Tiberinus

[Patricus I]

After a few moments alone, Nimeda manifested herself at his side. He didn’t look to her. Nay, he barely looked up. The magic of the forest was gone, or else was banished by one unable to look into the temptation of the past a second time. Her explanation for Thalia’s behavior was rational and irrefutable. Fear was the strongest power in the world. Tragically, fear eclipsed love when it should be the other way around.

Then a slight pressure pulled his arm from the shell of his side. He looked to the girl that slipped her limb through his with the raised brow of concern. His pace paused as the beating of his heart. He barely blinked. He barely breathed. Nimeda’s innocence broke him, and when he cupped his other hand over hers, it was with the gentlest of tugs. He turned, smooth and natural as a stream seeking lower ground, and enveloped her hand in both of his. However, there was no hesitation of a drawn-out moment. He released her hands at her waist as carefully as one may relinquish a baby bird to the wide, dangerous world on faith it would fly.

His voice was a whisper as he searched her eyes for forgiveness. “You are full of affection, and I am honored to be the recipient of your good heart. Which is why I must decline the tenderness, as wonderful as it is.”  

His arms hung loose at his side with the sadness of shame that veiled his expression.