Graceful Descent

[Victor Steiner]

Left alone with his thoughts for a short while, he pondered this whole situation and his role in it. He concluded she was comfortable enough here, if she was not she would never have come, or left long before now. Trying to figure out why would be an exercise in pointlessness, so he decided not to push the matter. Yet the memory of what she had said about Leviathan sprang out of his consciousness rather suddenly and the realization that followed was something different entirely. It was likely she was still deeply upset over what had happened to him and if she had a family through him....well.

Victor concluded she was enjoying his company because perhaps it offered a break from everything else, especially leviathan's untimely demise and he scolded himself internally for thinking otherwise. No, if that was his role to play then he would. No ulterior motives with her, by her own admission she was not well. There would be no good in trying anything with her for that was not what she was intending, or at least that was his thinking. He could be wrong, but he had some faith that beneath the myths and legends about her, she was still a woman with a heart, a broken one perhaps, but better that than a heart made of ice.

When she returned he was still lost in his thoughts, snapping back into reality when she spoke. His smile returned at her presence but her question surprised him Why would I want to harm you? My dear I gave you my word I would not harm you until I heard you out. I listened, I saw and I believe I understood as best I could. But more importantly, this is my home. You are my guest and therefore you are under my protection. Turn your nose up at the thought if you will, but so long as you are here, in this house, you are safe. Besides He smiled, a playful look crossing is face for a moment The loss of such a beauty would be unacceptable in my humble opinion