MANEMXS.
Patroclus has not yet gone, has not yet found his way to the med tent. He always waits until Achilles has been gone for a few hours, until the ache in his chest from loneliness and worry fades enough for him to focus. However, he is gathering the wraps, the various salves, oils, and medicines he used on the wounded. There is a certain comfort, he thinks, in being able to help others, if he could do nothing else.
āThat is what a son should be.ā
He flinches.
However, when he hears Briseisā voice, he blinks, moving to peek his head out of the tent.Ā āBriseis? Is something wrong?ā He sets down his things and makes his way over to her, concern on his face. He notes that her Greek is getting better, and he canāt help but smile to himself.Ā āWhat is it? Youāre alright?ā Patroclus is almost like a mother, with how he worries, but he cannot help it. Itās in his nature.Ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā She doesnāt make a sound as she waits for his response ( assuming he is there );Ā she just stands there, hands clasped together, still as a marble statue. Although she has adjusted to her new life among the Greeks well ( better than she could have ever anticipated ), part of her vehemently refuses to lower her guards when she isnāt entirely sure of her safety. It isnāt much of a defense mechanism, but itās a small comfort nevertheless.Ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā It is only when a familiar head appears that she allows her body to relax, a sudden, but not unexpected, feeling of calmness enveloping her. A smile takes over her features, her eyes filling with warmth. They have been friends for a good while now and sheās grown accustomed to Patroclusā caring nature, yet occasionally ( like now ) she finds herself amazed by it. How is it possible that among so many bloodthirsty & fame-hungry warriors, there is someone so kind, so good? She doesnāt know, but she thanks the gods for him every day. Who knows what would have become of her or where she would be without him.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āĀ Ā You need not worry about me.Ā Ā āĀ Ā Ā She reassures him as the smile on her lips grows a tiny bit wider - a gesture that further affirms that she truly means what she says. Ā Ā ā Ā I just came to ask if you would like to go for a walk with me. Ā āĀ Ā Ā Her tone is casual - or as close to one as she can manage with her still too polished Greek. Walk in the woods has been a part of their daily routine ever since the early days, really, and itās also a perfect opportunity to suggest the idea she has in mind.Ā
