send in “ come here. ” for the sender to give the receiver a hug after seeing the receiver either near tears or in tears following a really rough day.
(alternatively, send in “ i’m having a really bad day… ” for the receiver to hug the sender after seeing them either near tears or in tears following a really rough day.) | accepting.
@antiqaras asked: “ i’m having a really bad day… ”
Though Dohalim had wished to be alone, that didn’t sit well with Kisara and so she had followed. Alphen and the others were fine on their own for the time being, besides – even if she were no longer his PERSONAL guard, she still wished be there for him.
The worst he could do is turn her away. She did go against his wishes after.
“Dohalim, are you sure you –” words immediately were lost the moment she caught sight of his face. The expression he wore wasn’t one she’d seen on him before – not once during the years she stood by his side did she ever see him look so …..
a small gasp left rosy lips. Now she felt bad, like she was intruding – but she couldn’t just turn tail. That would look terrible, so instead she approached him. Hazel eyes filled with worry.
“I’m sorry …I didn’t realize –”
words fell off her tongue – anything she thought of to say – didn’t feel right .. so instead, her arms coiled around the lord. Pulling him in for a comforting embrace. “Is… being on lenegis, this hard on you?”
For some time -- throughout his time as Lord of Elde Menancia -- Dohalim was expected to be strong, both emotionally and physically. A Lord was to govern over countless people, and thus... was it truly a surprise that there was no time to wallow in his own sorrows. He had always worn a smile upon his face ... no one would have guessed the pain he was in. Now, it was just a habit to do his utmost to hide his emotions. He had not expected Kisara to check in on him so suddenly.
Was he crying? -- well, did it matter if he was? His tears would never take back his actions. It would not bring anyone back, or wash his hands of his wrongdoings. So, instead of answering her question he bows his head, and apologizes.
“I apologize. You needn’t have witnessed me in such a sorry state,”
“please excuse my secretiveness. It’s merely for the fact that ...”
He pauses momentarily, and sighs,
“I have relinquished your title and responsibilities as knight, and yet you continue to care for me unceasingly. Such worry weighs on the heart. I fret for your own mental state...”
When Kisara apologizes for her nosiness and worry, Dohalim shakes his head. There was no need.
“I am aware you haven’t done this with any malicious intent in mind. You are a woman of warmth and compassion, Kisara. Unrelentingly so. A beacon of light guiding all... a sense of home and comfort.”
Again and again, he thought of her constant presence before him as knight. While it had been her duty, he was becoming aware now that she hadn’t done it for that reason alone. She protected those she loved and cared for. She had believed in his ideals and wished for Elde Menancia to prosper. For his good health. Now, she extended her hand as a friend, it would seem.
As her arms embrace him, it feels as if all of the weight is lifted from his shoulders. Without thinking much of it, he lowers his face into the crook of her neck and returns the gesture, arms wrapping around her, albeit quite loosely. Did he have the right to hug her, or receive such comfort and love from anyone?
“Lenegis...” He almost laughs out bitterly, “it is with a heavy heart that I return. I have committed atrocities here as well... with that in mind, Kisara... is it truly in good taste that I come here?” That he show his face, instead of giving those he hurt peace? If not for his feeling he must make up for his actions, as well as to make a better future, to see the ideals everyone of Elde Menancia believe in through, he would likely keep himself from Kisara’s sight as well. Those who were hurt by him... deserved that much. No matter how many times Kisara said he was not at fault, it would continue to feel as if he had part. He couldn’t excuse it. His thoughts wouldn’t let him. “I...”
He closes his eyes, holding any tears that threatened to flow down his cheeks back. What did he deserve?