Even after his assurances, Eileen looked uncertain, frowning up at him with a knowing look in eyes too wise for her five-year-old face. She only held his gaze for a moment before being satisfied. Ordhan returned her hug--gently, but with no less affection--before letting go to allow his sister to run ahead. He grinned widely at her eagerness. Whatever happiness she had was infectious. Any smile she gave was immediately mirrored on his own face, every laugh bringing mirth bubbling in his chest. As it was, he was as excited as she, even if he would remain behind with the solemn-faced Lukaer.
Mathieu looked as gleeful as Eileen did. Ordhan decided that he liked him. It seemed like he would be a good friend for Eileen--high praise indeed in the mind of a deeply protective brother. Both of the younger children seemed to be fairly bursting with excitement, held in only by the bands of propriety; only Lukaer was properly managing the decorum their parents might have hoped for them, but that was the least of Ordhan's concerned. Eileen looked sheepish after speaking, but Ordhan gave his most encouraging smile and lifted a hand in a half-wave.
They were heading to a creek; creeks were safe, for the most part, with sodden clothes more a worry than broken bones. Ordhan glanced aside at Lukaer. To his surprise, the boy was grinning; both amusement and teasing was in his face, both quite unexpected. Maybe it was true that his dislike was only for strangers, and he really may be nice beneath the stern demeanor.
Ordhan started when he was addressed. It was still so strange. He rubbed the back of one hand with the other, fidgeting despite the knowledge that one ought not to fidget in polite company. "Oh, no, ser," he replied timidly, managing to smile in spite of his nerves.