Post by Nemeris Arundel on Mar 26, 2020 19:53:47 GMT -5
[NEMERIS] Morning had come, and she had not slept very well, though she expected as much. After waking and getting herself cleaned up and dressed, she peered in through the guest room, seeing that Eoin was still soundly asleep. She hoped he would get a decent amount of sleep. Quietly, she moved back down the stairs and into her kitchen, where she began cooking some breakfast for herself and Eoin, whenever he woke. He needed to eat, and hopefully the sleep would make him feel better enough to want to eat.
Groggily and quietly, she moved about the room, preparing breakfast. She wasn't the best of cooks, but she managed. [d]
[EOIN] He must have been exhausted enough to have passed out so easily, after struggling to stay awake for so long. But it would not be long after Nemeris had checked on him that the restlessness would kick in. His mind was drifting back to his cell; feeling the damp and the cold right down to his bones, the ache in his body, and the hunger that no longer seemed to bother him. He felt the heavy weight of the shackles again, felt the bite of steel grazing his skin, the harsh snaps of whips at his back. Suddenly, he was calling out, thrashing the blanket off of him before he was falling straight off the edge of the bed to crash hard against the floor. [d]
[NEMERIS] The sounds of his yelling traveled down the stairs, causing her concern. She stopped what she was doing and rushed to the stairs, only hearing the crashing sound against the floor. She ran up the stairs and into Eoin's room, finding him on the floor. Rushing over to him, she fell to the floor beside him and pulled him into her arms. "Shhh... You're okay, Eoin.. You are safe.." She held him against her, stroking his hair gently. "I'm here..." She whispered something softly, almost inaudible, in attempts to calm him. [d]
[EOIN] The fall nearly knocked the wind out of him, and he was gasping for breath. He was confused, barely hearing her enter the room until she was gathering him in her arms, attempting to soothe him. It seemed to only make him panic more and forget where he was, frantically pushing himself away from her as he backed up. When his back hit the nightstand, the sleep was finally out of his eyes and he was seeing things a little more clearly. Even still, it would be a moment more before he realized where he was, remembering where he was. There was a questionable look on his face, as if he was about to ask how he had gotten her, but when those gray eyes looked to her, his face sobered. "I'm sorry," he breathed, rubbing at his face. [d]
[NEMERIS] Her eyes widened with concern as Eoin seemed to not respond to her, and his fear only made him pull from her and scramble away. She held her hand out to him, as if trying to urge him to calm down. When he finally came to and apologized to her, she shook her head. "It's okay... You are alright, Eoin.. You're safe..." She tried to assure him. Slowly, she came to her feet and walked over to him, extending her hand down to help him up. [d]
[EOIN] Eyes continued to blink, trying to clear his gaze, his mind, to remember everything. And when he did, he groaned in annoyance before slowly taking her outstretched hand to climb up to his feet. "I'm...not used to this-" He gestured to the room. "Anymore." The farmer had offered him up a bed, but it was a shoddy cot at best. Even still, it had been the best thing since a cell floor. [d]
[NEMERIS] Helping Eoin to his feet, she nodded understandably. "I know... But you will." She offered him an assuring smile. "Why don't you get yourself cleaned up?" She motioned to the water basin and towel. "I can find you some of Brennus' clothes so you can change into something clean..." She headed towards the door, leaving him alone for now, and wandering into the room Brennus had stayed in at one point. It was difficult for her to be in there, but she managed to find a pair of pants and a shirt. She gently knocked on the door when she returned, so she could give him the clothes. [d]
[EOIN] Nodding, he tried to believe her. "Yes...right..." he murmured, mainly to himself, as if he had to reassure himself of it. And she was right, of course, but only time would tell how long that would take. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he tried to clear his head. Maybe splashing some cool water on his face would alleviate his tiredness and confusion. "Alright, thank you," he told her before she left. Carefully drawing that tunic over his head, he grimaced from the ache in his muscles as he tossed it aside. While he moved to the water basin, he stared down at himself; noticing the new wound that appeared to be healing far better and quicker than before...but also the array of new scars, far more than he had before being taken. His back was just as bad if not worse. A year. Every scar were as if his Saelisian capturers had been marking off every day of his imprisonment. To try and free himself of those dark thoughts, he splashed water onto his face and sighed, blindly reaching for the towel to dry his face. "You can come in," his spoke, his words muffled into the towel. [d]
