(no subject)

[dragon_twin]

Melou spent his first full day home in relative peace, mostly alone in his room with a short trip down to the river for a swim. Dinner was, of course, busier than usual. Everyone wanted to hear about his trip and he was more than happy to oblige for a few hours.

Finally, he managed to excuse himself. He had something to do and didn't want to put it off any longer. He made a brief stop at his room and then headed to another large door, entering only after receiving a "come in" in response to his knock.

"Mam?"

Comments

[cywyllog]

Cywyllog smiled at him again and ran a gentle hand through his hair.

"I am fine, I promise. Just... tired." She settled back in her chair and tucked a blanket tighter around her knees. "Now, how was your journey?"

[dragon_twin]

He sighed softly.

"It was all right. Long and boring, mostly, but thankfully, it didn't rain too much." He reached down and pulled a quilt and a folded letter from a bag on the floor. "Aunt Rhedyn sent you this."

[cywyllog]

She brightened considerably, taking the items from him and spreading the quilt out over her lap.

"How is she?"

[dragon_twin]

"She's real good." Melou grinned at the memory of his energetic aunt. "She seems real happy. Just about to have her fourth baby."

He lowered his head, his smile turning a little sheepish. "I don't remember the others' names, but there's two boys and a girl."

[cywyllog]

"No doubt she's mentioned them in her letter." She assured him, patting his hand. "And Tegeirian?"

[dragon_twin]

There was the briefest hesitation before he answered.

"She seemed fine as well. Rheged was pretty busy. I didn't get to spend much time with anyone."

[cywyllog]

His mother merely nodded and stared at the fire, as though expecting the answer she received.

"I am glad, then, and that you made it home safely." She looked back at him. "You will not be going away again soon, will you?"

[dragon_twin]

The question surprised him.

"Hadn't planned on it. Spring, maybe, at the earliest."

[cywyllog]

"All right." She breathed a quiet sigh of relief. "I will save my requests for you to be careful until then."

[dragon_twin]

"I always will, Mama." Melou promised. "I won't do anything to make you or Mele worry more than you have to."

[cywyllog]

"I know." She squeezed his hand. "Thank you for coming to see me, love, but I think I would like to sleep now."

[dragon_twin]

He nodded and raised her hand to kiss the back of it.

"Do you want me to have anything sent up for you?"

[cywyllog]

"No, I have everything for now." She smiled tiredly up at him as he stood.

[dragon_twin]

"I'll see you tomorrow, then. Sleep well." He leaned down to kiss her cheek again and then headed for the door.

[cywyllog]

She called to him quietly, just as he reached the door.

"I love you, Melou."

[dragon_twin]

"I love you, too, Mama." He answered softly and then slipped out into the hallway.