Cozy in the Library

Zerda was up on the top step of the stairs swinging his legs back an forth off the edge. He smiled as he found this place amusing and quite fun for those hide and go seek moments. It was like hope with the camafloge of sand and rock, but instead with books and shelves. Thinking for a moment in silence he caught himself rocking gently back and forth. He shook his head to wake up as he realized how far off the ground he was. "Mmmmm whats wrong with me, I'm nocturnal and I'm sleepy at night." He then stopped and smiled, "Though I have been up for most of this day....of course I'm tired..." Lost in his words he didn't realize the large doors below swing open with ease. The voice of Valentin then caught his attention shaking him out of his inner thoughts. "Hmm so he came, wonderful!" He said as he looked up at the shelves on the wall that held books. He smiled and jumped up on one of them, and began stalking on them. Watching Valentin closely he didn't watch his footing.

Nearly falling off of the shelf, Zerda knocked three average sized books off. Watching them fall Zerda quickly jumped up onto the stairs again and ran up them as the loud thuds of the books startled him. At the top of the second floor Zerda looked down once, then ran to a corner of the room to hide. He found one that sat behind a stack of unorganized books, or perhaps they were forgotten. Sneaking behind he smiled and curled up into a little ball with his nose burried in the little black dress. Finding it smelt of butter and herbs he decided to take them off to throw Valentin off. He hurried and threw them next to a window then back to his corner he went. He only hoped this wouldn't get him yelled at.

The books tumbling to the floor resounded like thunder on Valentin's nerves and in an instant he had dodged around several bookcases, nearly tripping into a corner where one of the shelves met the wall of the library, and pressing his back into it. Immediately frustrated with his over-reaction he curses under his breath and bumps the back of his head against the wall in aggravation. But he was distracted from his disappointment when a flash of movement caught his eye. He spun his head to follow it and spotted Zerda, just for a brief moment, perched on the top landing of the staircase. He was about to call out, but just as quickly, the fox was gone. Pushing away from the corner, Valentin hurried towards the stairs, foregoing the rail to hop up two steps at a time.

"Zerda..?" He called out cautiously again, and sniffs the air. Beneath the smell of the books he can just make out the faint scent of his new friend. He followed it as best he could, further onto the second floor, but pauses when it seemed to dissipate. He back tracked a little until he had it; the smell of the food. It was diluted by the stench of dust, but it was there, and he followed it towards the large glass windows at the back of the library's balcony.

"Zerda?" Peeking around a pile of books he was fairly certain he had left there a couple days ago, and had definitely meant to put away, Valentin's hope rose when he spotted the black pile on the floor. He recognized the dress quickly, but frowned when something was definitely off. There was no way Zerda could lie that still... And he knew it before he plucked the empty garment off of the floor. Sighing a little exasperatedly, his frustration struggles to overcome the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. This kid really was something else.

"Alright, kiddo, very clever!" He called out to the library. Rolling the dress up and tucking it under his arm for whenever he eventually found the fox, he headed in a random direction, hoping to be lucky enough to spot him again. He considered trying to remain silent in order to gain the upper hand, but can't help calling out playfully. "Zerdaaa~..."

((XD Val can't resist Zerda's playful antics!))

Zerda sleepily awaited for Valentin to come running up the stairs in search for him. He stayed silent as he watched Valentin through the spaces of the book. The faun went around here and there then finally noticed the dress. Zerda snickered silently as he saw Val star at it in his hands. That moment was very interesting as he could have sworn to see a vein pop through Valentin's forehead, but a smile across his face. Was he mad or happy? Zerda was as confused as ever hoping that Valentin would show him mercy when he emerged. The sound of Valentin's voice then brought joy back to Zerda's heart as his tail wagged playfully. With a smile and bounce in his step, he jumped out from behind the books and tackled Valentin down to the ground pinning him down. Zerda smiled and evil grin as he looked down at his little playmate. The look on Valentin's face was just priceless and Zerda couldn't help himself, but to lick it. Tongue sticking out he tasted Valentin's cheek and smiled at the taste.

"Valentin....you taste much better than before!" With a lick of his lips he smiled again, "I don't think that i'll share with that other person, your all mine!" His mouth began to water and his tail playfully wrapped itself around Valentin's legs as if mimicking a snake around the body of its prey. In one moment Zerda was lost in his instinctive mind and to him Valentin looked like a helpless prey. His smell, his taste, and his form of muscle and no fat, was perfect. He wouldn't be to rubbery and he was sure not to chewy. Zerda opened his mouth and was about to extend his mouth to meet Valentin's neck.