[NEMERIS] Upon touching him last night, she had seen some of what Eoin had endured, and felt what he had suffered through in that year. It pained her, and she wished there was something she could do to help. To make matters worse, he returned to something he hoped would still be there for him, only to learn that it was perhaps further from his grasp than it was when he was in Saelis. She slowly opened the door, stepping into the room with the small pile of clothing, which she set down on the bed. Blue-grey eyes shifted to Eoin, noticing all the scars on his torso. Moving over towards him, she stood in front of him, placing her hand on his bare chest. She looked up into his eyes and whispered quietly. "I am sorry for all you have had to endure..." [d]
[EOIN] Her hand felt cold against his warm skin that he almost flinched. It wouldn't have been flinching from her, but those residual emotions of those memories. Everything was slowly drifting back to him- the escape, the farmer, his arrival at the castle...and what he had interrupted. Eoin began to remember all over again how he had to, somehow, move on. After he didn't know what normal was for the last year. After a moment, he reached for that hand to pull it from his chest, holding it gently as though he were afraid of breaking it. "It's fine," he finally said, even if it wasn't. But it wasn't her burden to bear or feel sorry for. "I'll survive." Letting her go, he moved back to the basin and stared down at his reflection in the water. "That's what I do..." He definitely looked as though he had aged a few years. He was thinner and there was more scruff on his face than he liked. It had been far worse upon his escape before the farmer allowed him to shave. Now he was beginning to look like a mad man again. [d]
[NEMERIS] A soft sigh escaped her lips as Eoin dismissed her apology. She knew he was trying to dismiss his feelings and push forward and survive. A step back was taken when he let go of her hand, and she regarded him for a moment, noticing how different he looked from the last time she had seen him. He did appear older and worn, and understandably so. "Yes," she responded quietly. "You will survive..." Hesitating for a moment, Nemeris moved back to the door. "I am making breakfast... Whenever you are ready to come down..." She forced a reassuring smile before leaving the room, allowing the door to lightly shut behind her. [d]
[EOIN] 'You will survive...' He could only hope. Drawing in a deep breath as he continued to wash, he may have made a humorous comment at her words about breakfast if he were in the right mind. But he was seconds to late to even respond; glancing over his shoulder just as the door was closing. It would be a few minutes before he came downstairs. He'd washed and dressed in the clothes she provided, slipping back into his own boots. He ran a hand through his hair as he began to wander, attempting to find his way to the kitchen. "Do you not have help for this...?" he wondered when he finally found his way. [d]
[NEMERIS] She was cursing at something when Eoin found his way into the kitchen. The bread she had removed from the stove was completely burnt. Bluish-grey eyes lifted to find Eoin as he questioned her. She laughed and shook her head. "I live alone?" Glancing back at the blackened bread, she sighed and tossed it onto the counter, it making a loud thumbing sound as if it were completely solid. She grumbled frustrated before she moved onto the next thing, tending to it so she did not burn that as well. After a moment, she had placed some eggs, bacon and some fruit on a plate and set it down on the table, motioning for Eoin to sit and eat, before she moved to make her own plate, setting that down on the table, too and taking a seat. She had already made tea, that was easy, and it was on the table, ready to be poured. "Not a word." She said, threatening Eoin if he made a comment about her cooking. [d]
[EOIN] He immediately paused when he heard that curse, and he actually contemplated on pretending he wasn't there and just turning around. But, alas, she had spotted him. "Then why have such a big house?" he asked in honest curiosity. Eoin visibly cringed when the bread made a noise when it hit the counter...and bread shouldn't really make a noise. Not like that. Oh my, was he going to die from food poisoning? He was almost afraid to deny her when she silently told him to sit. Complying, he stared at the food on his plate, which didn't look as bad as the toast and the smell was actually making his stomach rumble. Her words, however, had his lips pressing tightly together. Damn, he really wanted to comment. So badly. So, he sat there for a long moment, staring down at the food on his plate before that mouth of his opened. "Should I wait for you to eat first?" Gray eyes flickered up to her face, the humor just seeping our of them. "So if you keel over, I know not to eat." [d]
[NEMERIS] She was reaching for the tea, pouring two cups before she finally settled back in her seat, just in time for Eoin to pick fun at her. Blue-grey eyes narrowed at him for a moment, as if her piercing eyes could bore a hold through him. But then, she laughed, quickly covering her mouth, and with her other hand she reached over and shoved him back. "Stop it... It's not that bad." She narrowed her eyes at him again. "Eat." She demanded him. She lifted her fork and stabbed some eggs onto it before shoving it into her mouth to prove a point. [d]
