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RESPITE - THE THIRSTY MINNOW - NINELL'S ROOM - EARLY MORNING
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Aelia slumbers lightly, beginning to twitch as the sun creeps in through the window of Ninell's room. The deer flinches a little, yawning wide as she snuggles against the large, fluffy plush in bed with her... not... quite figuring out where she is or who she's curled up against just yet.
Ninell snoozes quietly, snuggled up next to Aelia as he is, having fallen asleep beside Phoebe as they've been doing for the last while. He shifts a bit on reflex as Aelia snuggles close, and he warmly hugs her against his fluff.
Aelia shifts in response, cuddling in closer against Ninell as she slowly wakes up with a yawn. She smacks her lips together a few times, then slowly starts to realize where she is, and who she's with. No scream or cry of distress this time though, just a gentle sigh as her eyes open and she glances at Ninell to confirm things.
Ninell wakes up rather easily upon hearing Aelia yawning, sensing just from movement alone that Phoebe isn't who he's snuggled up beside. He leans his head back a bit, just to try and help appear less imposing, then offers Aelia a closed-lip smile as he peeks his eyes open. "Mmh... good morning, Aelia. Sorry that you are not in your room, this morning."
Aelia looks at Ninell and nods, "It's... it's fine. I know you and Phoebe are... close." That's definitely not a hint of jealousy in her voice. "At... at least I know where I am and what's going on when I wake up with you. I'm... assuming things are still fine then?"
Ninell moves his arm from around Aelia a bit, just to let her know that she can move away if she wants, but he doesn't make any moves away himself. "Things are going well between us, yes. I think Phoebe has some things written up for you to read, when you have the time?"
Aelia does take the moment to roll aside out of Ninell's embrace and onto the bed next to him. She nods her head, "Of course, yeah. That's good. That's good that she's got things together. Just need my bearings first... it's still weird, going to sleep in my room and waking up here, but at least I know time has passed. When I would wake up in my own room, I could never be sure."
Ninell shifts a bit as Aelia moves out of his embrace and props himself up on an elbow. "Time has passed, yes. You've been asleep for... a little while, now, which threw Phoebe off a bit, I think. But aside from that... there has not been much of a change from before, as far as I am aware."
Aelia turns her head to look at Ninell. "It's so strange, are the changes random? Are they getting longer? I wish one of us had thought to record any of that... Guess the dance studio isn't doing much without me though."
Ninell shakes his head a bit. "I have tried to teach a couple of people what you taught me in lieu of your presence, and Phoebe and I have been keeping the studio in good condition while you have been asleep." He smiles a little bashfully, "But... well, I am a rather poor substitute for your dancing skills in the studio."
Aelia chuckles, "We've danced. I would judge your skills rather highly. But that's all good to hear. Thank you, um, both of you I guess. You've... become a rather strange constant in my life, Ninell. Thank you for understanding all this."
Ninell hums and dips his head gracefully. "It has been my pleasure to help you and Phoebe in all of this, Aelia. Though I know I have long since paid penance for our, er... initial meeting and the events surrounding that, I feel it is important that I continue to help to the best of my abilities."
Aelia shakes her head, "Our first meeting was just a um... misunderstanding. I know now that there was no harm intended. So, yes, penance more than paid. Still... your help is greatly appreciated."
Ninell smiles warmly. "As I said, I am happy to help you and Phoebe both. Though leads have been a little lacking, admittedly."
Aelia sighs. "Maybe we've been getting too distracted... I've been too... accepting? Ever since Phoebe tried to make amends, part of me has just accepted things, but maybe we need to look again for a way to fix this, to let us both lead our own lives."
Ninell nods at Aelia's comment. "Yes, we can search a little harder, of course, and see if there might be a way to separate you two, so that you both may live your lives without missing anything."
Aelia slowly sits up in bed at last, trying not to disturb Ninell too much. "Would be nice, to wake up with Phoebe every day, I'm sure." She smiles awkwardly, looking over at Ninell. "Sorry for interrupting it all for the both of you."
Ninell chuckles a bit and shakes his head. "It is hardly an interruption, Aelia. You have a life to lead as well, and these changes are unpredictable. No one will fault you for any of that at all, much less Phoebe and myself."
