Solo Log: Words Unspoken

**Words Unspoken -- After Marcel's Wedding Festivities; Fall, 501 AOV**

All is quiet along the rowed housing of the Central District. When half the RHC lives in the area, it tends to be a little more… well behaved. The occasional noises play: the creaking of old wood boards, hooves retreating on cobblestone roads, leaves whispering in the breeze, branches tapping on windows.

The knocks at first blend into the ambiance of the evening. Nothing more than the sounds of the house settling for the evening. It’s only when they become increasingly rhythmic — a pattern he hasn’t heard in a while — that the sorcerer turns from his most recent discovery hidden in the druid’s study. Maybe he waits a little while longer than necessary, testing/curious how much he can stretch her patience. He’s disappointed there’s only a hint of irritation as the knocking continues.

“What happened to your key?”

Slinking from her perch on the railing, Mona greets him with a sloppy smile. “Oh, I have it. I thought it would be fun if you opened the door for me.”

The drunk druid stumbles through the door, all legs as if she were a newborn fawn. Vihan watched bemused, delighting in the entertainment she was providing. It’s more interesting than his earlier discovery. She nearly falls trying to remove her sandals. Which don’t have any straps or buckles, he notices. Mona literally just needs to slide her feet out of them. It’s not until she nearly lands face first that he swoops in and guides her to her room.

Not even two feet from the bed and Mona turns to liquid in his arms. It is an effort and a half but Vihan finally drags her into the bed. A slight smile suggests she might have done it on purpose.

“I could have smuggled you in, you know. If you really had wanted.” Mona declares, an arm draped over her eyes.

“I doubt that would fly considering who currently pays your salary.” Vihan replies with a smirk. She blows a giant raspberry, waving him off. He presses on. “I also think you’re desperately out of practice. You couldn’t even smuggle fae pepper into that party if you tried.”

A wide-eyed gasp, so dramatic Marcel would be impressed. (Probably). “I’ll have… I’ll have you know that I once—That I once…” As Mona’s brows slowly knit together Vihan can HEAR the gears groan and squeal as she tries to recall such a time. He only offers a single raised eyebrow and equally crooked grin. He gets a scowl in return. “S’alright… Maybe it’s been a while…”

The cool evening air settles over the pair, each losing themselves to their own thoughts. It’s a long time before either one speaks again. He doesn’t hear her at first. Mona seems to realize that and repeats it, louder this time.

"I still love you; you know.” she slurs, booping his nose for emphasis. “…Sunshine.” Her hand drops, landing on his cool skin. Neither flinch or shy away from the touch.

And they remain that way, just long enough that Mona’s breathing deepens into slumber. Her fingers remain interlaced with his, only breaking after he’s risen and hit the end of her reach. Her hand falls softly to the bed.

One last glance over his shoulder and the druid is still sleeping soundly. For once the unrecognizable lines of worry had been erased from her face. The sweet curves of her expression made him feel more nostalgic than he’d like to admit.

Looking at her now, it was easy to feel the warmth of a summer long past. A summer that might return again.