Personal Duties

15

Leonan glanced towards the crackling fire, cradling the side of his face in the palm of his hand. The lenses of his eyes glimmered with reflected light dancing from the flames, less than half-narrowed, tired and heavy. Even with Mateo now sitting before him, making the difference in stature more equal by a notable degree, Leonan remained in his slouched position leaning towards the fire with one leg crossed over his lap.
He only seemed to come alive when murmuring about terms and policies, though he still was too reluctant to look Mateo eye-to-eye. "Your men will have to ward off the cold. I can promise as much food, furs and firewood as they need. As much as you may not like this place, you'll die out there if you stay dressed like that."
Resting his hands now upon his crossed knee, Leonan briefly referenced the other's chest, before looking at last to his eyes. "Looters, or anyone who abuses the public will need to be punished, and they must fall under my jurisdiction."
After firstly neglecting the other's question, Leonan uncomfortably moved onto his own feet, answering as he crossed his arms and stepped away from the fire. "People are being hidden away in safety, protected the city watch. I can give the order for their release, but not too soon, no. Once your people are situated in the barracks I will end the curfew." Either dishonest or wholly ignorant of the successful attempts of some to escape by sea, Leonan spoke assertively about his effort to provide shelter and protection. Even if Mateo aimed to pillage and raze the city, the underground, both well hidden and heavily fortified, would be a great challenge; even if they outnumbered the survivors then to one.
Standing straighter than what may have seemed possible for him, Leonan shifted his weight onto one leg, turning his head to look over his shoulder.
"I also fear that your command must become centralized. If I was to negotiate with all of your council, I would be unfairly overpowered, no?"
Stretching out his back, Leonan's shoulderblades protruded from his refined, thin frame, as he reached behind his shoulders to hold the nape of his neck.

"-Come in," he abruptly raised his voice, his eyes attentively averting to the doors. Only a moment later, he was answered by the entrance of a women's figure, donning the robes of a cleric, and pushing a cart of prepared items. A pail of hot towels, warm coals, and a mug of a pale red tea.
"My Lord, should I return later?"
Leonan happily shook his head, "These people are more sore than I am," he murmured coyly, a grin sprawling over his face. "Pour them some for me, we'll drink before getting in the water."
The handmaiden attentively nodded, her vibrant green eyes respectfully lowered.
She began to pour other cups of this strange, aromatic tea.
Leonan sensed Mateo's humility, and while he did not intend to offend his sensibilities, extending his own hospitality to... charming company was something he had yet to experience.