Aelia shrugs slightly with another sigh as she glances around for something to cover herself with as she gets out of bed. "I know that, but I still feel bad. You've been nothing but kind to me... to us, honestly. You're... a true friend, really, and much more patient than I've any right to."
Ninell averts his eyes a bit, assuming Aelia would like some privacy due to the fact that her clothes aren't in the room. "Everyone deserves patience, Aelia. I did not wind up here... and thus a part of yours and Phoebe's lives, by being reckless." He looks back at Aelia with a soft smile once she's covered herself up, "And for you both, my patience is unending."
Aelia glances at Ninell and sees him avert his eyes, letting her slip out of bed and walk over to the bathroom to grab a towel. "You're better than most, Ninell. I'm sure Phoebe tells you the same, but if she doesn't... well, I will."
Ninell chuckles again as he shifts into a more upright position, though the blanket remains covering him from his waist down. "She has said... a few things in that vein, but..." He bows his head, "To hear it from you as well... thank you, Aelia. I like to believe I try my best."
Aelia glances into the bathroom mirror, checking her eyes, seeing the mismatched colors once again. She sighs, then walks back out with a towel wrapped around her. "I know you have your duty, but you have gone above and beyond any of that with me. I know it's less than ideal for us both, but at least waking up with you I know I'm safe."
Ninell hums and nods again. "I am... glad you feel so, Aelia. I will say that your trust will not be misplaced, even when you and Phoebe manage to separate. If you are ever in trouble, find me, I will do what I can to keep you safe." He pauses, then bows low from the waist, "Upon my honor as a Knight of Eukune."
Aelia bows in turn, keeping one hand on her towel to ensure it stays in place. "I... don't really know how well Phoebe and I will get along, never thought of that. But it doesn't need to be about honor, as I'm sure we can stay friends. Regardless, I acknowledge the gesture as a noble of Sarn, with however much my word is still worth in house Brightleaf."
Ninell finishes his bow and smiles at Aelia again. "It might not be about honor, and I do hope we can continue to foster a wonderful friendship even after we solve this conundrum, but I find that giving my word in such a manner lends a..." He gestures vaguely, "I suppose one could say a sense of solidarity?"
Aelia giggles, raising back up from her bow. "I'll accept that, then, Sir Ninell."
Ninell chuckles as well, a small grin on his face. "You have my support, Aelia, no matter what."
Aelia adjusts the towel back into place, "And should there ever be trouble on the other hoof... you shall have mine. Howsoever a simple dancer can aid you, anyways."
Ninell 's grin shifts to an amused smile. "In plenty of ways, I am sure. You are quite capable in many areas I lack expertise in, after all."
Aelia blushes lightly at the compliment, but takes it in stride, "Perhaps so. But that's why the offer stands. It's the least I can do for a friend, and for Phoebe as well."
Ninell chuckles. "I am sure she appreciates it as much as I do, Aelia. Thank you." He pauses, then tilts his head a bit, "...Though, perhaps I should stop taking up your time for the morning? Would you like some breakfast after we both get dressed for the day?"
Aelia laughs, "Ah, I think that sounds quite good." She glances over at the dresser across the wall from the bed, finding a small grouping of Phoebe's possessions. She rifles through them a moment before she finds what she was looking for, "Ah. The room key. I can get the rest, or um, leave it here if you think it's better, later. But I'll meet you downstairs for breakfast?"
Ninell nods at Aelia's question. "A good plan, I would say. As for Phoebe's belongings... er..." He gives Aelia a quizzical tilt of the head, before he realizes that no, Phoebe isn't actually able to answer him, "...Maybe I can deliver them to your room once we have finished breakfast?"
Aelia nods, "I'll trust your judgement on that. After that, maybe we can make some plans to look into this curse further. I'll see you downstairs!"
Ninell raises a hand in farewell. "Then I shall see you downstairs in a few minutes' time, Aelia."
Aelia waves with her free hand, then goes to slip out the door, rather quickly slipping over to her own room to get dressed and get herself reoriented with the day.