[ The amount of time that Hermione has spent walking between her own rooms and Lancelot's is almost getting a little ridiculous, honestly. She could just apparate over, she supposes, she could pop around to see him quite literally, but she knows that his room is magically protected and she would, more than likely, find herself slammed outside with a spear against her skin, Marchioness or not. It's far better to go and have herself be announced, to walk through with her head held high - even if Lancelot isn't there, which he isn't. She frowns but gets offered to wait inside all the same, wanting to make some time to spend with her friends and to check up on the baby.
... And, of course, as soon as she arrives, he's climbing the wall. Literally.
Her own emotions are a little distracting and for a moment all she can do is laugh, shaking her head and breathing out with a sharp noise before she steps closer to Faolan, holding out a hand to Bridei to try and encourage him to not shove his claws into the poor man's head. ]
[Faolan starts slightly at the announcement that Hermione is at the door, although he's a little too distracted trying to untangle the dragon from his hair to be able to do much about it. He lets out a grunt in response to Hermione's greeting as he tries - unsuccessfully - to detach the dragon. The guards, he trusts at least, not to let anyone in that they would not trust with the knowledge of the little dragon, not without giving him time to hide him. Hermione has already met him, Faolan knows. That will make this easier for both of them, at least.
Bridei himself, however, seems to think that this is a lovely perch, an excellent vantage point, and all the better to greet their guest from as she approaches. He unfurls his wings, flapping them slightly, letting out a little waaaargh!! in happy greeting to Hermione, and staying put right where he is.
Faolan lets out a noise of frustration.] By all that's holy, Bridei... [He mutters to himself.] Let go.
[ The greeting makes her beam, expression lifting and brightening before she moves closer, putting her bag to one side and taking off her cardigan before she moves closer to hold out a hand, offering it to Bridei. This, at least, is a bit more familiar and she's unconcerned with whatever impression she might be making on Faolan. She's just glad to see the dragon looking so happy, even if he is making a bit of a mess of the poor man's hair.
When she looks up properly it's with a soft smile, her hand reaching to touch his shoulder gently, a greeting for him in lieu of the hug she might have given someone else she was a little more sure of. ]
And it's nice to see you too, Faolan. I see Bridei is as energetic as ever?
[He's sorry that he's so gruff and grumbly, Hermione. It's not you, he promises. If she had hugged him in greeting, he would have embraced her in return. But people do not generally embrace Faolan, people do not generally treat him like he is the sort of man to have or want emotional interaction like that. Which isn't necessarily true, he's just conditioned himself to appear that way.
In response to her question, he sighs, as Bridei himself flicks a tongue out at her fingers, and then scrambles down from his head to his shoulder to launch himself towards her. Hello, Hermione! Hello! You deserve a proper greeting from at least one of them! Faolan tries to catch him but the dragon moves too fast and Faolan is still a little afraid of damaging one of those delicate wings with all the squirming Bridei sometimes does.]
My apologies. If he is not sleeping, he is scaling the walls. [Faolan bemoans.] Sometimes literally. I suppose I should be grateful that Lady has enough training not to attempt and join in. I can take him back if you'd like.
[ She doesn't hesitate to wrap her arms around the dragon, to draw him closer and let his energy warm her. The strange mixture of feelings, the worry and the twisting upset, seems to flicker in and out of her mind, but at least now she has something to focus on. She holds Bridei close, stroking her hands along his body and his wings, gentle and tender. She has experience with Rizhao, after all, and she knows what she's doing; she was an aunt to that baby dragon and she intends to be an aunt to this one as well.
Bridei is going to have a lot of presents in his future, she thinks.
Finally, she looks back over at Faolan and shakes her head, her smile softening into something a little mroe gentle and fond. ]
No, I don't mind. It's not the first time he's decided I'm the best climbing frame in the world, is it?
[ And she smiles at the baby again, letting her arms relax so he can climb and settle wherever he pleases on her. He can do as he likes, she thinks, as long as he doesn't pull on her hair too terribly. ]
Do you need a cup of tea or some chocolate, Faolan? I can hold him for a little bit while you have a sit down, if you want.
[Bridei doesn't mind so much that Hermione is clutching him to her chest, so long as she keeps stroking him like that. He's growing fast and his scales get itchy sometimes! Her arms are very nice and warm too, and Faolan was right about him really only having two modes, on or off. Settling in her arms, he chirrups slightly, wriggling a little to get comfortable and nuzzling close to start chewing on her hair.]