[EOIN] He barely reacted when she shoved him, as if he was actually dead serious. And, hell, maybe he was. Jokingly. Maybe. He gestured towards the burnt toast. "I could knock someone out with that bread if I threw it at them, Nem..." He tried justifying his words. When she demanded that he eat, doing so herself to prove he wouldn't die, he still watched her and waited, trying so hard not to crack a smile. That would only last a moment longer before he was chuckling. It'd been a long time since he amused himself, and he quite clearly did. At her expense, of course. He'd eventually calm and clear his throat to try and be somewhat serious. "Thank you." And although he was beginning to feel like he was starving, he took his time in eating. This was all strange, too. [d]
[NEMERIS] She bit her lower lip, trying to prevent herself from laughing. But she couldn't help it at the comment he made about being able to knock someone out with that bread. She covered her mouth as if no one should be allowed to see her laugh or smile, and she shook her head. "You're horrible...After all I've done for you...And you poke fun at me when I am trying to help. Surely that bread would be better than whatever they fed you over there." She raised a brow, her eyes glancing down at his body, as if hinting she noticed he had lost weight. [d]
[EOIN] It was still good to see her smile and hear her laugh...even if she was trying to cover it up. It slowly helped him realize that he was okay, that he was safe and no longer a prisoner. It was a step in the right direction to trying to get some normalcy back into his life. At her comeback, he was silent for a moment as he chewed the food in his mouth, looking like he was contemplating what to say, perhaps to agree with her. But then he shrugged a shoulder. "Eh..." He was totally joking, of course, and was ready to duck from any oncoming flying objects his way. [d]
[NEMERIS] Her lips pulled into the faintest smirk and she shook her head at him in disbelief. "Fine. I see how it is." She shoved a piece of fruit in her mouth and chewed it, her eyes glaring at him as she tried to think of something to say in return. But she couldn't think of anything quite so witty in the moment, so when she finished chewing, she spoke out, "You can make your own food from now on. See if I try to do anything else for you." She shook her head again, taking another bite of her eggs. Her expression was serious, and she looked hurt as she looked away from him and stared down at her plate, poking it with her fork as she chewed what she had in her mouth. When she finished, she couldn't help but smirk and she looked back at him, letting out a laugh before shoving him again. "You ass..." [d]
[EOIN] For someone who feared food poisoning, he was really beginning to go through his breakfast a little faster now. It were as though he had forgotten what real food tasted like. "Alright," he challenged back with a light shrug. "I mean...I did use to live off of the land..." Until he got a bit spoiled, that is. But he'd not have that cushy life anymore, and in truth, that part was fine with him. Maybe he needed to go back to the woods. When she appeared to be hurt though, Eoin paused. Had he really hurt her feelings? His social skills were a bit rusty, he'd admit. As his face sobered and he was ready to apologize, she was laughing again and shoving him. Eoin chuckled one more. [d]
[NEMERIS] It took a lot to hurt Nemeris. She had endured so much in her life, that the little things, the insults, she usually let them roll off her back. Usually. But she knew Eoin was just teasing her. She shook her head at him, a grin touching her lips as she looked down at her plate before popping another piece of fruit into her mouth. "What are you thinking of doing today?" She was sure he wouldn't know, but she'd ask anyway. Perhaps she could help him with beginning to become readjusted to life. [d]
[EOIN] And there was that particular question. One he had briefly thought about but had no answer to. He didn't expect to be here with Nemeris upon his return. He had expected a lot things, perhaps as though he had never lost a year of his life. Maybe that was a selfish thought, but it had been the only hope he had for a long time. Holding back a sigh, he moved a piece of fruit around on his plate while his expression sobered again. "I, um...I don't know." The queen clearly didn't need him. Was he supposed to help prepare for a possible attack from Saelis? He didn't know. [d]
[NEMERIS] As she expected, Eoin didn't know what he would do with his day. She understood how he was feeling. He would need purpose again. Something to keep him busy. She sighed softly and nodded. "If you feel up to it.. and can handle some physical labor, I could use your help a little around here? Earn your keep?" She smirked slightly, hoping he'd take her bait. It would keep him busy and maybe his mind off of things. She would help Eoin slowly get things back to as normal as possibleif she could. [d]
[EOIN] He really didn't know what would be expected of him. So much has happened since his capture that he didn't even know if he had a place within Aralore's military. And would he even want it? He was out of practice, still recovering, who knew if he'd even be good at it anymore. At Nemeris' suggestion, he seemed to sit up a little straighter. She knew he was struggling, unsure of where to even go from here, and she was making an effort to help him find his way. She might literally be the only friend he had right now, or so it seemed. "Oh, I see..." he started to respond, that smirk slowly beginning to curl a corner of his mouth. "This is why you really offered me a place to stay." He chuckled before answering in truth. "What is it you need help with? Besides dusting..." [d]
