Quintus tightened a belt on his left bracer, then tightened the one on the right. He listened as Ashya ushered him to continue. The man’s lips twitched into a smile again. The smile was of weariness. He looked to Ashya, responding to her prompt, “Perhaps I will tell you another time.” He wanted to reach out, ruffle the girl’s hair, make her laugh and smile. Anything to make the young mage enjoy life more, to let her thoughts escape from the stresses that her mind was most likely enduring. He restrained himself, however, for numerous reasons. It was important that she toughen up if she was to stay with the group. They weren’t even to Redcliffe yet, and he knew the darkspawn there would be many times worse than the ones they encountered that day. But also, he restrained because of another thought, a more self-conscious one. What if she recoiled from his touch? He was aware that he wasn’t the most enjoyable to have near and a girl such as Ashya would most likely prefer not to be close. For the sake of the girl’s comfort, he kept his hand upon his right bracer.
At such thoughts, his weary smile faded. He looked away from Ashya when he heard footsteps in the dirt. Bringing his gaze upon Imenry, he surveyed the warrior. She had been impressive earlier in the day’s battle, a clear action-oriented fighter and one unafraid of gruesome battles. He nodded to her in greeting, stretching his legs out in front of him. He watched as Imenry brought over food. He eyed the bread and jerky as it was passed to Ashya, then was offered to him. The man accepted the food, giving his thanks to Imenry. He was hungry and this saved the trouble of hunting for the time being. Quintus made a note that maybe he should hunt with Imenry next time the party needed provisions.
As the woman asked about their conversation, he glanced at Ashya. He shrugged, “I suppose.” He responded, taking a bite out of the bread he had been handed.