[She's... not sure if that actually clarifies anything, though his compliment is appreciated. It does seem as if getting out of the smithy has done wonders for him already. Perhaps the air was stuffy, too much lingering smoke from the fires or refuse from welded steel. She makes a mental note to scrub it extra hard next time she gets a chance. Maybe check the ventilation. She's full of practical solutions, but it kind of feels as if she's missing the mark on something, here. What else is distressing him...?
She takes note of the direction they're headed, but offers no protest. She's been alone with him before, so it isn't concerning; she'd have been more worried if he had led them somewhere more public, because it meant he had nothing much to share. Whatever is so deeply bothersome to him surely can't be for public consumption.
But okay, he 'hears her concern'. Doesn't mean he's going to do anything about it. It's a... step in the right direction.]
Kindness can only go so far. The one receiving it has to accept.
no subject
She takes note of the direction they're headed, but offers no protest. She's been alone with him before, so it isn't concerning; she'd have been more worried if he had led them somewhere more public, because it meant he had nothing much to share. Whatever is so deeply bothersome to him surely can't be for public consumption.
But okay, he 'hears her concern'. Doesn't mean he's going to do anything about it. It's a... step in the right direction.]
Kindness can only go so far. The one receiving it has to accept.