[NEMERIS] "Of course. I've been saving things for a year..and as soon as I had a chance, I scoffed you up so I could use you." She smirked slightly and shook her head, a laugh escaped her at his comment about dusting and quickly tried to stop herself. She was silent for a moment as she tried to think of things that needed to be done. "Well... winter is coming, so I will be needing firewood .. My roof was damaged by a storm we had this summer... My garden is a mess...." She trailed off because she could keep going, but those were the most pressing things she had been avoiding and did not want to find someone to ask them for help. [d]
[EOIN] Honestly, he was surprised that her house was even still standing, considering she had no help whatsoever. There was a brief moment where he wanted to ask if she was lonely out here by herself...but he refrained. She was purposely doing this, and he partially understood her more because of it. Finishing off the rest of his breakfast, he placed his fork down and shook his head, "I don't do gardening..." And again, no dusting. But he supposed the other two things, so far, were more up his alley. Without truly realizing it, he was beginning to only think of the tasks at hand and not everything else that was weighing on his shoulders. He rose up from his seat, catching sight of the dark clouds outside. "Guess I better have a look at that roof," he commented, mainly to himself. "Has it been leaking?" [d]
[NEMERIS] She smiled at his comment of not gardening. It was just as well anyway, because the winter would ruin the crops soon anyway. Grey-blue eyes watched as he stood and he suddenly was ready to get to work. Her brows furrowed slightly, as she hadn't meant now, but she wouldn't stop him if he was willing. She nodded to him. "Yes, it has been. Whenever it rains." Obviously. She rolled her eyes at herself before she stood, grabbing the plates from the table and bringing them to the counter. "Is there anything you might be needing? I could go out to the village to get whatever..." [d]
[EOIN] He needed to keep moving, otherwise, he might start sinking deeper into that hole and not be able to pull himself out of it. Plus, he was suddenly motivated now, so why not? "Have you any tools, a ladder...I can't magically fly up there." He couldn't seem to stop with the cheeky comments right now. And if it bothered her, he knew she would shut him up real fast. [d]
[NEMERIS] She gave him a look as if he were being foolish. Maybe he was, with all of these wise remarks of his. "Yes." She rolled her eyes at him. "Out back there should be...In the shed. Help yourself to whatever you need." She didn't really know what was in there.. they were mostly things Brennus had left behind. [d]
[EOIN] "Of course, my lady," he joked, bowing slightly in acknowledgement, maybe just to rile her up a bit more. This was what happened when he didn't have proper social interaction for, well...a year. At least he could joke about it. Sort of. Without anymore cheeky words, Eoin made his way out into the cool morning air in search of that shed. Fortunately, there were enough tools to work with and a ladder to get him up to the roof...but he was still going to need wood, not only for her fireplace as she requested, but for repairs. He'd also need to gather some thatch. To be honest, he was a little excited about it, if only because he was most likely going to have to travel into the woods. There was no point in her buying materials when nature provided everything she would need. After making a quick inspection of the roof, Eoin climbed down and retrieved the axe from the shed. [d]
[NEMERIS] She rose a brow at his formalities towards her, but said nothing. After he left to go outside, Nemeris cleaned up the kitchen and dusted some cobwebs so Eoin would not be able to tease her about them if he saw them. Once she was done, she wrapped a shawl around herself and made her way outside. She walked around her house in search of Eoin and caught him just as he was stepping out of the shed with the axe. "Now there's a look for you... lumberjack Eoin..." She smirked and stifled a laugh with her hand. "I am going out to the village. Do you need...want anything? Want to come along?" [d]
[EOIN] Instantly pausing in his step at hearing her call out, he actually chuckled and slung the axe over his shoulder. "Maybe I should retire from the military life, hm?" Wouldn't that be something. There had many a time where Eoin thought about it, but then he wondered if he actually could. The way of the sword was all he had ever known, really, and he expected to die with a blade in his hand. "The village?" he echoed, slowly walking up to her. "What do you need from there?" He hesitated, only because he wasn't sure if he'd see any familiar faces...and whether or not he was ready to deal with that all over again. Not after yesterday. Still, he was too honorable to let her go by herself. [d]
[NEMERIS] A quick nod was given and she thought for a moment. "Food... herbs, supplies." Her shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. She was no stranger to traveling on her own. "Some clothes for you? Unless you wish to continue wearing Brennus' things..." Her eyes traveled down to Eoin's body, noticing for the first time that he was in fact wearing his clothes, and she suddenly felt a twinge in her chest. She glanced away in thought and tried pushing the thoughts from her mind. "I cannot promise you that your things still exist... But we could go look if you would like?" [d]
