The silence didn't feel awkward. Not yet. It felt like something had just… settled. Not finished, but resting. Like two swords laid side by side without clashing.
Lindarion sat still, watching the edge of the snow drift beyond the hollow. His thoughts were quiet too.
Not empty. Just quieter than usual. Like the wind had taken something sharp with it on its way down the mountain.
Lira hadn't moved since she last spoke.
He turned slightly. Not all the way. Just enough to catch her in the corner of his vision.
Her eyes were closed now, but her posture wasn't relaxed. Her arms were folded over her middle, like she was keeping something in. Or keeping something out.
He thought about saying something else. Asking another question. But that felt greedy somehow. She had already given enough for one night.
So he didn't speak.
He just breathed.
And maybe that was what did it.
Lira shifted. Barely. Then again.
Then she moved closer.
