1After what seemed like the longest time, Briar answered, and Suri found herself wishing he hadn't. His black hair was mussed, his shirt was halfway unbuttoned revealing a well-toned and tanned chest, and his lips were swollen. A telltale giggle issued from somewhere behind him.
He looked just as surprised to see her as she was to see him in the state he was. "Well," she mumbled uncomfortably, "I need some willowbark if you have any...I–I can come back later if this is a bad time." Her last words were almost inaudible.
"No its alright, just give me– "
"Briar, where are you?" came a shrill voice within the room.
Briar visibly winced. "Er, maybe later would be better."
Suri nodded. "Alright."
"Briar! Briar!"
Briar turned to find Suri sprinting across the field towards him.
"I made it! I got in!"
She made it? Of course, she had been accepted at Madares. He opened his arms invitingly, and Suri jumped to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Briar lifted her in the air and twirled her around before setting her down again. "That's wonderful," he murmured against her hair. Stepping back, he studied the pale eyes of his student.
"Ari just told me," Suri said breathlessly, very aware that her teacher's hands were still on her waist. "They want me start there by the end of next week."
"But Suri," Briar said, "We leave the say after tomorrow."
"What?" She stepped out of Briar's hold, shaking her head. "You were supposed to stay the winter!"
"I know, but the Duke isn't feeling well, and everyone's worried, especially Sandry."
"But what about me?"
"I don't like men," Suri grumbled.
"Oh we're not that bad," Briar said slinging his arm around he shoulders. Pulling her close to his side, he murmured "The Prince must be doing something right."
Suri stopped walking and turned to her teacher with wide eyes. "You knew about that?"
Briar chuckled. "Now what kind of teacher would I be if I couldn't tell my student was being romanced. Besides, he asked my permission to court you."
"He didn't!"
"Oh, but he did."
"So then you gave him permission?"
"Under the condition that he wouldn't lead you on."
Suri wanted to yell at him. He had meddled in her affairs. He was poking his nose in her romantic life, something that she did not want to think about. But at the same time, he was looking out for her, and that alone was more comforting than anything. He was taking care of her in a brotherly way, something that she had never had in her life before.
"Well, thank you, I suppose."
And then Briar proceeded to do possibly the most unBriar-like thing ever. He kissed Suri's forhead and winked. "Someone's gotta look out for you."