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Vestige huffed, trying not to appear as angry as they were. Why couldn’t there be just one room? They couldn’t take sleeping outside one more night. On the side of the road, in the dirt— and certainly not in this weather.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
The rain water dripped out of Vestige’s hair and onto the wooden floor below. A puddle was quickly forming underneath their heavy boots.
“You’re certain?” They asked again, the desperation plain in their voice.
The innkeeper grimaced, finally annoyed with the Vestige’s constant pestering. “For the last time, yes I am certain. There’s always the stables. But I warn you, it won’t be cheap.” At the Vestige’s raised eyebrow, the innkeeper continued. “Two thousand gold a night.”
Two-thousand? That was a considerable about of money, not to mention much more expensive than a room! Vestige sighed in defeat. The stables? Was this really what it had come to? They knew the price was high in an attempt to make the Vestige leave altogether.
However, it would seem luck was on their side yet.
“Vestige is that you my friend?” A familiar smooth voice asked. They turned their head. To the Vestige’s surprise Fennorian stood right beside them. “Ah, it is you! I thought I recognized your voice. What ever is the matter?” He tilted his head in concern, eyeing Vestige clinically. A crease appeared in between his eyebrows. Vestige would never admit it out loud but he seemed even more handsome than the last time they saw him.
“The inn’s out of rooms.” Vestige was unable to keep the irritation out of their voice. “There’s no way I’m making it to a different town in this weather either.” As if on cue, thunder clapped outside. "It would seem there's an upcharge on the stables too." They said flatly.
“Well why don’t you just stay with me?” Fennorian asked as if the solution was obvious. He stood tall, his voice confident. He meant what he was saying.
“Yes! There you go!” The innkeeper shouted, hands in the air. “Now that this is settled, I’ve got some actual work to do.”
They watched the innkeeper go and Vestige clenched their fist in an attempt to calm their fraying nerves. It had been a long day. An even longer week, they just needed to take a deep breath. Or two, or three.
“I’m sorry, Fennorian. I’m not going to barge in on your night.” Vestige declined quickly. Even if it broke their heart a little.
“Why ever not? I haven’t seen you in so long. This would be such a wonderful time to catch up.” He said convincingly. “Besides… My room has a large tub which means you can have a hot bath.”
Vestige hesitated at that, thinking of the hot water calming their aching muscles. “Even if I wanted to accept, a bath would be a waste today. My clothes are in dire need of cleaning.” They motioned toward their body.
Their armor had dirt stuck in various different places, the once gleaming metal was now tarnished, and they knew they smelled horribly. They could smell it. Before the rain had begun, Vestige’s shirt had already been soaked through with sweat. They felt disgusting.
“You can borrow something of mine to wear.” He said flippantly. Like it was really that easy.
Maybe it is. A tiny, tired part of Vestige’s mind supplied.
“I would just be intruding.” Vestige tried weakly. Their resolve was quickly disappearing. A comfortable night in Fennorian’s inn room sounded like a dream. They could practically see it now, low lighting, clean from a bath curled up in their bed while Fennorian worked on something. Maybe a potion, maybe he’d journal. Either way, Vestige would fall asleep to the soft sounds of him working.
“Hardly! I was getting lonely anyhow.” Fennorian said, starting for the stairs. He turned his head back toward the Vestige, an inviting smile on his face. He really wasn’t going to back down was he?
“It really wouldn’t be a bother?” Vestige asked, already starting to follow him.
He gave them a disbelieving look and said, “As if you've ever been a bother. Come with me.”
As Fennorian led Vestige up the stairs and down the hall they fought the nervous fluttering in their stomach. Surely this was overstepping. They hadn’t seen each other in months and despite his words, he’d likely been looking forward to some alone time.
“I’ll give you half the gold for the room then.” They said completely giving in. The thought of a warm bath was beginning to settle something deep within them.
“Nonsense,” Fennorian protested, opening the door to his- their room. “The room’s already taken care of. Now then, while you get settled I’ll ask the front desk about having some hot water drawn.”
He was gone before the Vestige could so much as argue with him over the lack of payment, let alone going all the way back downstairs. They sighed and set their bag down on the floor. Then they sat down next to it to avoid dirtying the pristine furniture. Vestige began to untie their boots. They each popped off with a squelching sound that made the Vestige’s stomach turn. They sighed and slipped their socks off too. When they returned to standing
that
was the precise moment Vestige saw there was only one bed.
