She sees it for but a second, a wisp of fire passing through the distant corridor in an even, purposeful stride, and her heart thuds so loudly, so painfully in her chest as to stop.
Michalis, she thinks, and all her breath bubbles into her throat, shoulders rising with what she so unfortunately believes to be recognition. He’s here? Is he... here for me?
A thousand thoughts fill her head. Had he realized, finally, that she has never— not once— stopped loving him? Had he realized finally that Minerva loved him also? Had he realized that yes he had been a silly little fool, but they could still be a family if only he would come back to them? She would return with him in a heartbeat, if he asked; she has lost too many years with him already. Come home with me, Michalis, the lost little sister begs as she frantically plucks a nearby flower. Let’s go home.
And so she runs to him, round the bend. “Michalis!” She calls, breathless and overjoyed. “Michalis, you came ba—“
Except it isn’t him. She pauses, the fabric of a cloak not yet grasped slipping so firmly away from her fingers. No, of course it isn’t him... he still needs time, but... she’ll bring him home one day, she promises. She will.
“I’m sorry,” she laughs, pulling her hand back. “I’m really sorry, I thought you were someone else.”
Bereft of the brother she tries so desperately to protect from her tears, it is difficult not to shed them. She smiles anyways, and hopes that it is only her embarrassment the stranger sees in her flushed face.
“Um... are you going on a mission too, Mister?” It is not a true good luck charm, but she nonetheless brings the flower close to her heart before she offers it to him. Keep him safe. “Good luck! Stay safe out there!”
It is a name he does not recognize, but he is clearly the one being addressed. Arvis turns just in time for the girl to realize her mistake. He can see why, but past the same cardinal hue of hair, they look nothing alike.
A brother perhaps, she was looking for; and for once he is glad to be mistaken (well and truly mistaken, not like with Julius.) He does not think he can handle the thought of more children in his future. He loves them all dearly of course, but crusaders forbid he grow a worse reputation than his father.
But his relief only comes at her heartbreak. She looks like she's just made the worst mistake of her life, and tears threaten her eyes. He takes her offered flower.
"I am." Arvis answers softly, rolling the stem between his fingers. "And I shall, now with this." A smile barely there.
Did he have any sweets from his office? He checks his pockets and finds a few unopened wrappers, returning them to her empty hands.
"And safety onto you as well, milady."
