✱ for one muse to surprise the other “I made you something.” [for Heron and Apprentice!Ell'iandyr] Heron hands Ell a box wrapped in a floral patterned cloth. - vesuvian-disaster
From THIS prompt list! (yes, I’m still taking prompts from this, or any of the other ones listed HERE.)
Approx. 500 words of Heron being charming and Ell’iandyr being the adorable fluff that they are.
I hadn’t expected to run into Heron while out for my early morning trip to the market, but I can’t help but be glad to see him. With our respective businesses, I don’t get to see him as much as I might like, so this is a very pleasant surprise indeed.
“Good morning,” I greet with a smile. Once we’re close enough, I slip my hand into his and press a kiss to his cheek. “It looks like you’ve had some success already,” I add, noting the parcel that he’s carrying.
“I was on my way to your shop, actually,” he admits, lifting my hand to press a kiss to my knuckles, a gesture I never fail to find flattering. “Have you stopped for coffee yet?”
“No, I haven’t. Do you have time to join me for a cup? I know Selasi has a mint tea you enjoy.”
“Of course I do,” he replied, giving my hand a squeeze but not letting go as we turned our steps towards Selasi’s booth and the enticing aroma of fresh spiced bread.
We settle at a (relatively) quiet table and don’t have to wait long at all before there is bread to share, and warm beverages to stave off the slight chill that lingers in the morning air. Only after I’ve had a few sips of the sweetly spiced coffee that has been placed before me do I think to ask Heron why he might have been on his way to the shop to begin with.
“I made you something.” Heron hands me a box wrapped in a floral patterned cloth. I had noticed him carrying it but assumed that it was something he had bought for himself. If I was more astute, I’d have remembered that he tends to put his purchases in the nicely made but seemingly cavernous bag that I’ve seldom seen him out without.
I accept the box carefully, moving my coffee out of the way. I look at the fabric wrapping, then glance back to him with a confused smile. “Really?” To say I’m flattered is an understatement.
“Yes. Really. Go ahead,” he adds encouragingly.
I undo the carefully tied fabric, then lift the lid of the box. Inside is a leather satchel, finely tooled with a floral motif I recognize all too well. “Henbane,” I murmur, smiling as I lift the bag out to admire the handiwork. “This is amazing, Heron. Thank you.”
“It’s a little more than a nice bag,” he explains. “I haven’t put anything in it, but it’s like the one I carry.”
I know what he means-- a bag of holding in which one can store any number of things. It would be ideal for market days, of course, and would mean that I couldn’t forget any number of things at home that I am so often prone to forgetting.
“And… you made this. For me?” I ask, holding the bag to my chest.
“Yes. For you,” he assures, quirking a little smile. “You like it?”
Of course I like it-- I adore it, because Heron made it for me. That it happens to be both useful and beautiful is secondary. But I can’t quite manage to say that aloud, and instead lean close to press a warm kiss to his lips. “Very much,” I murmur as I draw away.