((Sorry if I godmod XD I just couldn't let this pass up. If it bugs you let me know and I'll change it))

(( No one can!! ))



The wind was briefly knocked out of Valentin when his back hit the floor. He lost hold of the dress which tumbled off to the side a bit, and for the briefest moment he was blind from inner-panic, unable to see the fox above him. His prey-instinct caused his heart to hammer in his chest, ready to pump blood to his muscles as he was supposed to bolt because there was something attacking him. But before his muscles could respond, a wetness on his face and the sound of Zerda's voice broke through his neurosis. He shut his eyes and breathed deeply, releasing it in a slow sigh, before opening them to pin Zerda with an amusedly accusatory glare. If nothing else, this kid would definitely test Valentin's resolve to overcome is anxiety.

"Oh really?" He didn't know how to admit that the second exclamation made him feel exclusive in some way, so he didn't address it. But he did smirk cordially and tried to let it hide his jaw tightening in response to the feeling of his legs being somewhat restricted. But other than a little involuntary twitching, he didn't fight it. He didn't want Zerda to realize how stressed out the little stunt had made him, since it was something he was chagrined to admit he often experienced and constantly strove to overcome.

Valentin sighed again and was about to quip something about Zerda's penchants for nudity, when he recognized the motion the fox was making towards his neck. Lifting his right arm, he leniently planted his palm flat against Zerda's face to halt or slow the movement, his expression falling a little flat but somehow still amused. "Oy."



(( You officially have my permission to god-mod Valentin a bit when you deem it necessary. SO FRIGGIN ADORABLE ))

Zerda smiled as his teeth neared Valentin's neck. His mouth was watering at just the taste he had sampled a moment before. Then in a moment, Zerda felt something on his face and he paused. It was warm and yet cold in some places. He opened his eyes and looked at Valentin, who could only seem to let out a blank expression. He sat there on top of Valentin and stared into his eyes, "I ....I have no reason to eat you it seems....." With a blink of his eyes Zerda shook a little and pulled back his tail off of Valentin's legs and then wrapped them around his own self. The room began to feel a little cold as his want for the meat on the boy under him melted away. He sighed and slowely crawled off of his friend laying next to him. Looking over at Val and then the dress he smiled grabbing it. "S-sorry...I guess....I can't always help it."

In a moment of control over himself, Zerda sat up and streched a little. It felt good to hunt for something rather than looking around the streets or asking strangers for food. His inner animal wanted to come out and if it was in small bursts it would be okay wouldn't it? With the dress in hand Zerda wrapped up in it and held his tail around him for warmth. Suddenly he felt like he was dieing in a sense of freezing. Scooting over to Valentin he dug his face into his chest, while still keeping his eyes under his hair. He didn't like people to look at him, it made him feel uneasy in a way. Then again in a way he didn't like to be alone. Even after his mother and father left and never came back, he never grew into the sense of it. He would never be used to it. Never. In an instant of hearing Valentin's heartbeat Zerda found himself nodding off in the warmth of his chest.

Valentin blinked at the student above him, a little confused by his statement, but he supposed he should be relieved..? He propped himself up on his elbows tilts his head to the side, offering Zerda a lighthearted smile. "Hey, no worries. It's the curse of instincts, I won't hold it against you." He finished pushing himself up into a sitting position and felt the cold that Zerda was experiencing. Glancing up at the windows, he wondered if perhaps it was the chill air from the outdoors seeping in though the thin glass panels.

Distracted by the rain on the windows, Valentin didn't notice Zerda moving in until he was nuzzling into the faun's chest. Valentin looked down sharply, both ears batting forwards, slightly startled by the contact. His heart, which he had just managed to get back down to a normal speed, jumped a little again. Very hesitantly, he moved to rest a hand on Zerda's back, but pauses before making the contact. He peeked down to try and get a glance at Zerda's face as he felt his friend's breath steadying. Could he be falling asleep? Valentin supposed the boy did have a very long day what with so much traveling, and then all of the excitement after arriving at the castle. He looked up at the bookshelves around them as if the volumes would magically offer some comfort. He pouted and his ears twitch irritably when nothing promising catches his eye. With another considering glance down at the boy pressed against him, he made a decision and very slowly and gently shifted into a crouch with his hooves flat again on the floor. Trying very hard not to jostle Zerda too much, he coaxed the boy up with him, offering support with his arms wrapped around Zerda's shoulders.

