It was raining outside the manor. It was not a very thick rainstorm, but the weather was cold enough to make someone glad to be in a comfortable, large and cosy home, even better if near to a warm fireplace. Everyone, maybe, except from Connor, that was not enjoying the dinner in front of his plate. The day had been so full of events that Connor's vision was foggy with surprise and tiredness. He didn't want to leave the Old Man to dine alone, though, so he decided to set apart his worries to sit with him at the long table. To try, at least.
The dining room at the manor had been tidied up in his absence. His Mentor had surely seen to that in order to make him feel better. It didn't work anyway.
"Connor. Connor... " the Old Man called him. He had dropped a spoonful of broth on the tablecloth, something that the man hated.
"Sorry" he said, embarrassed. He really didn't feel at ease. The silence that followed felt uncomfortable and stiff with unspoken words.
"Now, tell me the truth, Connor. You are very distracted tonight. Won't you be thinking about a girl?"
"What?!" exclaimed Connor, surprised, blushing vigorously and dropping his mouth open.
"I was asking if it is the thought of a woman which is distracting you. I can think of no other reason that can make you ignore such a good broth". The eyes of his Mentor were fixed in his. He expressed affection, but also mock.
"... What? After everything that has happened today, you..."
"I am sorry I am keeping you from her, boy. Go and meet her if you wish".
"There is no such thing, Old Man".
"You cannot fool me! I know there is!"
"Is age beginning to trick you? Just a madman would presume such thing... regarding me"
"It is all right if you don't want to tell me"
This time the quiet that filled the room was relaxed. The elder man was even smiling... in his way.
"When I was your age, many years ago... I didn't like to run after girls, either. I always thought to be too plain, ugly even, for that"
Connor's attention was drawn on him. His words surprised him: it was the first time they had such conversation.
"And then... just when I had lost all my hopes... I got married to the most beautiful girl of the town. Nobody could believe that, me either..." he sighted, the shook his head. "It was a long time ago".
"I liked a girl too, once" began Connor with an unusual shyness in his voice. "From my village. Kanento'kon and I..." his voice broke slightly as he mentioned his friend's name- the wound was still fresh in his heart and on his arm. He tried again, ignoring the concerned look on his Mentor's face, "we used to put up races and he would... he would let me win in front of her, so that ..." words failed him, and he sucked back air into his lungs without showing any particular emotion.
"Today, when I saw that man here... about to kill you, I thought... I... I am grateful that nothing bad happened to you, Old Man"
"I've been on my own for years, child. I can handle myself. A few mercenaries don't scare me".
Connor felt better hearing that. His Mentor was not harmless, but he seemed so frail at times that he had to be reminded of it.
"If you bring her here, boy, remember that she must clean her shoes first. You know I can't stand muddy footprints on the rugs".
Notes: I hope you enjoyed! Please leave comments and reviews!