Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

Two Odd Birds

"... Dora."

Smiling with immediate relief at the sight of Xenophilius Lovegood alive and awake, Pandora Selwyn shuts the door gently behind her before rushing to his side.

Having been set up comfortably in a large four poster bed, he's presently sat up with a small stack of pillows behind him. Long, pale blond hair swept up and into a high, loose bun, behind him an open window allows for a refreshing evening breeze to circulate, one which carries with it the faint scent of sage, lavender, and mint.

Though usually clean shaven, this evening he's sporting a fair amount of scruff, the beginnings of a blond beard. It's a look that's unkempt and wild but nonetheless suits him rather well. And despite all he's been through these past several days, the willowy thin wizard wears a peaceful, handsome smile on his face as he watches her approach now, bright blue gown catching the breeze and billowing after her as she nears.

"That's the most lovely colour on you, sweet Dora. With all respect, please allow me to say you're quite a sight for sore eyes."

"Thank you, Xeno."

"Of course. Then again, you could wear a paper bag and still look like an absolute angel come to earth."

Her ivory cheeks pinkening at the compliment, she leans over the bed and to him, her hand slipping up the blankets to meet his. Planting a soft, chaste kiss on his forehead, she pulls back, their eyes meeting for a beat.

Shutting her eyes, Pandora exhales with deep relief then whispers to him softly, "I'm so, so glad to see you, Xeno. To know you're really alright. You simply have no idea the relief I'm feeling."

"I'm here. I'm alright."

"Thank Merlin."

As her eyes open once more, she straightens back up and smiles down at him. Pressing his hands against the mattress, he struggles but then manages to sit up, giving her a good natured wink as he does so.

Watching him struggle as he goes, Pandora winces sympathetically, "Now tell me, Xeno. And please - please be honest with me. Are you in terrible pain?"

"Terrible pain? No. No, no; nothing so dire. Just a bit sore and stiff. We ought to thank my father, though. The instant I awoke he was at my side with a round of strong healing potions at the ready. My head was hardly off the pillow, my eyes practically sleep lined as he spoon fed it to me. And so, as you see, it's nothing so unbearable."

At hearing all that, she bursts into tears.

"Oh, Dora. There, there. Don't cry."

"It's just ... to know you're actually safe - to know that you're back -"

But she can't continue; the tears are falling faster and faster now. At a loss to contain her emotions, she shakes her head and brings both hands to her face.

"Oh, dear. My Dora. Come here."

He's terribly weak, but through sheer will power he reaches forward and taps lightly at her, guiding her back down to him for a long, comforting hug. For a few moments, she continues to cry against him.

Holding her close, he waits till the tears subside then gives her sides a featherlight squeeze, "... All in all ..."

A brief pause as he chuckles wryly and whispers in her ear, "... I'd say this was quite a successful holiday, wouldn't you?"

Though she's still crying, she begins to laugh at his quip despite herself.

Patting her back lightly, he guides her back and smiles, "There you go. Nothing quite like an infusion of much needed levity. Nothing tops a bit of dark humour."