"C'mon, Kiddo." Valentin leads them back the way they had come and down the stairs. Behind the twin staircases in the center of library's first floor is a large fireplace surrounded by an elegant sitting area comprised of one couch, a pair of high-backed arm chairs, and two side-tables for lanterns or candles. It's the perfect setting to cuddle up with a book.

Valentin eases Zerda down onto the couch, then steps away to see to lighting the fire. It's the coal he smelled when he first came in that someone had been using earlier. He simply had to re-light what kindling was still in the fireplace and toss in a couple new logs from the small iron basket sitting on the hearth. When the fire starts crackling warmly, he grins in satisfaction and steps back, dusting off his hands on his thighs. He eyed one of the arm chairs, then directed a side-long glance at the couch he'd placed Zerda on. Tossing another glance at the fire, he remained standing for another moment of deliberation. Eventually one ear flickers dismissively and he spins on his heel, settling into the couch beside the fox.



(( Ah ha I god-modded this time. xD Same deal, if you want me to change it / remove it, you let me know and it shall be done! I'm never sure if Zerda is ready to settle down for a bit or if he's about to pop up in another burst of energy! x3 ))

Zerda had found Valentin's chest very comforting and warm. It was one of the moments that was most precious to him since he got here and it was something he didn't want to let go. Unfortunately, things never stay forever. He felt the slight movements of Valentin get up and he limply went along with where he was going. The arm around him belonged to the faun and in that instant he could feel safe and sound where ever he was taking him. Down the stairs in a clumbsy matter and then slowly to the couch near the fire place they went. He felt the soft fabric of the couch and smiled gently at the touch. It was very comfortable as he seemed to sink into the couch. His head sat on the arm rest and from time to time he would lift it carefully to check on what his friend was doing. The fire amused him and he found that the heat from it was just perfect. It was nice to be here, in the dimly lit library, where everything was quiet. Not a single sound overthrew the pops and crackles of the playful fire. The only thing that Zerda could sweat to still hear, was Valentin's heartbeat. Even from a distance, how couldn't get it out of his head. It was soothing is a strange, yet interesting way.

This place was home, and at home he would stay. The thought of going back to be alone was not even in the lease on his mind. His new thoughts wandered and for once, he didn't think of home and how much he missed it. Breathing came to a crawl, and eyes fluttered shut. Naked and in carefree state Zerda began to slip into a deep deep slimber that he would run free in. This was his world and to him it reminded him of all the events that happened that day. Sleep was now a friend, even at night. No more worries of hunters closing in, or thoughts of will I live tomorrow. Once upon a time, or so the stories told, everyone lives happily, as the end unfolds. Forever sweet and never ending. All I want, is to know why....life is not, a lullaby. These were words, that mother would sing. Till she left that is, but she won't be forgotten as this is something Zerda would not forget. "Good night Valentin.....I'll see you tomorrow friend...." Perhaps that night on the couch would be fine, unless of course Valentin was up for moving Zerda again.

(( ^^ Aw how cute of Valentin! I love how we can move the characters and have it run perfectly! I got the lyrics from the first few verses of this: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] I love that song so much.))

The fire crackled lazily, its amber glow the only substantial light in this area of the library. Subdued by the warmth, Valentin rested his head on the back of the couch. Long moments later, he opened his eyes and the fire had nearly burnt out. He experienced the surreality of someone who'd nodded off for anywhere up to an hour or so when it felt like they'd only slipped away for but a moment. Outside, the night was so dark from the cloud cover, and the rain had subsided in favor of a heavy wet mist. Bursts of moisture carried on the ocean's night breeze pattered on the windows of the second floor.

The faun frowned up in the direction of the dark ceiling, too far in this dim lightening to see. He rubbed idly at his eyes with the back of his hand and sighed. He pulled his knees up to his chest and hugged them there, a little chilly but too lazy to re-light the fire.



