Chapter Text
“If I won’t be skillful enough, you or Cerigg can suffer the same fate as Phronesis… as my old friend… and that scares me to no end”, Taynor says to her, his gaze is very sad and almost watery. He still falters, this boy, but she won’t blame him.
She can’t blame him for such fear, because she lived through it, lived with it for many years.
Her palms find themselves on his cheeks – smooth and still childishly plump, - thumbs caressing delicate skin beneath his eyes, encouraging to look at her and not to the side.
“I understand what you’re afraid of, I really do”, Cae smiles gently and plants one light kiss on his forehead, amused by how surprised breath catches in Taynor’s throat. “But you shouldn’t think about it. Cerigg is a strong man, as for myself… I made sure to be prepared to fight any battle that stands before me. And to protect my friends too if needed”.
She watches with utmost delight as his face slowly eases into smile – a bit unsure, a little wavering, and yet as beautiful as a blooming flower.
“So you just focus on your task and free your mind of needless worries. We will be there for you and do everything to put Nyelbert to rest”.
Taynor looks at her with so much wonder, his hands press tightly to hers in sheer gratitude,
“Thank you so much, Caelis! I will!”
A pleasant warmth spreads around her body, filling her with half-forgotten sensations.
Which surprisingly does not bring her any pain for once.
When Taynor restores his spirits and stomps his way to Cerigg, Cae giggles a little to herself at his cute antics. Maybe when all this Phronesis thing is over, she will indulge herself into squeezing his cheeks once more – just to be sure he’s not going to be depressed about her departure.