Groggily and quietly, she moved about the room, preparing breakfast. She wasn't the best of cooks, but she managed. [d]
[EOIN] He must have been exhausted enough to have passed out so easily, after struggling to stay awake for so long. But it would not be long after Nemeris had checked on him that the restlessness would kick in. His mind was drifting back to his cell; feeling the damp and the cold right down to his bones, the ache in his body, and the hunger that no longer seemed to bother him. He felt the heavy weight of the shackles again, felt the bite of steel grazing his skin, the harsh snaps of whips at his back. Suddenly, he was calling out, thrashing the blanket off of him before he was falling straight off the edge of the bed to crash hard against the floor. [d]
[NEMERIS] The sounds of his yelling traveled down the stairs, causing her concern. She stopped what she was doing and rushed to the stairs, only hearing the crashing sound against the floor. She ran up the stairs and into Eoin's room, finding him on the floor. Rushing over to him, she fell to the floor beside him and pulled him into her arms. "Shhh... You're okay, Eoin.. You are safe.." She held him against her, stroking his hair gently. "I'm here..." She whispered something softly, almost inaudible, in attempts to calm him. [d]
[EOIN] The fall nearly knocked the wind out of him, and he was gasping for breath. He was confused, barely hearing her enter the room until she was gathering him in her arms, attempting to soothe him. It seemed to only make him panic more and forget where he was, frantically pushing himself away from her as he backed up. When his back hit the nightstand, the sleep was finally out of his eyes and he was seeing things a little more clearly. Even still, it would be a moment more before he realized where he was, remembering where he was. There was a questionable look on his face, as if he was about to ask how he had gotten her, but when those gray eyes looked to her, his face sobered. "I'm sorry," he breathed, rubbing at his face. [d]
[NEMERIS] Her eyes widened with concern as Eoin seemed to not respond to her, and his fear only made him pull from her and scramble away. She held her hand out to him, as if trying to urge him to calm down. When he finally came to and apologized to her, she shook her head. "It's okay... You are alright, Eoin.. You're safe..." She tried to assure him. Slowly, she came to her feet and walked over to him, extending her hand down to help him up. [d]
[EOIN] Eyes continued to blink, trying to clear his gaze, his mind, to remember everything. And when he did, he groaned in annoyance before slowly taking her outstretched hand to climb up to his feet. "I'm...not used to this-" He gestured to the room. "Anymore." The farmer had offered him up a bed, but it was a shoddy cot at best. Even still, it had been the best thing since a cell floor. [d]
[NEMERIS] Helping Eoin to his feet, she nodded understandably. "I know... But you will." She offered him an assuring smile. "Why don't you get yourself cleaned up?" She motioned to the water basin and towel. "I can find you some of Brennus' clothes so you can change into something clean..." She headed towards the door, leaving him alone for now, and wandering into the room Brennus had stayed in at one point. It was difficult for her to be in there, but she managed to find a pair of pants and a shirt. She gently knocked on the door when she returned, so she could give him the clothes. [d]
[EOIN] Nodding, he tried to believe her. "Yes...right..." he murmured, mainly to himself, as if he had to reassure himself of it. And she was right, of course, but only time would tell how long that would take. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he tried to clear his head. Maybe splashing some cool water on his face would alleviate his tiredness and confusion. "Alright, thank you," he told her before she left. Carefully drawing that tunic over his head, he grimaced from the ache in his muscles as he tossed it aside. While he moved to the water basin, he stared down at himself; noticing the new wound that appeared to be healing far better and quicker than before...but also the array of new scars, far more than he had before being taken. His back was just as bad if not worse. A year. Every scar were as if his Saelisian capturers had been marking off every day of his imprisonment. To try and free himself of those dark thoughts, he splashed water onto his face and sighed, blindly reaching for the towel to dry his face. "You can come in," his spoke, his words muffled into the towel. [d]
[NEMERIS] Upon touching him last night, she had seen some of what Eoin had endured, and felt what he had suffered through in that year. It pained her, and she wished there was something she could do to help. To make matters worse, he returned to something he hoped would still be there for him, only to learn that it was perhaps further from his grasp than it was when he was in Saelis. She slowly opened the door, stepping into the room with the small pile of clothing, which she set down on the bed. Blue-grey eyes shifted to Eoin, noticing all the scars on his torso. Moving over towards him, she stood in front of him, placing her hand on his bare chest. She looked up into his eyes and whispered quietly. "I am sorry for all you have had to endure..." [d]