(( -clicks link- HEY I know this song~ ))

One thing Zerda had a problem with was the cold. He couldn't stand it and as the fire died out over the hour he woke with sadness in his eyes. He let out a sigh and watched as his cold breathe blew across his face and then disappeared a moment later. Slowly lifting his head he looked over at Valentin and growled lightly. He didn't want to be cold and Valentin wasn't doing a very good job of keeping him war at that. Zerda pushed himself off of the couch and crawled over to Valentin looking his dead in the eyes. He felt like something was missing and Valentin had something to do with it, then again his tail could have just been playing tricks on him again. He turned away from Valentin and rubbed his eyes. The dust in the room must have settled on him as he slept. In a moment of sleepy wobbling he let out repetitive sneezes. When he finally stopped he frowned and rubbed his nose. His little heart was beating pretty slow and the cold was the reason. He didn't feel well, almost like he was crawling towards death. The temperature changes he had in the desert from day to night was pretty often. The night would be cold and the day hot as the sands of hell, but never would it be this cold.

Zerda began to shake and he grabbed the dress that was at the end of couch. He wrapped up in it and began to shake more. "Why....why is it so c-cold!" He said as he fell to the floor in the field position. He stayed there for a moment before trying to get closer to the dimmed fire place for what warmth he could get. "D-did you l-lie to me V-Valentin!" He said in between chatters of his teeth. He didn't want to think he lied about being safe here, but it didn't feel like he was really safe.

Valentin blinked owlishly at Zerda as he crawled over and glared at him. His brain still felt far away after nodding off. Through his grogginess he registered that Zerda did not look happy, and then the boy mentioned the cold. Sure, it was chilly, but Valentin was pretty used to the cold. His body didn't interpret the atmosphere as anything other than slightly uncomfortable, let alone dangerous. But when Zerda fell to the floor and curled in on himself, Valentin found himself suddenly very awake.

Before even responding verbally, Valentin was on the floor beside Zerda. He tugged at the dress that Zerda had draped over himself, making sure it was covering as much skin as it could before gathering the boy's small frame in his arms and tugging him into his torso as if it might help.

"Lie? What about?" He spoke quietly, trying to just be a grounding for Zerda. The other boy's skin felt cold and Valentin eyed the barely glowing embers of the fire almost hatefully, like they had betrayed him by burning so low.

Zerda felt Valentin hold him close and he felt the warmth he gave of. It was once again comforting and a little warmer than before. Zerda looked at the fire that now seemed dead, then up at Valentin as he asked the question. He listened to it again in his head and as he opened his mouth to answer he stopped. "I-I....I forgot.....I love yoooooou....gah" He said with a giant grin on his face as what seemed to be hypothermia setting in on the little fox boy. He needed heat and fast, as the cold was making him blurt out random things that were not on the actual thoughts of Zerda's mind. He began to rock a little then grabbed his tail. He smiled at his tail then began bitting it and tearing bits of fur off, and with each bite he whimpered, but didn't stop. He body then began the smart idea of shivering to finally warm him up. It was way past the usual limit for him to warm up and in a way you could say it was a delayed reaction. Unfortunately this didn't help much, but he did manage to stop bitting his tail in giant bites, but dwindled it down to simple little nibbles.

Zerda looked up at Valentin once more and blinked a couple times. "Heat....please...." He muttered though the fur on his tail. He then cuddled up closer into Valentin's arms as he tried to move his legs around to make some heat. He wanted to walk, but he needed to warm up more to even get his joints to work right. In an attempt to get up he only managed to raise himself up with his arms.

"You.." The faun blinked down at the boy huddled in his arms and his brows frowned in concern. "Oh, okay, yea, let's not do that." He tried very gently to brush the fur of Zerda's tail away from his mouth without removing the appendage from the boy's grip. When he started shivering, Valentin tried to tug him closer. He nods hastily in response to Zerda's request for heat and scooted them closer to the fireplace without loosening his hold on his friend. "Nono, hold on, don't go anywhere yet."

Once they were in front of the embers, Valentin withdrew one arm to snatch up a new log and toss it into the pit. Flipping open a small decorative box of matches on the hearth, he fumbled to light one on his hoof because his other arm is preoccupied with clinging to Zerda, managing only to mis-strike on the first two matches. Cursing quietly under his breath and tossing the duds aside, he stroked the third one hard and nearly burnt his fingertips when the little flame burst to life with a hiss. He tossed the lit match into the embers and groped about the hearth until his fingers found the iron poker. He prodded at the embers, urging them to light the new log.

Eventually the log caught but it would be another minute or two before the growing flames consumed enough of it to emit a significant amount of heat.

