Tertius collected the assortment of papers and alchemical ephemera scattered across the room - instruments of what had transpired to have been a four day revery of his senses - and the room beginning to take on some form of normalcy. As he did, so too did his thoughts become ordered, settled, he found a composure of sorts, and he is voice was again steady; the slight exertion acting as if a refreshing tonic.
“A man of my means and station can not afford the niceties that tenure brings.” He said, placing a bruised copy of Velak’s guide to Toxiferous Lepidoptera of Tycheros upon the desk. The book bulging and distend by paper markers, signposts to what would reveal his journey these past few days.
“You asked for my assistance, and I have provided.” He gestured to papers that Malista held, still seated upon the bed, upon the raft that had borne him on those dark waters these past four days. “And, I may add, I have not asked anything of you, despite what you had proffered.”
Malista looked up as she idly thumbed the papers in her hands. She smiled, an innocent disarming expression, as if slightly bemused with a child.
“Between us, these things are a trifling matter. They are for a friend who can ill afford…” She paused, searching for the words “Association with questionable activities. Activities that could sully her good name.” She placed the papers beside her and moved across the room towards Tertius.
“I will not feign understanding of the scope and nature of your work, but my... friend... is well placed to understand the value of your learning.” She stopped before him, lightly resting her hand upon his chest, before gently lifting a finger to his downturned chin. She slowly raised his gaze back to hers. Ordinarily an act he would have found too forward, too familiar had it not been for the demure smile she now paid him.
“You will never regain the life you have lost, but perhaps my friend might provide you with some semblance of that life. A new purpose?” her smile grew wider, and now beamed. His return, a weaker one.
“You should not involve yourself with this, it is unseemly.” He said, the weak smile collapsing under the seriousness of his tone. “I have little to lose. But you...” He paused, uncertain if he rested on a statement. “Even those half formed ideas would bring ruin upon you.” His words pulled him down, and he slumped upon the chair. She guided his head towards her, into the soft folds of her linen dress, stroking his hair as she did. The fabric was soft and cool against his cheek, her sweet scent filled him.
“You should rest, you’re still weak.” She said, crouching down before him, again looking up at his downcast eyes. "You should not be afraid to show me what quiets your mind. "