The water didn’t take too long to arrive and soon Fennorian was ushering the Vestige toward the separate room with the tub. He pushed various soaps, body butters and other things into their arms. He followed along with spare clothes folded in his arms, which he quickly deposited on the counter. “I’ve been practicing making different care products. I think it could save the Ravenwatch some money in the long run. It’s always nice to have a good quality bar of soap when you’re so far from home. It’s the little comforts that count. You may make use of whatever you’d like!” He’d said with a kind smile before disappearing, leaving the Vestige to their bath. Fennorian said over his shoulder, “And please, do take your time. You deserve a bit of rest.” He gave them a pointed look just before the door clicked shut.
Experimentally, Vestige lifted their foot while juggling Fennorian’s soaps, and dipped a toe into the water. The hot water immediately called to them. So they found a place to set down the soaps and lotions, and quickly peeled their clothes off. They felt disgusting and awful. But that was all going to change soon. Much sooner than they would have dared to hope for when the rain had initially started. Before running into Fennorian downstairs, Vestige had thought they wouldn’t see a bathtub or a bed for another week at least. Yet somehow they’d been lucky enough to end up here.
A place like this must definitely charge to have hot water brought up. Vestige would have to discuss it with Fennorian later. He could argue all he wanted but Vestige intended to give him something in return for his kindness.
As they settled into the bath, Vestige let out a long sigh. Gods, it had been so long since they’d had the luxury of a nice bath. Once some of the tightness had left their shoulders, Vestige lifted the soap bars to their nose one by one sniffing them. There were a variety of scents. Some more simple practical clean smells one would expect from soap, though most were herbal scents. Not that that surprised them, Fennorian being an alchemist and all. Their thoughts slowed to a stop. That mer. Vestige had missed him dearly.
They settled back into the tub and closed their eyes. The way Fennorian's smile had grown when Vestige agreed to stay tonight had been something else. Vestige wondered if they were on Fennorian's mind right now the way he was on theirs. A tiny smile threatened to pull at their lips. Fennorian was sweet, letting them stay with him tonight. Vestige couldn't help but imagine all of the wonderful conversation they would get to have tonight. Alchemy. Ravenwatch business. The delicious little bakery Vestige had visited last month. Vestige thought maybe if they were lucky, the two might sit on the bed close enough for their arms or knees to touch.
The dull ache that had settled over the Vestige’s body began to melt away. It had been weeks since they’d been able to clean up somewhere other than a river. And the water was so warm and soothing. Vestige sunk down deeper into the water letting it rise to just below their nose.
After soaking for a few minutes they opened their eyes and looked over the various things Fennorian had piled into their arms. There was a variety of soap scents, all brand new by the look of it. Body butters and lotions, two kinds of shampoo and conditioner— Vestige was certain their hair was brittle and dried out. Then their eye caught on a tiny pouch. The label tying it closed just read “bath salts.” Their eyes lit up. Vestige carefully untied the top and raised it to their nose to sniff. The soft scent of vanilla and lavender wafted into the air.
Vestige hesitated only a second before dumping some of the bath salts into the water. They began to fizzle softly, and with each passing second Vestige relaxed a little more. So Vestige added just a tiny bit more, for good measure. They didn’t know how long they’d been soaking when they finally felt ready to brave the different soaps. Fennorian had really gone all out. Lemon and rosemary, Lavender, something that smelled surprisingly like honey and a soap that smelled like fruit. Vestige chose one and quickly lathered it up to scrub down. They felt disgusting enough to wipe down with soap twice. By then their fingers were beginning to prune up and they decided they were tired of being in the water. So they grabbed a shampoo at random and finished up in the bath.
The towel was very soft too. Vestige wasn’t sure if living outdoors for so many weeks had made them forget how soft a clean towel could be, or if this towel really was just that good. For a second Vestige considered skipping the lotion and body butter, but deep down they weren’t sure when they would get the chance to use something like this again. So they used those things too. They found the clothes Fennorian had left them folded up on the counter. A long pair of dark pants and a matching shirt that tied closed at the top. They were ridiculously soft and even better, smelled just like Fennorian. Vestige was feeling well and refreshed when they finally re-emerged into the main portion of the inn room.
Fennorian sat on the bed writing in his journal seemingly lost in thought. Just as the Vestige thought he would be. Fennorian looked up as Vestige entered the room, his eyes darting over their body. Vestige's heart skipped a beat. “Oh good! You look like you’re feeling much better.” He said with an easy smile. He closed his journal giving them his full attention.
“I am. Thank you for… well for everything.” They said, twisting their fingers together. That’s when they noticed the smell of food, it must be drifting up from downstairs. Whatever it was smelled delicious. They felt their stomach gurgle and hoped Fennorian hadn’t noticed.