[EOIN] Her hand felt cold against his warm skin that he almost flinched. It wouldn't have been flinching from her, but those residual emotions of those memories. Everything was slowly drifting back to him- the escape, the farmer, his arrival at the castle...and what he had interrupted. Eoin began to remember all over again how he had to, somehow, move on. After he didn't know what normal was for the last year. After a moment, he reached for that hand to pull it from his chest, holding it gently as though he were afraid of breaking it. "It's fine," he finally said, even if it wasn't. But it wasn't her burden to bear or feel sorry for. "I'll survive." Letting her go, he moved back to the basin and stared down at his reflection in the water. "That's what I do..." He definitely looked as though he had aged a few years. He was thinner and there was more scruff on his face than he liked. It had been far worse upon his escape before the farmer allowed him to shave. Now he was beginning to look like a mad man again. [d]
[NEMERIS] A soft sigh escaped her lips as Eoin dismissed her apology. She knew he was trying to dismiss his feelings and push forward and survive. A step back was taken when he let go of her hand, and she regarded him for a moment, noticing how different he looked from the last time she had seen him. He did appear older and worn, and understandably so. "Yes," she responded quietly. "You will survive..." Hesitating for a moment, Nemeris moved back to the door. "I am making breakfast... Whenever you are ready to come down..." She forced a reassuring smile before leaving the room, allowing the door to lightly shut behind her. [d]
[EOIN] 'You will survive...' He could only hope. Drawing in a deep breath as he continued to wash, he may have made a humorous comment at her words about breakfast if he were in the right mind. But he was seconds to late to even respond; glancing over his shoulder just as the door was closing. It would be a few minutes before he came downstairs. He'd washed and dressed in the clothes she provided, slipping back into his own boots. He ran a hand through his hair as he began to wander, attempting to find his way to the kitchen. "Do you not have help for this...?" he wondered when he finally found his way. [d]
[NEMERIS] She was cursing at something when Eoin found his way into the kitchen. The bread she had removed from the stove was completely burnt. Bluish-grey eyes lifted to find Eoin as he questioned her. She laughed and shook her head. "I live alone?" Glancing back at the blackened bread, she sighed and tossed it onto the counter, it making a loud thumbing sound as if it were completely solid. She grumbled frustrated before she moved onto the next thing, tending to it so she did not burn that as well. After a moment, she had placed some eggs, bacon and some fruit on a plate and set it down on the table, motioning for Eoin to sit and eat, before she moved to make her own plate, setting that down on the table, too and taking a seat. She had already made tea, that was easy, and it was on the table, ready to be poured. "Not a word." She said, threatening Eoin if he made a comment about her cooking. [d]
[EOIN] He immediately paused when he heard that curse, and he actually contemplated on pretending he wasn't there and just turning around. But, alas, she had spotted him. "Then why have such a big house?" he asked in honest curiosity. Eoin visibly cringed when the bread made a noise when it hit the counter...and bread shouldn't really make a noise. Not like that. Oh my, was he going to die from food poisoning? He was almost afraid to deny her when she silently told him to sit. Complying, he stared at the food on his plate, which didn't look as bad as the toast and the smell was actually making his stomach rumble. Her words, however, had his lips pressing tightly together. Damn, he really wanted to comment. So badly. So, he sat there for a long moment, staring down at the food on his plate before that mouth of his opened. "Should I wait for you to eat first?" Gray eyes flickered up to her face, the humor just seeping our of them. "So if you keel over, I know not to eat." [d]
[NEMERIS] She was reaching for the tea, pouring two cups before she finally settled back in her seat, just in time for Eoin to pick fun at her. Blue-grey eyes narrowed at him for a moment, as if her piercing eyes could bore a hold through him. But then, she laughed, quickly covering her mouth, and with her other hand she reached over and shoved him back. "Stop it... It's not that bad." She narrowed her eyes at him again. "Eat." She demanded him. She lifted her fork and stabbed some eggs onto it before shoving it into her mouth to prove a point. [d]
[EOIN] He barely reacted when she shoved him, as if he was actually dead serious. And, hell, maybe he was. Jokingly. Maybe. He gestured towards the burnt toast. "I could knock someone out with that bread if I threw it at them, Nem..." He tried justifying his words. When she demanded that he eat, doing so herself to prove he wouldn't die, he still watched her and waited, trying so hard not to crack a smile. That would only last a moment longer before he was chuckling. It'd been a long time since he amused himself, and he quite clearly did. At her expense, of course. He'd eventually calm and clear his throat to try and be somewhat serious. "Thank you." And although he was beginning to feel like he was starving, he took his time in eating. This was all strange, too. [d]