[Faolan lets out a little laugh at the offer. Tea or chocolate. He has to wonder whether they are Hermione's own means of coping through this business with the music, herself - it seems a random offer otherwise.] I'm fine. [Lady huffs at him slightly as if she understands what he's saying and he amends his statement.] I don't need to rest. I've been resting all day. All month. He's not too much of a handful, compared to the work I am used to.
[He reaches up to run a hand to run through his hair, smoothing it back from where Bridei has ruffled it out of sorts.] Can I help you, Hermione? Lancelot is not here. He will not be for some time yet, I suspect...
[ The little one is incredible and Hermione feels emotions warming her, a great deal more powerful than they might have been if the magic of the music hadn't been affecting her so much already. She holds Bridei, strokes at him and lets him do as he pleases, chewing on her hair; he won't do too much damage, she's sure, unless he decides that now is the time to suddenly learn to cough fire or summon some kind of other dragonly powers.
Faolan's laugh catches her attention quickly enough, though, and she smiles, stepping a little closer. She hasn't spent as much time with him alone as she would have liked to, considering how much she does want to get to know him, but this might be a chance. Lancelot isn't here and she's sure he's so busy that she might end up being a bit of a bother to him anyway. ] That's good. I'm sure you've earned a few years of rest in the last little while, Faolan. I'm glad to hear you've been forced to take up on it.
[ It's a slight tease before she smiles. ]
I did come to see him, but I wouldn't mind spending a little time with you and Bridei if you weren't busy? [ She scratches at the dragon again before she hums. ] I don't think you and I have ever just sat and talked.
[Faolan cocks his head at her slightly, a bit of confusion and curiosity evident on his face. Wanting to spend time with him? It's obvious that the thought surprises him a little. Obvious that, aside from Lancelot, he doesn't really get a whole lot of people interested in such a thing.] I don't believe we have. Not recently, at any rate. [He gives her another searching look, as if to say "are you really sure you want to sit and talk with me?" before he steps back, running his hand through his hair once more for good measure. (His hands that, since the last time Hermione has seen him, have fully recovered. He bears no scars, but should she chance to touch them the skin is soft and smooth and delicate. It's going to take him a while to work up his callouses again, he's bemoaned on several occasions.)]
Well. I'm not going to turn you out. You're welcome here any time, especially if you're taking him for a moment. [Him being Bridei. He does calm down like this for Faolan too, but today he's been in a right state, up until she showed up.] I can't guarantee the same level of entertainment as Lancelot, but I'll do my best. Would you like anything? [She might note how at home he seems to be here in Lancelot's rooms, but then again, he does live there too, at the moment.]
Then it's about time we fixed that, isn't it? [ Hermione knows that she has spent time around Faolan, with Lancelot at their side, but she saw no reason why they couldn't spent time together and get to know each other without the Marshal around. She already cared for Faolan rather a lot, wanted to make sure he was safe and happy, and now seemed as good a time as any. If that also means she gets to spend time with the baby, giving Faolan a little bit of a break now and then, well, it's hardly a problem, is it? She's holding on to Bridei gently, tenderly, almost sisterly in her affection for him.
She shakes her head, though, smile turning a little more tender. ] I'm fine, really. Maybe a seat and a cup of tea later, but for now your company is more than enough. [ She hums, scratching at the dragon gently. ] How have you been? Not getting into too much trouble, I hope?
[Faolan isn't going to take the little dragon away from her, not when he seems content to have settled against her. In all honesty, insisting on taking him back will probably only upset him, and Faolan has enough time alone with Bridei as it is, he doesn't need to take him back from her so soon.
At her words, he shrugs slightly, unsure whether he's allowed to take a seat himself then or not, or what. He wasn't kidding when he said that he couldn't guarantee the same level of entertainment as Lancelot. It isn't as though he played host very often at all - certainly no one comes to visit him in such a way as they do to visit the other man.]
I'm. Well enough. [Better than he will be later on during the event...] Trying to avoid the trouble these days, if I can help it. I've got enough to worry about as it is. [Ah, that would be the harp music rearing its ugly head again, making him say things he would never otherwise. He takes in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.]