“You’re quite welcome! Did you use the bath salts? How was the shampoo?” He shot off rapid questions at the Vestige.
They stood awkwardly in the middle of the room assuring Fennorian that everything had been wonderful. When he seemed pleased with their answers he motioned to the table in the corner of the room. “Please, eat something. I bet you’re starving.” He said going back to his journal.
Vestige froze in place. “Eat?” They asked softly before walking over to the table. There, sat two covered trays and a goblet of what looked like water. “You… got food?”
He didn’t look up from his journal, Vestige assumed on purpose, and said flippantly. “That I did. I had something brought up for you while you were cleaning up. It hasn’t been sitting long so it should still be warm. I didn’t know how long it had been since you’ve eaten, but I assume it’s been quite some time.”
They didn’t know what to say. “Oh. Well thank you. You’d be right about that.” They admitted. Lifting the first lid off one of the trays, Vestige felt nerves wash over them again. A plate of steak, green beans, glazed carrots and a baked potato sat before them. When they lifted the second lid to peek underneath, Vestige found two dinner rolls, a large slice of cake and a bowl of mixed fruit.
“Were my choices… satisfactory?” Fennorian asked, his voice softer than before.
Vestige’s eyes flicked back to him only to find Fennorian peering over the top of his journal, almost like he was afraid of Vestige’s answer. His fingers were curled tightly around the cover, one of them tapping an erratic beat.
“Of course. Who doesn’t love a steak dinner?” They asked. Mentally they were tallying up the costs of everything they’d used so far. “Uh, how much was this? I can-”
“None of that, now. I’m not having you pay me back for a meal you didn’t ask for.” He said, eyes trained on the pages before him again. Though his hands remained on the cover— he was not writing.
“Fennorian. You’ve got to let me pay you back for something. I’ve encroached on your space, you had hot water brought up for me, you let me use a bunch of your soaps and things and you ordered me an expensive dinner!” Vestige argued back.
His eyes stayed trained on the book in front of him but his tone took on a more concerned note. “I found you dripping wet from the rain, covered in dirt and mud, looking more miserable than I’ve ever seen you.” He said firmly. “I will not allow you to pay me a single gold coin.” And then voice calmer he added, “and I meant what I said. I’ve been lonely. Your company truly is payment enough.”
“Even if you’re lending me your pajamas?” They asked with a raised eyebrow.
A smile pulled at his lips and he finally met their eye, only for his gaze to dart down their body again. “Even so. Now then, eat your food before it becomes cold.” He nodded his head in the direction of the table.
Vestige allowed themself to take a deep breath and begin eating. They were surprised by their appetite, actually managing to pack down all of the food Fennorian had brought up to the room. It was delicious and it felt so good to be clean and have a warm meal in their belly-- to eat until they were full. They stretched their arms over their head and eyed the bed. Fennorian was as close to the edge as he could get, taking up as little room as possible. He was still writing away in his journal, presumably working on Ravenwatch business.
As if he could sense the Vestige’s hesitance, Fennorian patted the mattress next to him. “Come get comfortable.” He offered, his eyes never leaving the pages before him.
Vestige ignored how their heart skipped a beat and walked over the bed pulling back the covers and sliding under them. They stayed as close to the edge as they could too, so as not to be in Fennorian’s space. But he wouldn’t have that either and eyed them out of the corner of his eye.
“I believe I said make yourself comfortable, not make yourself tense all over again.” Then he leaned over just a little and said in a mischievous tone, “I know I have sharp teeth but we both know I won’t bite.” He winked.
Vestige laughed as their cheeks warmed and it felt like the imaginary tension they’d been feeling disappeared entirely. They moved onto the bed more and laid their head on a pillow. “Thank you again for everything Fennorian.” They said letting their tired eyes fall closed. “I… really needed it. All of it.” Exhaustion washed over them again in waves.
“Not to worry, my friend.” Fennorian replied. “It’s what I’m here for.”
It was hard to ignore the sincerity in his voice. Vestige couldn’t imagine how they’d looked when Fennorian had found them downstairs. Arguing with the innkeeper, hopeless and covered in mud. This was much more preferable to sleeping in an overpriced stable in the rain.
“If I move too much in my sleep, just roll me onto the floor. I think I’ll live.” They muttered.
Fennorian chuckled beside them. “I’ll do no such thing.” He said lightly.
Silence passed between them for a moment.
“Vestige?” He asked.