[NEMERIS] She bit her lower lip, trying to prevent herself from laughing. But she couldn't help it at the comment he made about being able to knock someone out with that bread. She covered her mouth as if no one should be allowed to see her laugh or smile, and she shook her head. "You're horrible...After all I've done for you...And you poke fun at me when I am trying to help. Surely that bread would be better than whatever they fed you over there." She raised a brow, her eyes glancing down at his body, as if hinting she noticed he had lost weight. [d]
[EOIN] It was still good to see her smile and hear her laugh...even if she was trying to cover it up. It slowly helped him realize that he was okay, that he was safe and no longer a prisoner. It was a step in the right direction to trying to get some normalcy back into his life. At her comeback, he was silent for a moment as he chewed the food in his mouth, looking like he was contemplating what to say, perhaps to agree with her. But then he shrugged a shoulder. "Eh..." He was totally joking, of course, and was ready to duck from any oncoming flying objects his way. [d]
[NEMERIS] Her lips pulled into the faintest smirk and she shook her head at him in disbelief. "Fine. I see how it is." She shoved a piece of fruit in her mouth and chewed it, her eyes glaring at him as she tried to think of something to say in return. But she couldn't think of anything quite so witty in the moment, so when she finished chewing, she spoke out, "You can make your own food from now on. See if I try to do anything else for you." She shook her head again, taking another bite of her eggs. Her expression was serious, and she looked hurt as she looked away from him and stared down at her plate, poking it with her fork as she chewed what she had in her mouth. When she finished, she couldn't help but smirk and she looked back at him, letting out a laugh before shoving him again. "You ass..." [d]
[EOIN] For someone who feared food poisoning, he was really beginning to go through his breakfast a little faster now. It were as though he had forgotten what real food tasted like. "Alright," he challenged back with a light shrug. "I mean...I did use to live off of the land..." Until he got a bit spoiled, that is. But he'd not have that cushy life anymore, and in truth, that part was fine with him. Maybe he needed to go back to the woods. When she appeared to be hurt though, Eoin paused. Had he really hurt her feelings? His social skills were a bit rusty, he'd admit. As his face sobered and he was ready to apologize, she was laughing again and shoving him. Eoin chuckled one more. [d]
[NEMERIS] It took a lot to hurt Nemeris. She had endured so much in her life, that the little things, the insults, she usually let them roll off her back. Usually. But she knew Eoin was just teasing her. She shook her head at him, a grin touching her lips as she looked down at her plate before popping another piece of fruit into her mouth. "What are you thinking of doing today?" She was sure he wouldn't know, but she'd ask anyway. Perhaps she could help him with beginning to become readjusted to life. [d]
[EOIN] And there was that particular question. One he had briefly thought about but had no answer to. He didn't expect to be here with Nemeris upon his return. He had expected a lot things, perhaps as though he had never lost a year of his life. Maybe that was a selfish thought, but it had been the only hope he had for a long time. Holding back a sigh, he moved a piece of fruit around on his plate while his expression sobered again. "I, um...I don't know." The queen clearly didn't need him. Was he supposed to help prepare for a possible attack from Saelis? He didn't know. [d]
[NEMERIS] As she expected, Eoin didn't know what he would do with his day. She understood how he was feeling. He would need purpose again. Something to keep him busy. She sighed softly and nodded. "If you feel up to it.. and can handle some physical labor, I could use your help a little around here? Earn your keep?" She smirked slightly, hoping he'd take her bait. It would keep him busy and maybe his mind off of things. She would help Eoin slowly get things back to as normal as possibleif she could. [d]
[EOIN] He really didn't know what would be expected of him. So much has happened since his capture that he didn't even know if he had a place within Aralore's military. And would he even want it? He was out of practice, still recovering, who knew if he'd even be good at it anymore. At Nemeris' suggestion, he seemed to sit up a little straighter. She knew he was struggling, unsure of where to even go from here, and she was making an effort to help him find his way. She might literally be the only friend he had right now, or so it seemed. "Oh, I see..." he started to respond, that smirk slowly beginning to curl a corner of his mouth. "This is why you really offered me a place to stay." He chuckled before answering in truth. "What is it you need help with? Besides dusting..." [d]
