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It’s a tireless job, the vestige’s job. Sometimes there are brief respites, in a friend’s clap to their back after a job well done or the celebration of their many victories. But once the celebration ends, it’s back to the beginning. Alone. Again. The vestige’s hands turn to fists. It’s not out of anger, frustration maybe, but never anger. Okay, maybe a hint of anger. Why does no one bother to check on them? Are they really friends? Maybe they’re overthinking. Sleep makes everything better, right? It’s what the vestige thought, before deciding to make the trek to Castle Ravenwatch. They fiddled ceaselessly with their backpack, fingers clumsily toying with the tattered straps.
Verandis did say they were apart of house Ravenwatch, right? So why did it feel so wrong to step towards those two, large, foreboding looking doors? Their heart patters in their chest, Gods, they pray no one notices their entrance. What would the vestige say? That they were lonely? The hero of Tamriel…lonely. It sounded so foolish in their mind.
Worn boots scuff the edges of the battered steps to castle Ravenwatch. The real reason for their visit, the warmth of a particular vampire, is incredibly embarrassing to admit. Would he be surprised? It’s only been a month or so since they worked in West Weald together. Anxious, nasty thoughts plagued their mind. They dawdled on the doorstep, fidgeting as doom settled deep within their belly. The sudden squeak of the doors opening causes them to freeze in fear. They smiled nervously. Gods, if it was him, they would probably die from embarrassment. It’s too soon, way too soon to-.
Unfortunately, they’ve been cursed. Or at least that’s what their anxiety-addled mind makes up.
He freezes, tensing before he realizes it’s the vestige.
Messy brown locks and a sweet smile. That’s all the vestige notices in their flustered state. Surely, he can feel the awkwardness.
“Friend, I certainly wasn’t expecting to see you so soon. Do you have business here, or...” He trails off, smiling softly.
The vestige stumbles over their words, cheeks rosy in their failed attempt. “Ah, well, I was in the area and decided to visit. If that’s alright. I realize you’re probably…busy.”
Fennorian analyzes the vestige for a beat, taking in their shrinking form. He’s not used to such timidity from them. It’s as surprising as it is sweet.
The edges of his lips soften further, “That’s alright, I do enjoy your company, my friend.”
The vestige knows he heard their heart skip a beat.
Fennorian’s eyes move beyond them somewhere left of their head and towards the horizon.
“I was just about to collect some alchemical ingredients near crest shade mine. I wouldn’t mind the extra company.”
The vestige ends their fidgeting, brightening like an overeager puppy, “I’d be more than happy to tag along.” Their smile matches the warmth of their cheeks, Fennorian thinks.
The walk is silent for the most part. It’s hard not to sneak glances at him. The evening light casts a shadow on his face, causing his skin to appear nearly violet. The vestige traces his face with their eyes, swooning over jutting cheekbones and kissable lips. He turns, and they feel the flutter in their belly.
He’s as oblivious as always. “Something wrong...?” Gods, his voice sounds like velvet.
They realized they hadn’t answered him, “No, no, uh, sorry. Just thinking.”
The curvature of his brow as he glances at them causes his eyes to look even softer.
They sigh. This is hopeless.
“I hope it’s nothing particularly troubling. You seem stressed.” He looks worried. Great, the vestige thinks.
They hurry to correct his thinking,” No, nothing bad. Just, uh...” Tongue-tied yet again, they fumble for words.
Fennorian quirks his brows upwards, a gentle gesture to coax them into finishing their thought.
The vestige sighs, a heavy, tired sigh. It’s incredibly frustrating to feel so alone. To never confide in anyone.
The crunch of gravel, dried leaves, and ancient stone beneath his boots comes to a halt. His sudden stop causes them to look up curiously, if not still troubled.
His expression is equally tentative as it is open. He swallows, gingerly laying a hand upon their shoulder. His touch is feather-light.
“We have faced much together, my friend. You have been a wonderful companion to me throughout it all.” He pauses, pale, steely-red eyes flitting over their expression. “I don’t say that lightly, believe me.”
The moment feels strangely intimate. Their lashes flutter against their cheeks as they raise their head to meet his gaze.
It’s their turn to swallow nervously.
His thumb rubs soothing circles into their shoulder absentmindedly.
“If something is troubling you, I’m always here.”
He says it so softly. The words he speaks are so meaningful and endearing, it breaks their heart to not say a word back.
Before he shifts, they finally answer.
“I’m sorry.” They blurt, cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
He looks surprised, chuckling in disbelief.
“Sorry? You haven’t done anything wrong.”
They clench their fists, “I... I am bothered. It isn’t just stress, Fenn.” Their eyes fail to meet his, “I’m lonely. I feel foolish for seeking out comfort when you’re so busy, but...”
Recognition dawns over his expression, melting into worry tinged with relief.
“I see.”
His answer is so short they fear they’ve overstepped his boundaries.
Before they can backtrack, he’s finished mulling over his thoughts.
“I have a proposal.” He smiles, eyes crinkling with warmth. “Although a research assistant would prove useful, I value your company and happiness much more than that, friend. We have spare beds and a spare workspace, if you feel comfortable enough to stay for a while?”
It takes the vestige a moment to think, to absorb what Fennorian has just proposed to them.
“You…It’s, okay?” They utter dumbly, “Er, I mean…Thank you, Fenn. That means a lot to me. Truly.”
Fennorian’s lips curve softly, “It’s my pleasure.”
Although his hand isn’t warm, once it leaves their shoulder, the spot aches for his touch.
They swoon helplessly as he walks ahead.