Rose's sobbing softens mildly. The hug itself gives little in the way of comfort, especially with the heavy and cold metal encasing Sariffall's body; but the gesture warmed her heart in a small sense. Surprise certainly overtook her as she didn't take him for the sympathetic type.
"Thanks..." she lets out. Whether she was truly thankful at the kind intentions of the almost camedically awful show of affection, or whether she was amused at his lack of communication skills, is unknown to her especially. But whatever the case she gives a thankful smile the same.
So, with her smile acting as a sign he did somewhat adequately well in comforting her, he continues to hug her lightly; but his eyes quickly drift to her chest as he spots a golden amulet hanging from her neck. Engravings of a family crest composed of a horse standing atop a cloud are carved into a gold and ruby medallion that is held up by a beaded necklace made of various gems and jewels. It mesmerizes him. Enrapturing his mind almost hypnotically as he begins to reach towards it, his body moving off the orders of his curious subconscious. And just before he can grab the pendant from the air Rose beats him to it. She grabs hold of it tightly, moving away as if he had just threatened her life; and she screams out by instinct, "DON'T TOUCH THAT!!!" Sariffall backs off immediately, somewhat startled by her sudden hostility.
Her voice is shrill from weeping as her eyes go wide, surprised by her own sudden fear and aggression. With more calmness she looks down at the medallion held in her palm with saddened eyes.
"It was my mothers." she explains quietly, all of the gravel and harshness previously present in her voice from minutes of shouting vanishes as she clutches onto the pendant tightly. She stares at it longingly, as if she were begging for her mother's warmth; and a comforted smile widens across her face as she reminisces.
Sariffall stands to his feet and twists his head around the environment once she grows silence; but, upon finding nothing to release the tension, he walks over to the pile of Redwood chunks he had tossed off the cliff moments prior, choosing an especially large slice of wood to sit on; and, rather impatiently, he waits for Rose to regain herself, looking around and admiring the scenery while kicking his feet like a child.
Eventually Rose finally snaps out of her daze after what feels like an eternity; her mother's memory allowing her legs to support her as she stands to her feet fully composed; and with a sigh and a puff of her chest, she looks over to Sariffall to see him fidgeting on the piece of wood imbedded into the ground- the sight causes her to let out an amused snicker.
"You're so awkward." she remarks with a laugh; and in response Sariffall tilts his head like a confused puppy. And, with her spirits raised, she skips towards the dense forest, "Follow!" she calls out to him. To which he eagerly complies, quickly gather the scattered mess of wood chunks embedded into the dirt before following after her.
YOU ARE READING
Life And Legacies
FantasyA Nephilim cursed into silence. Trapped in his own armor. Chased into hiding centuries ago. Former Arch Knight Sariffall descends onto a newly formed human settlement near his safe haven in the mountains. Little did he know, he would meet a young f...