“Hm? I’m awake. I’m listening.” They mumbled.
When he didn’t reply right away Vestige opened their eyes. He’d put the lamp out. It was dark but Vestige could make out the outlines of things in the room. Of Fennorian. He was facing them.
“Would it be rude of me to ask why you were in such a state? I hope I’m not making you feel as though I’m judging you. I only worry after your well-being.”
Vestige couldn’t help but breathe out a little laugh. “I’ve been traveling for weeks. Taking little odd jobs here and there. For a while money was tight and I didn’t want to waste what I had on a room. Most of my jobs took me to rural areas anyway, and I didn’t want to ask to stay in a stranger's house. I wouldn’t have gotten any sleep if I had.” They admitted.
Fennorian’s hand momentarily brushed against theirs under the sheets. The motion sent a tingle up their arm and straight to their heart. He hummed. “I hope I’m not making you uncomfortable, I was just curious.” He said quietly. Then, “I know our line of work isn’t always pleasant. I hope you know the people in your life and the ones you help appreciate you.”
“Where’s all this coming from?” Vestige asked, rolling onto their side. He was sounding very sentimental all of a sudden.
“Nowhere..." He hesitated for a long moment, as if he didn't know what to say. "I’m just very glad we ran into each other this evening.” He sounded almost vulnerable.
“I am too.” Vestige breathed out. “Not just because you let me stay!” They added quickly.
Fennorian laughed under his breath and said, “I didn’t think you meant anything bad by it.”
And silence settled between them again.
When Fennorian broke it, he sounded unsure. “You can keep the bath salts, soap and body lotions. If you liked them.”
Vestige sighed. “I don’t know how many more things I can accept from you, Fenn. I’m already feeling terribly guilty as it is.”
He made a sound of protest. “If you feel guilty then my good deeds aren’t very good at all.”
“Good deeds, huh? So I’m just another poor sap you feel like you have to save from themselves.” Vestige said, overdramatically.
Fennorian brushed his hand against theirs under the sheets again, though this time he left it there. “You know I think very highly of you,” he chided gently. “You are important to me. Of course I’m going to make sure you’re fed and have somewhere to sleep.” A long moment passed between them. “Will you just accept the soap so I can sleep peacefully tonight?”
Vestige laughed loudly at that. “Okay, okay. If you’re sure it’s fine… I really liked the vanilla lavender, by the way.” They said quietly.
Even though it was dark, Vestige swore they saw Fennorian perk up at their words. “I’m glad to hear that. It’s been good to work on products for personal care. Like I said before, it saves the Ravenwatch money and time shopping. It’s also nice to know I have something that I like with me all of the time… And I’ll admit. I may have gotten a little bit carried away.”
“Fennorian. Is there a surplus of bars of soap at Ravenwatch castle?” Vestige asked teasingly, though their sentence broke off in a yawn.
“Perhaps. I don’t hear Gwendis or Adusa complaining though.” He defended.
Vestige let their heavy eyes fall closed once more. “That’s so like you. You’re such a passionate person.” They said slowly. They let their hand press up against Fennorian’s just a little more. They could hardly believe this little bit of physical contact was allowed. He stroked Vestige's finger with his own a few times. It might have been quite some time since Vestige and Fennorian had last seen each other, yet they felt closer to Fennorian than ever. Part of them wondered what had changed. The other part of them was content to not question it and let things continue on as they had been.
Vestige wasn’t sure they’d be able to open their eyes again. A dull throbbing had taken place in their head. Likely from a lack of proper rest. Sleeping in this bed tonight was going to completely spoil them rotten, if Fennorian hadn’t already. Vestige wasn’t used to being taken care of like this. They secretly loved it, and deep down Vestige was glad Fenn hadn’t asked if they’d eaten anything earlier. They would have lied or declined dinner and after the fiasco downstairs, there was no way Vestige would have gone back to bicker with the innkeeper over food.
They didn’t want to think about how they’d probably be sleeping in the dirt again by tomorrow night. Instead they pulled the covers up to their chin and rubbed their bare foot against the soft sheets, savoring these little luxuries while they still had them.
Vestige knew the only reason they’d even truly let their guard down tonight was because of Fennorian. Even if the night had gone exactly the same, if Fenn wasn’t here, Vestige would still be just as tense as when they’d first arrived.
“Goodnight Vestige,” Fennorian said.
“Goodnight Fenn,” Vestige mumbled. “…Thank you.”
Maybe they imagined it, but as they drifted off to sleep Vestige was fairly certain Fennorian had curled their fingers together.