[ What is obvious about the way that Hermione holds the baby, gentle and careful, is how much she already adores him. She's never been given the chance to be around little things like this, babies or otherwise, and she's adopting to it a little faster than she ever imagined that she would. She adores Bridei, she adores Rizhao, a tenderness overcoming her and making her feel almost motherly. Her softness isn't reserved for them alone but at the same time it is most obvious with them, in these quiet moments.
Her eyes flick up to look at Faolan again, picking up on the slight strain of his nerves and discomfort. It's new for the both of them, getting around to being friends with each other rather than just through Lancelot, but she has a special place in her heart for this man. His dedication, his loyalty and his kindness, all of it is an inspiration to her, making her want to be a little more like him. ]
That makes a very nice chance, I can tell you that. It's good to know that I won't have to worry about you too much in the near future. [ She's teasing, of course, turning to give Bridei a look that says 'I will still worry about your other daddy, don't you worry'. ] Is there anything I can do that might be able to help?
[Faolan rolls his eyes slightly at Hermione's words and the look that she shoots Bridei, although for some reason the music has him feeling...almost warm inside? It's nice to be cared for. Nice to be worried about. He's not used to that sort of thing, not yet, but he could be, given a little more time. Lancelot has taken such good care of him, over the last few months, and Hermione has helped him in that, and he will be forever grateful to them for it.
He reaches up a hand and runs it through his hair again - it's a nervous habit, not to say that he's nervous, but he's definitely not feeling normal - raising an eyebrow at her question.] To help?
[ All she can do is offer him a soft smile, a budding tenderness inside of her that she can't quite put words to. It's a bubbling flame of concern and care that is not just directed at the baby but also the man, the one that she has come to care about more than she had expected. She had thought that he was just stern and aloof when they had first met, dangerous and a little frightening, but she had learned her lesson. Faolan is kind and dedicated, he is strong and determined, and she respects that, all of it.
Even as she kisses the side of Breidei's had, the scales strange against her mouth, she's thinking of Faolan. ] Of course. That's what friends do - we help each other. If there's something I can do to make life easier all you have to do is tell me.
[Bridei makes a soft grumble of contentment at her affections, and Faolan finds himself strangely warmed by the sound of it. How odd, to be so happy himself, just because of another's happiness - and a dragon's no less - and yet he is.] Friends... [He echoes the word.] You are not the first person to use such a word to describe me. I'm still not certain that I know what it means, however. Or that I'm truly capable of fulfilling whatever it is that the word requires... I'm a bodyguard, Hermione. And much worse things than that. I sincerely doubt that you truly would want such a person as myself as a... A friend.
[It's almost as if the word is difficult to say, not because he dislikes the term, but because it is hard for him to understand the concept of it. Especially in the context of himself. Why would anyone want to be friends with him?]
[ For all that she might have been awkward with children at home Hermione has found that she's flourished a little, with Rizhao and now Bridei to guide her, and she cherishes that. It's not as though she had much hope of being around children or helping take care of them at school - only tutoring the younger years, which isn't the same as babysitting... Well, a baby. Nothing could prepare her for being an aunt to dragon babies either, she supposes, which isn't so much of an issue; they are still children.
When she lifts her head, though, she pauses, considering a little before she shakes her head, her eyes flicking over him. ] It's not really that simple, is it? I've - you know what I've seen, Faolan. [ When they shared the dream-vision, when she saw things. ] You are my friend. I mean that, I really do. You're already there and it's not about whether or not you fulfil a duty or something, you know. It's just a matter of being yourself.
[He does know what she's seen. He remembers it vividly. His past. His nightmare, and she was there to witness it. He supposes it does create something of a bond between them. That she has seen such a thing and forgiven him for it despite that... It either means that she is very kind, or very foolish. He's going to hope that it is the former, especially considering everything he knows of how knowledgeable she is in other areas. Of course, perhaps not, if she is insisting on being his friend, after all.]
I will never see what you see in me. Any of you. [He's not putting himself down when he says this, it's the simple truth. Lancelot's friendship makes him want to do right by the other man. Makes him want to protect him, to be better for him. To be the man that Lancelot believes him to be. He wonders what sort of changes his friendship too might enact in him. Only time will tell, he supposes. For now, he must let that thought go.]