Valentin fussed with the dress again to make sure it was still doing it's job. He glanced around them eagerly, but he didn't see much else that could be useful, so he bowed his head over Zerda's shoulder and made sure both his arms and legs were encompassing as much of the boy as he could manage.

If this wasn't enough, he wasn't sure what else to do. Valentin's heart had already started increasing in speed from his worry and the sound resounded in his head. He blinked hard and breathed deep to try and subdue his panic. Zerda didn't need him to be a panicked wreck right now.

Zerda was nearly passed out in the fauns arms as he dragged him closer to the fire place. The movements of Valentin kept him from falling into complete slumber as he felt almost thrown around, though he was sure the faun wasn't aware of it. He listened closely to what he was attempting to do and he smiled gently as he awaited the warmth of the fire to come to his aide and cure his immobilization. A few moments passed and he found it almost an eternity as he awaited the flames to rise and create heat for the two. Finally the flames emerged and the heat emitted from the log that burned bright and flickered with excitement as if happy to be alive again. The warmth reached Zerda and he smiled as it became warmer and warmer. He began to feel a little movement in his legs and he moved his toes around in relief as the rest of his body began to warm up. There was a silence in the room, but one thing that broke it was Valentin's heartbeat. It was familiar to Zerda and he welcomed it, though this time it was much more rapid that is was before, and thats what made him move up. Lifting his head once again he looked at Valentin's face and he frowned. "Valentin....thank you for helping me...Sorry to worry you..." He felt bad for causing so much trouble for him and even Everly. She had cooked for him and he abandoned the food on a hint that his tale gave him. Oh how he felt so foolish.

With his ears flopping down on the side of his head and nuzzled his face into Valentin's chest again and he smiled. "You like to tinker with mechanics and materials right?" He paused for a moment to hear out Valentine and then nodded. "How about we make something together... like a blanket that will heat up to the temperature that I desire and I can take it with me when ever I travel around the castle at night." He smiled slightly, "I don't want to be in the bathroom and have drowned in the toilets that you all use around here!" He was happy to think of something like this, it showed that he could learn and think of new things to survive anywhere he would go. Though he wished he thought of the idea long before night fell and the library grew cold. Never the less it was something to still be proud of as he could help create it because he was still alive. His thoughts side tracked him and he found himself shaking again. Just trying to get a little extra heat it seemed.

((you know this is 457 words XD but it looks so small to me now lol! I remember when this kind of stuff looked like a bible to me XD))

"Hey, no worries! You scared me but it's nothing to apologize for." To himself, he frowns because he knows he was the one who let the fire die out. He hadn't known the affect it could have on Zerda, but now that he was aware, he could be much more careful.

One of Valentin's hands rubbed Zerda's back absently as he listened to his proposal. Nodding, his began to smile, already starting to figure out some possible ways to accomplish such a thing. "That's a really good idea, kiddo. We definitely can't have you off drowning in toilets."

His grip on the other student had loosened as his mind began tumbling around this new project idea, and he didn't realize it until Zerda's frame shuddered again from another onslaught of shivering. Frowning concernedly, Valentin tightened his hold again resumed rubbing his hands up and down either side of Zerda's spine. He tilted his head down to try and get a look at Zerda's face to make sure he was still okay, but he couldn't make out much through all of those bangs. One hand lifted and his hand ghosted over the fringe concealing Zerda's eyes, but Valentin stopped himself from trying to brush it aside. As soon as his fingerstips touched hair, it suddenly seemed a bit too familiar of a gesture, and the faun didn't want to assume he was allowed. But curiosity was tempting him. He hadn't realized until now that he really had no idea what this kid's eyes even looked like. He'd been hiding behind those bangs since they met.


(( I know exactly what you mean x3 ))

Zerda smiled as Valentin rubbed his back to keep him warm, it was a very nice thing of him to do. The smile then grew as he heard Valentin agree to his idea and in a moment he watched the faun think hard about the plans. He knew that Valentin would like the idea of something new to do and Zerda liked this himself, because it was something to do with his new friend. The thought just made him giggle quietly to himself as he snuggled closer to Valentin. "So what is your plans for this and how can I help?" He said asking quietly as if the secret of the blanket was only between them. Though the hand of Valentin grew close to Zerda's face he didn't flinch, he had the feeling he didn't need to. Of course it was correct and he watched as the hand moved back.

