Lurking in the Library (attn: Avyra)

[Locke]

Terric

Terric honestly didn’t know what to say or if he even should say anything. He had about eight years on her, and while he didn’t see her as a child per say, sometimes her lack of life experience was noticeable. That however, wasn’t what she meant. People could make snap decisions about people based off of their appearance, he was ashamed to admit it, but he’d vastly underestimated her age when they first met. He also thought she’d have to get over not wanting to be protected, if she wanted a Warder one day, she’d have somebody constantly watching her back. Maybe she didn’t want people handling her like sea folk prosocline like some princess in a story. He hadn’t noticed any such coddling, well any more than normal Wetlander softness.

He gathered his thoughts, “You’re going to be Aes Sedai, your physical strength won’t matter an eyelash. You’ll be able to tie me in knots with a wave of your hand. People will see your ring and your ageless face and they won’t try anything, and when they do, just tie them up with the Power.” He hated seeing her, well anybody he cared about, so sad, so he forged on. He chose his next words carefully, to not suggest anything he didn’t intend to, “I don’t think you’re a small child. I honestly don’t think anybody who actually knows you could make that mistake.” He hesitantly reached over and squeezed her shoulder. Public displays of affection were still alien and uncomfortable to him, but sometimes a warrior had to look past discomfort when their friends needed them. He let go of her shoulder and pulled her into a one armed hug.

[Avyra]

“You’re going to be Aes Sedai, your physical strength won’t matter an eyelash. You’ll be able to tie me in knots with a wave of your hand. People will see your ring and your ageless face and they won’t try anything, and when they do, just tie them up with the Power.” He did have a point, Avyra guessed. She would have the ability to tie anyone up who displeased her, but still, she couldn't help but feel like she wouldn't get treated like an actual Aes Sedai. “I don’t think you’re a small child," he continued after a slight pause. "I honestly don’t think anybody who actually knows you could make that mistake.” He hesitated, then reached over to give her shoulder a small squeeze before drawing her into a really awkward hug with one arm. She blinked there, for a moment, a bit shocked by his actions. But she didn't protest; she was crushed against him but it didn't hurt in the slightest. Still, weren't the Aiel not supposed to show physical affection? "I'm not sure you're right," she replied softly, leaning against his chest. "But... thank you for listening. That's more than a lot of people do, listen. I'm sorry I'm the way I am; I used to not feel this way about myself. I don't know why I suddenly feel it now." She closed her eyes, then looked up at him, grinning again. "But you're not supposed to show physical affection. Are you growing, if you don't mind me being so rash to say-" She paused to give a dramatic effect. "Soft?" Maybe it wasn't best idea to tease a man well over twice her size who could pick her up and toss her away with the arm she was currently wrapped in, but it was so worth it. "Or do you secretly like hugs?"

[Locke]

Terric

She didn’t pull away or try to press her advantage, she simply let herself relax into the hug. Terric stifled a laugh, “You misunderstand us; the Wise Ones won’t find me and make me dig holes because I hugged somebody.” He paused and muttered, “They might not take too kindly to hugging ‘Treekillers.” He continued in a normal voice, “I don’t think anybody dislikes hugs themselves, it’s just about propriety. Wetlanders can be so flagrant. Back home, married couples don’t even show this much affection in public.” A blush darkened Terric’s tanned cheeks. “I didn’t,” he stammered, “Not to say.” He took a breath. What was he even trying to explain? “Look, I’m not trying to insinuate anything,” he said carefully, “We’re friends right? So it doesn’t even matter. Wetlanders hug their friends and we’re in the Wetlands. ‘When in Tear,’ that’s the expression right?” He honestly didn’t know what he was saying anymore. He just knew, Avrya needed a friend, and that the Wetlands were a confusing place. Terric knew he was terrible with women, he always had been. He’d never even known the right thing to say to mollify Jilla and her acid, and he’d loved her. At least he thought so.

[Avyra]

He was stumbling over his own words. Avyra suddenly felt guilty. She didn't mean to make him feel the way he did, confused and embarassed. "No, no, Terric. Its all right. Relax. I was only joking about." She paused. "Besides, I like it here. We are friends, and friends do hug each other in the wetlands." She sighed. "Actually, I have wanted to hug you more. You do so much for me and I really have nothing to return. I don't really know how to show that gratitude. I didn't know if you'd like hugs." She paused. "Besides, its hard to hug someone when you aren't tall enough to reach their neck or your arms aren't long enough to wrap around them." Avyra snuggled into his side more, enjoying the sense of comfort that came from it. "I doubt my people would care for me hugging on, and this is their words, not mine, an Aiel savage." She paused, looking up at him. "I don't know how anyone could see you as savage. All I see is one of the most gentle men I've ever met. You're so kind to me. You've done nothing but teach me and listen to my problems. I've done nothing for you. I have nothing to give. I'm so sorry."

[Locke]

Terric

“You have no toh.” Terric didn’t know what else to say. He knew it didn’t quite fit, but nothing quite fit in the Wetlands. He tried to ignore the heat in his face as she snuggled closer. “You don’t have to give me anything. You’ve been nothing but kind, and I don’t feel as far from home around you.” As always, he was surprised to realize he didn’t mind her close proximity. If he was truly honest with himself, he actually enjoyed it. Terric, however, was not honest with himself. He had willfully avoided examining his feelings towards the tiny Wetlander snuggled against his side. Today wouldn’t be an exception.

After sitting together a little bit longer, Terric pulled his arm free and began to pack away his books. “It’s getting late, we should probably get going.” They locked gazes, green eyes meeting grey, until Terric broke the contact, brain rushing in circles.

[Avyra]

Avyra didn't have anything to say, so she just stayed there, enjoying how close she was to him. She felt safe there, in his arms, something she really hadn't felt since coming to the Tower. If they had a little longer, she could have very easily fallen asleep right against him. But they didn't. Terric moved away after a couple of moments, and Avyra resisted the urge to pull him back down again. “It’s getting late, we should probably get going.” Avyra nodded, looking over at him, their eyes meeting. She almost melted. He didn't exactly have the prettiest face, it was handsome for sure, however, but his eyes. He had the most beautiful shade of gray in them. Terric broke his gaze, turning away as he finished packing up. Avyra shivered. Could he really...? Once he finished she stood up, brushing the wrinkles out of her Novice dress. "You're right. I have chores next, and don't want to be late." She held out a hand to help him up. Not that it would help too much, but the gesture seemed nice. "Just don't leave me behind while we walk, okay?" She teased softly. "It's not very nice to do."