"Well, thank goodness for that mercy at least," Ari told her. "I do think I can walk home on my own. Perhaps you can escort me a different day," she added, not quite thinking about what she was saying until the words had already come out. There would be a different day, she realized. It was obvious.
If Aspel bought a rug, that's when she knew it was a problem. Until then, she didn't want to worry about it.
"That is a comfort," she said when the promise was issued. Hopefully food and rest would take care of any lingering injury or soreness. "I can lock up," she said. The impulse was so strong that she couldn't quite help herself - and really, it was such a small thing, who could blame her? She reached up again, her thumb running over the spot where the cut had been, lingering on the smooth skin several instants longer than it probably should have, her hand cupping the other woman's cheek for the space of a breath before she withdrew it. "Stay well," she said.
Then, feeling absurdly uncomfortable, she turned and hurried her steps down the stairs.