[ She knows she is being particularly overprotective of the little dragon in her arms, smothering him gently and nuzzling at him as he clambers around and tugs at her hair. She loves him already, the same way that she feels when she looks at Rizhao, a budding familial twist that settles in her gut and makes her smile. When Faolan speaks to her she lifts her head, raising her eyebrows before she breathes out and frowns, moving closer and letting herself keep a gentle hold of Bridei. ]
I'm glad. He's really something beautiful, isn't he? Look at him. He trusts you so much, Faolan, and he sees in you the same thing that I see in you. [ Her gaze softens before she fights back her smile, adjusting Bridei in her arms before she reaches out and rubs her hand over Faolan's arm, gentle and tender, trying to offer him support even as she struggles with the soft weight in her arms. ]
You don't have to see what we see, not always. You just have to know we're here.
I APOLOGIZED IN THE OTHER TAG BUT I WILL APOLOGIZE AGAIN :(
[Faolan nods, tightly. He isn't sure he understands, and he isn't sure that he ever will, but she is right. He doesn't have to. Just has to accept her. And he's pretty sure that he can do that much, at least.
At the mention of Bridei, he glances down at the little dragon, grateful for the subject change.] He is. Beautiful. As for the trust, well. I'm told it has something to do with bonding. [He shrugs slightly.] I was there when he hatched, after all. They say that if you're there for the hatching, they form a bond with you. Of course, he's too little for that now, but. [He's going to be able to read his mind some day, for better or worse.]
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... And, of course, as soon as she arrives, he's climbing the wall. Literally.
Her own emotions are a little distracting and for a moment all she can do is laugh, shaking her head and breathing out with a sharp noise before she steps closer to Faolan, holding out a hand to Bridei to try and encourage him to not shove his claws into the poor man's head. ]
Hello, both of you.
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Bridei himself, however, seems to think that this is a lovely perch, an excellent vantage point, and all the better to greet their guest from as she approaches. He unfurls his wings, flapping them slightly, letting out a little waaaargh!! in happy greeting to Hermione, and staying put right where he is.
Faolan lets out a noise of frustration.] By all that's holy, Bridei... [He mutters to himself.] Let go.
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When she looks up properly it's with a soft smile, her hand reaching to touch his shoulder gently, a greeting for him in lieu of the hug she might have given someone else she was a little more sure of. ]
And it's nice to see you too, Faolan. I see Bridei is as energetic as ever?
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In response to her question, he sighs, as Bridei himself flicks a tongue out at her fingers, and then scrambles down from his head to his shoulder to launch himself towards her. Hello, Hermione! Hello! You deserve a proper greeting from at least one of them! Faolan tries to catch him but the dragon moves too fast and Faolan is still a little afraid of damaging one of those delicate wings with all the squirming Bridei sometimes does.]
My apologies. If he is not sleeping, he is scaling the walls. [Faolan bemoans.] Sometimes literally. I suppose I should be grateful that Lady has enough training not to attempt and join in. I can take him back if you'd like.
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Bridei is going to have a lot of presents in his future, she thinks.
Finally, she looks back over at Faolan and shakes her head, her smile softening into something a little mroe gentle and fond. ]
No, I don't mind. It's not the first time he's decided I'm the best climbing frame in the world, is it?
[ And she smiles at the baby again, letting her arms relax so he can climb and settle wherever he pleases on her. He can do as he likes, she thinks, as long as he doesn't pull on her hair too terribly. ]
Do you need a cup of tea or some chocolate, Faolan? I can hold him for a little bit while you have a sit down, if you want.
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[Faolan lets out a little laugh at the offer. Tea or chocolate. He has to wonder whether they are Hermione's own means of coping through this business with the music, herself - it seems a random offer otherwise.] I'm fine. [Lady huffs at him slightly as if she understands what he's saying and he amends his statement.] I don't need to rest. I've been resting all day. All month. He's not too much of a handful, compared to the work I am used to.
[He reaches up to run a hand to run through his hair, smoothing it back from where Bridei has ruffled it out of sorts.] Can I help you, Hermione? Lancelot is not here. He will not be for some time yet, I suspect...
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Faolan's laugh catches her attention quickly enough, though, and she smiles, stepping a little closer. She hasn't spent as much time with him alone as she would have liked to, considering how much she does want to get to know him, but this might be a chance. Lancelot isn't here and she's sure he's so busy that she might end up being a bit of a bother to him anyway. ] That's good. I'm sure you've earned a few years of rest in the last little while, Faolan. I'm glad to hear you've been forced to take up on it.
