Anti-OTP: Richard and Kyllikki

[jarndyceheir]

Richard is reading in the main room, by the fire. He hasn't has much time for reading lately, and the quiet moment is quite welcome. He looks totally recovered from his latest encounter with death, as the scar is well hidden beneath his clothing, his expression more or less peaceful.

Comments

[false_kyllikki]

Kyllikki, though, is troubled, for she saw her Rose dancing with a beautiful man, and the lady looked so very happy--and Kyllikki loves to see her happy, loves it more than anything, and she never thought her heart would wrench to see the flower look so happy for anyone else--and so she is looking for a warm place to be alone for a time, and perhaps she doesn't notice at first that she is not alone when she draws her knees up to her chest on the rug, before the fire.

[jarndyceheir]

He notices her, however, and is quite a long moment. Finally, he asks softly, "May I help you, madam? Forgive me for noting your distress, but..."

[false_kyllikki]

She startles at his voice and looks up at him--for a moment, she looks as though she will say something, apologize, explain something--but then she just scoots over and rests her head on his knee, because he is the kindest man she knows, and she knows that he will forgive her this.

[jarndyceheir]

He certainly does, closing his book and striking her hair. Months ago, he would have been shocked at his boldness, but now he has no thought but comforting her.