[It is. A comfort. And for a split second her face starts to crumple over it, the line of her mouth growing strained and desperate from the sick sense of loneliness that rises in her like nausea. And then she has schooled her expression again, because that is ridiculous and she has no reason whatsoever to still be upset and they will never discuss this and nothing will change and it will be fine because she knows better. She is determined to remember it this time.
So she links her arm in his, and if she grips him very tightly to her side then it's because she doesn't know her own strength and it has nothing to do with wanting to keep him next to her. You will be a more pleasant person, she had sworn to herself when they'd all returned to the Gallows and found Riftwatch in the process of burying them. That way the next time you interrupt your own funeral, someone will look for you first out of everyone else.
If they are only friends, she can take his arm and ask him questions and not feel as if she is lying to him with her interest. And he need not worry at all about being forced to think about who between herself and Mr. Stark he likes best.]
In that case, let us begin by telling me what you were doing in the library. Were you looking for someone?
[ He has a lingering suspicion that she's still unsteady, though he doesn't see any value in calling attention to it. Her voice is light when she questions him, and they've steered towards less fraught topics, so the walk will at least be less anxiety-inducing for him and hopefully a good distraction for her.
The scholars are likely very relieved or very disappointed to see them go. Ellis doesn't let himself look around to take stock. ]
No.
[ Though sometimes he cannot help but look for Mhavos, who has not returned and perhaps never shall. But Ellis glances around for him regardless before making any selections. ]
I finished the last book I'd borrowed, and needed to trade it for another so I'd have something to read after my shifts on watch.
[ It occurs to him that it's not such an exciting explanation, but oh well. ]
[It is not in the least bit exciting. But she finds for the moment that is perfectly acceptable. It makes it much easier to pretend she doesn't care who is watching them as they make their way from the corridor, or how red her face must be. Look at them. They are perfectly fine.]
Oh? I had no idea you were such a voracious reader, Mr. Ellis. You must tell me what sorts of books you like best. I might be able to recommend a few of my favorites, and then we could discuss them when we make our way out to study new rifts and so on. A small club, as it were.
[ Ellis shoots a suspicious look at her. This does not seem fine. But he does acquiesce, cautiously nodding. ]
I would like to read your favorites. [ No commitment one way or another on the club. ] Archivist Dalat had left me some suggestions before his departure, but I've read almost all of them by now.
[Actually that will be better. It is closer to the Seneschal's office than to the ferry slip, and she can pretend to find something there which requires her immediate attention.]
Ah, yes I am. There is a requisitions list I need to fetch from my little desk there. I can write down a selection of titles as well.
I have not. I thought it best to leave him to his own devices to begin with - to allow for a period of acclimation, as it were.
[Which sounds to her absent ear like a good thing to say instead of 'I've been busy and only have so much patience for describing the names of the calendar months.' Not that Mr. Fitz has asked. But she can imagine a conversation like that.
—Though. Come to think of it, someone should see him more well acquainted with the work.]
[So it is. The door is half closed, no doubt to discourage visitors. It is late in the day and sometimes the Seneschal's nerves are quite shot indeed by this hour.
Wysteria quietly removes her hand from inside the angle of his arm.]
And come to think of it now that we are here, there is a report I've been avoiding. I should see to it.
[For a moment, she doesn't quite understand his meaning - just the reassuring warmth of his hand and how earnest the shape of it all seems. And then, once the use of it penetrates, she is blinking rapidly to fight down the prickling sensation behind her eyes.]
Yes of course. [Said absently. Her hand shifts, fingers setting so she can squeeze his in return. It is like a thank you or a promise.] I'm always so grateful. To discuss books.
[Then her hand is gone from his. She smooths down her skirt and tucks some stray tangle of pale hair away.] Good day, Mr. Ellis. [And in a flurry of skirts slipping through the doorway, she is gone entirely save for the bright quality of her voice from the room beyond: 'Oh Seneschal, you are still here—']
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
So she links her arm in his, and if she grips him very tightly to her side then it's because she doesn't know her own strength and it has nothing to do with wanting to keep him next to her. You will be a more pleasant person, she had sworn to herself when they'd all returned to the Gallows and found Riftwatch in the process of burying them. That way the next time you interrupt your own funeral, someone will look for you first out of everyone else.
If they are only friends, she can take his arm and ask him questions and not feel as if she is lying to him with her interest. And he need not worry at all about being forced to think about who between herself and Mr. Stark he likes best.]
In that case, let us begin by telling me what you were doing in the library. Were you looking for someone?
no subject
The scholars are likely very relieved or very disappointed to see them go. Ellis doesn't let himself look around to take stock. ]
No.
[ Though sometimes he cannot help but look for Mhavos, who has not returned and perhaps never shall. But Ellis glances around for him regardless before making any selections. ]
I finished the last book I'd borrowed, and needed to trade it for another so I'd have something to read after my shifts on watch.
[ It occurs to him that it's not such an exciting explanation, but oh well. ]
no subject
Oh? I had no idea you were such a voracious reader, Mr. Ellis. You must tell me what sorts of books you like best. I might be able to recommend a few of my favorites, and then we could discuss them when we make our way out to study new rifts and so on. A small club, as it were.
[It's all fine.]
no subject
I would like to read your favorites. [ No commitment one way or another on the club. ] Archivist Dalat had left me some suggestions before his departure, but I've read almost all of them by now.
[ Ellis' tone is carefully neutral. ]
Are you heading to the Seneschal's office?
no subject
Ah, yes I am. There is a requisitions list I need to fetch from my little desk there. I can write down a selection of titles as well.
no subject
That would be very kind.
[ There is a pause where Ellis grasps for something to say. The urge to make a small plea for Tony's sake is high, but ultimately discarded. ]
Have you spoken to that Fitz anymore recently?
no subject
[Which sounds to her absent ear like a good thing to say instead of 'I've been busy and only have so much patience for describing the names of the calendar months.' Not that Mr. Fitz has asked. But she can imagine a conversation like that.
—Though. Come to think of it, someone should see him more well acquainted with the work.]
no subject
[ Not to imply Wysteria could ever be overwhelming. ]
But I wouldn't leave him on his own for too long. I'm sure it can be lonely to find yourself in this place unexpectedly.
no subject
no subject
[ Sorry, Fitz. ]
And I think this is your stop, aye?
[ And time for Ellis to literally pitch himself headfirst into the harbor. Circling back to the library isn't an option at this point. ]
no subject
Wysteria quietly removes her hand from inside the angle of his arm.]
And come to think of it now that we are here, there is a report I've been avoiding. I should see to it.
no subject
You can tell the Seneschal I kept you.
[ With a small smile, reaching to squeeze her hand. ]
It was kind of you to consult with me on my reading, when there are so many other demands on your time.
[ In lieu of anything useful, like a handkerchief: an excuse for Salvio who surely won't care. ]
no subject
Yes of course. [Said absently. Her hand shifts, fingers setting so she can squeeze his in return. It is like a thank you or a promise.] I'm always so grateful. To discuss books.
[Then her hand is gone from his. She smooths down her skirt and tucks some stray tangle of pale hair away.] Good day, Mr. Ellis. [And in a flurry of skirts slipping through the doorway, she is gone entirely save for the bright quality of her voice from the room beyond: 'Oh Seneschal, you are still here—']