The heat from the fire was working its magic and Zerda could feel his body finally, but he didn't want to move as he found the soft embrace of Valentin's arms quite nice and the back rubbing was just perfect. If he was of the cat family he would be purring right now. After a short moment he felt his leg twitch and he looked down at it and smiled as he felt Valentin's hand in just the right spot. He closed his eyes and kicked his leg a little in little rapid jerks. "Ooooohhhhh theeeerrreee...." He said with a sigh of pure bliss. He had never felt like this before and oh he couldn't help but let out little moans to express it. After a moment Zerda did feel a little embarresed as he realized how loud he was getting. Grabbing Valentin's hand he put it on the fauns chest. "Thanks, but ...uh its...a little too good." He said as he blushed and looked down. Zerda felt warm enough and decided he could move around now. Sitting up he stretched and nodded, "So where is our room anyways? I still need to see it!" He said excited to see what a bed looked like. Standing up he looked at the library door and frowned, "Do you also by chance have a map? I couldn't even find the front door...." He hoped Valentin didn't think of him as an idiot, that would just be horrible.

((DUN DUN DUN A WEAKNESS CAPTAIN!))

Valentin hummed thoughtfully as he returned his hand from Zerda's bangs to his back. "Well, I suppose we would probably have to sew a wire into the blanket and use a.." The faun trailed off, distracted by movement on the floor. He glanced down quickly and saw Zerda's foot twitching. "..Use a.." His brows furrowed curiously when it happened again, and his expression slowly grew into a grin when the fox moaned and the kicking picked up. He applied more pressure on that spot on his back that seemed to cause his friend so much pleasure. He got almost as carried away as Zerda did, not noticing the volume until Zerda had removed his hand and pressed it into his chest, encouraging him to ease off. Valentin chuckled bashfully and couldn't suppress a smallish rosiness of his own.

"Our uhm--" Valentin paused and cleared his throat. Perhaps his embarrassment, or drowsiness, had stuck a lump in his throat. "Our rooms are in another building." He winced apologetically. "It'll be even colder outside. It's not far, but it's not a really quick walk either."

When Zerda stood, Valentin's fingers found their way loosely around the boy's wrist, not unlike a child, trying to coax his friend into coming back to the carpet with him with a pair of exhausted puppy eyes. "Let's stay here where it's warm. I'll find you a map and we can can explore more tomorrow~"

It had seemed the two of them became quite distracted as the night went on. Zerda liked how he could just cuddle up to Valentin, but he still wanted to sleep. When he felt the slight touch of Valentin around his wrist he smiled and looked down at him with a tilt to his head. The fire casted shadows over his face and if anything he wondered if it looks scary to Valentin. It to not bother him though as he asked for him to return to the floor where they had recently cuddled close for warmth. A moment passed as he thought of the cold out in the halls and how it would just literally kill him. The only thing that they could do was stay the night there in the library till dawn broke and the night sky broke free of rain and never ending frost. Cuddling back up with Valentin he looked up at him and smiled, "I suppose your quite right dear friend. You care so much and I have to say thank you..." With that Zerda dug his face back into Valentin's chest and listened for his heartbeat. He loved that thing as it felt like a lullaby to him. He looked back up at him and stared for a long minute before lifting his head up to the fauns cheek and licking it. "Night tasty friend..." He said quietly as he curled up into a ball and snuggled closer to him. Peaking an eye open he stared at the fire and smiled, "Don't let..... the fire.... kill me friend..." He said in short sentences as he drifted off in to dreamland.

Valentin might have found the shadowed bangs and harsh lighting spooky if he wasn't so sleepy, but he just looked relieved when Zerda complied and lowered himself back down. He hadn't necessarily meant that Zerda should curl back up into him, but he wasn't complaining either. This time though, he was mindful not to rub his friend's back as he did not wish to annoy him.

"Aah.. okay." Somehow Valentin felt like he should have been expecting the lick, but it managed to surprise him nonetheless. He resisted the temptation to wipe his cheek off on his shoulder and smirked down at Zerda. "'Night'night kiddo. Don't worry about the fire, I got it." His voice sounded sure, but he really wasn't. The faun felt his eyelids growing determinedly heavier and it wasn't long after Zerda drifted off that Valentin followed. Every hour or so he would grow restless and wake enough to poke at the fire and see to it that it remained comfortably and modestly lit, warming their little area. But he was not conscious enough during these mid-night boughts of maintenance to recall them in the morning. He would simply wake up after the sunrise to the latest log still flickering quietly, and try to recall when he'd made sure that kept going.