[ It's a slight tease before she smiles. ]
I did come to see him, but I wouldn't mind spending a little time with you and Bridei if you weren't busy? [ She scratches at the dragon again before she hums. ] I don't think you and I have ever just sat and talked.
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Well. I'm not going to turn you out. You're welcome here any time, especially if you're taking him for a moment. [Him being Bridei. He does calm down like this for Faolan too, but today he's been in a right state, up until she showed up.] I can't guarantee the same level of entertainment as Lancelot, but I'll do my best. Would you like anything? [She might note how at home he seems to be here in Lancelot's rooms, but then again, he does live there too, at the moment.]
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She shakes her head, though, smile turning a little more tender. ] I'm fine, really. Maybe a seat and a cup of tea later, but for now your company is more than enough. [ She hums, scratching at the dragon gently. ] How have you been? Not getting into too much trouble, I hope?
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At her words, he shrugs slightly, unsure whether he's allowed to take a seat himself then or not, or what. He wasn't kidding when he said that he couldn't guarantee the same level of entertainment as Lancelot. It isn't as though he played host very often at all - certainly no one comes to visit him in such a way as they do to visit the other man.]
I'm. Well enough. [Better than he will be later on during the event...] Trying to avoid the trouble these days, if I can help it. I've got enough to worry about as it is. [Ah, that would be the harp music rearing its ugly head again, making him say things he would never otherwise. He takes in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.]
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Her eyes flick up to look at Faolan again, picking up on the slight strain of his nerves and discomfort. It's new for the both of them, getting around to being friends with each other rather than just through Lancelot, but she has a special place in her heart for this man. His dedication, his loyalty and his kindness, all of it is an inspiration to her, making her want to be a little more like him. ]
That makes a very nice chance, I can tell you that. It's good to know that I won't have to worry about you too much in the near future. [ She's teasing, of course, turning to give Bridei a look that says 'I will still worry about your other daddy, don't you worry'. ] Is there anything I can do that might be able to help?
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He reaches up a hand and runs it through his hair again - it's a nervous habit, not to say that he's nervous, but he's definitely not feeling normal - raising an eyebrow at her question.] To help?
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Even as she kisses the side of Breidei's had, the scales strange against her mouth, she's thinking of Faolan. ] Of course. That's what friends do - we help each other. If there's something I can do to make life easier all you have to do is tell me.
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[It's almost as if the word is difficult to say, not because he dislikes the term, but because it is hard for him to understand the concept of it. Especially in the context of himself. Why would anyone want to be friends with him?]
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When she lifts her head, though, she pauses, considering a little before she shakes her head, her eyes flicking over him. ] It's not really that simple, is it? I've - you know what I've seen, Faolan. [ When they shared the dream-vision, when she saw things. ] You are my friend. I mean that, I really do. You're already there and it's not about whether or not you fulfil a duty or something, you know. It's just a matter of being yourself.
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I will never see what you see in me. Any of you. [He's not putting himself down when he says this, it's the simple truth. Lancelot's friendship makes him want to do right by the other man. Makes him want to protect him, to be better for him. To be the man that Lancelot believes him to be. He wonders what sort of changes his friendship too might enact in him. Only time will tell, he supposes. For now, he must let that thought go.]
He likes you. Bridei, I mean.
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I'm glad. He's really something beautiful, isn't he? Look at him. He trusts you so much, Faolan, and he sees in you the same thing that I see in you. [ Her gaze softens before she fights back her smile, adjusting Bridei in her arms before she reaches out and rubs her hand over Faolan's arm, gentle and tender, trying to offer him support even as she struggles with the soft weight in her arms. ]
You don't have to see what we see, not always. You just have to know we're here.
I APOLOGIZED IN THE OTHER TAG BUT I WILL APOLOGIZE AGAIN :(
At the mention of Bridei, he glances down at the little dragon, grateful for the subject change.] He is. Beautiful. As for the trust, well. I'm told it has something to do with bonding. [He shrugs slightly.] I was there when he hatched, after all. They say that if you're there for the hatching, they form a bond with you. Of course, he's too little for that now, but. [He's going to be able to read his mind some day, for better or worse.]