frustration. The first among them is sitting in front of him.

He watches while she finishes brushing her hair, leans forward to set the hairbrush on the floor, and straightens to begin pulling her hair back into its usual braid with quick deft fingers.

"What are you thinking, my love?" Soft, and warm.

[not_only_wisdom]

"Only that I am selfishly glad you're here."

Nynaeve finishes braiding, tying the end with a thong and belting her robe.

She looks at Lan for a moment, then, firming her resolve, moves toward him to perch on the arm of his chair.

"And that part of me wishes I wasn't so focused on what isn't here."