[NEMERIS] "Of course. I've been saving things for a year..and as soon as I had a chance, I scoffed you up so I could use you." She smirked slightly and shook her head, a laugh escaped her at his comment about dusting and quickly tried to stop herself. She was silent for a moment as she tried to think of things that needed to be done. "Well... winter is coming, so I will be needing firewood .. My roof was damaged by a storm we had this summer... My garden is a mess...." She trailed off because she could keep going, but those were the most pressing things she had been avoiding and did not want to find someone to ask them for help. [d]
[EOIN] Honestly, he was surprised that her house was even still standing, considering she had no help whatsoever. There was a brief moment where he wanted to ask if she was lonely out here by herself...but he refrained. She was purposely doing this, and he partially understood her more because of it. Finishing off the rest of his breakfast, he placed his fork down and shook his head, "I don't do gardening..." And again, no dusting. But he supposed the other two things, so far, were more up his alley. Without truly realizing it, he was beginning to only think of the tasks at hand and not everything else that was weighing on his shoulders. He rose up from his seat, catching sight of the dark clouds outside. "Guess I better have a look at that roof," he commented, mainly to himself. "Has it been leaking?" [d]
[NEMERIS] She smiled at his comment of not gardening. It was just as well anyway, because the winter would ruin the crops soon anyway. Grey-blue eyes watched as he stood and he suddenly was ready to get to work. Her brows furrowed slightly, as she hadn't meant now, but she wouldn't stop him if he was willing. She nodded to him. "Yes, it has been. Whenever it rains." Obviously. She rolled her eyes at herself before she stood, grabbing the plates from the table and bringing them to the counter. "Is there anything you might be needing? I could go out to the village to get whatever..." [d]
[EOIN] He needed to keep moving, otherwise, he might start sinking deeper into that hole and not be able to pull himself out of it. Plus, he was suddenly motivated now, so why not? "Have you any tools, a ladder...I can't magically fly up there." He couldn't seem to stop with the cheeky comments right now. And if it bothered her, he knew she would shut him up real fast. [d]
[NEMERIS] She gave him a look as if he were being foolish. Maybe he was, with all of these wise remarks of his. "Yes." She rolled her eyes at him. "Out back there should be...In the shed. Help yourself to whatever you need." She didn't really know what was in there.. they were mostly things Brennus had left behind. [d]
[EOIN] "Of course, my lady," he joked, bowing slightly in acknowledgement, maybe just to rile her up a bit more. This was what happened when he didn't have proper social interaction for, well...a year. At least he could joke about it. Sort of. Without anymore cheeky words, Eoin made his way out into the cool morning air in search of that shed. Fortunately, there were enough tools to work with and a ladder to get him up to the roof...but he was still going to need wood, not only for her fireplace as she requested, but for repairs. He'd also need to gather some thatch. To be honest, he was a little excited about it, if only because he was most likely going to have to travel into the woods. There was no point in her buying materials when nature provided everything she would need. After making a quick inspection of the roof, Eoin climbed down and retrieved the axe from the shed. [d]
[NEMERIS] She rose a brow at his formalities towards her, but said nothing. After he left to go outside, Nemeris cleaned up the kitchen and dusted some cobwebs so Eoin would not be able to tease her about them if he saw them. Once she was done, she wrapped a shawl around herself and made her way outside. She walked around her house in search of Eoin and caught him just as he was stepping out of the shed with the axe. "Now there's a look for you... lumberjack Eoin..." She smirked and stifled a laugh with her hand. "I am going out to the village. Do you need...want anything? Want to come along?" [d]
[EOIN] Instantly pausing in his step at hearing her call out, he actually chuckled and slung the axe over his shoulder. "Maybe I should retire from the military life, hm?" Wouldn't that be something. There had many a time where Eoin thought about it, but then he wondered if he actually could. The way of the sword was all he had ever known, really, and he expected to die with a blade in his hand. "The village?" he echoed, slowly walking up to her. "What do you need from there?" He hesitated, only because he wasn't sure if he'd see any familiar faces...and whether or not he was ready to deal with that all over again. Not after yesterday. Still, he was too honorable to let her go by herself. [d]
[NEMERIS] A quick nod was given and she thought for a moment. "Food... herbs, supplies." Her shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. She was no stranger to traveling on her own. "Some clothes for you? Unless you wish to continue wearing Brennus' things..." Her eyes traveled down to Eoin's body, noticing for the first time that he was in fact wearing his clothes, and she suddenly felt a twinge in her chest. She glanced away in thought and tried pushing the thoughts from her mind. "I cannot promise you that your things still exist... But we could go look if you would like?" [d]
