 I've started this post three times and it has been eaten three different times. Vinteren, Erik Vinteren
Ah, the old shaken, not stirred, to the core expression. It was one Erik was familiar with seeing on the faces of his companions, usually right before they expired, and it was one he was seeing on Alexa now. And to think, all he'd hoped for was her changing her mind....
"Sorry, but it's vot I do best." He shrugged humbly. Complicating things was second nature for a complicated man. He gave her a rare, thin-lipped smile at her answer about her independent streak, a smile which vanished as he looked at his watch. It was nearly time.
A year she could have gone without but one she endured anyway. "Vot doesn't kill simply you makes you stronger," Erik murmured cryptically, scooting to the edge of his seat and standing up. He gave Alexa a final look and then a small but gentle pat on the shoulder; an almost warm gesture for him. "I'm out of time for here for now," he announced quietly, "but I do vish you the best in whichever endeavours you choose. Keep in touch?" |