Tercen
Ava's estate - January
Tercen fell silent at what Ava said, and followed along in silence as she showed them all to the different training areas and then the largest outdoor pool. He blinked, remembering there had been an outdoor pool where Izre liked to lounge, and then that beautiful indoor pool area, with the waterfall, which Ava used privately, and now this one... and there were even more. More than three, total. He nodded when Ava said he could always ask one of the servants to show him something, reminded for the umpteenth time that, compared to Ava, he came from absolutely nothing.
What does she see in me, again?
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when Ava stated she doubted he would see her much at all the following day. Tercen frowned as he glanced at Gladhron and Tercen. Sure, he wanted them all prepared and there was no point to being closely involved in whatever they needed to discuss or do to prepare, but he still wanted to do what he could for Ava, regardless.
And he wasn't just some guy, damn it.Sure, he was no warrior. And sure, he wasn't used to Umbar or its blood cultist ways. But he had stood in the face of fear and evil, when Ithilien was attacked. When they'd retreated to Osgiliath. When he'd helped defend the white city, one circle at a time. He'd seen his share of blood. He'd seen his share of death. That, he at least knew something about. And he had a sister who'd grown to close herself off for no less than ten years, now. Yes, it was how women like Ava and Arnyn had learned to cope. But it wasn't what they needed. Not really. He would not simply nod quietly and step back. Not this time.
"If it is time for you to prepare, I wish you good luck," he said to all three of them. But then he took Ava's hand and gently lead her a few paces away from the brothers. His voice was low when he continued, so they would not pick up on his words. "Starlight," he began, taking her other hand as well and lifting their joined hands between them as he stepped in close. "You've gone through this more times than either of us wish to count," he acknowledged. "But never when I was here. When you're done with them, tonight," he said, briefly tilting his head toward the northern brothers, "let me be there for you," he requested quietly but firmly. "Let me hold you. Let me watch over you. Let me keep you until first light. And let me do the same, once you return from that horrid place." He let go of one of her hands, to place a finger lightly beneath her chin, and lift her face up in case she was inclined to avoid his gaze. "Only don your armour, once you leave my arms," he suggested. "Don't spend any more time casting your heart in iron than what you absolutely must. Let me help you. I've come this far. I won't run, now," he vowed, in case she needed to hear it again.
