Imperfection
...
The tavern was quiet during the day, Xaedrienne noticed. Perhaps most people felt comfortable fighting the Legion in the daytime, where they were less likely to be surprised. Perhaps it was just because that was a normal sleep schedule for many people. She personally preferred the nightime. Being a hunter, the night was a natural aid, a natural form of camoflage. The darkness would envelop her, allow her to mask herself amongst the foliage, the landscape, to hunt her prey. Her raptors preferred the night as well, their natural instincts kicking in.
She sat across from Hector Dos, and she tried valiantly not to stare. She hadn't seen the man in some time. She was sure it had been six years... seven? Long enough that she'd almost forgotten how angular his face was. He had some new scars, Further proof of his exploits as a warrior, something other Goblins didn't always care for. She didn't mind. It showed in his posture. He was a proud goblin. He'd earned those scars. It gave her a sensation she could only describe as warm when she thought of how his armor did little to hide the rolling muscle that made up his arms and chest.
Hector wasn't staring at her like she was at him, which she was thankful for. But when he did look at her, it was with more intesnity then she could bear. Like being scrutinized for any imperfections on a diamond. He was a jewelcrafter in his spare time, and she felt a lot like the precious gems he scanned for cloudiness and scratching. The face he gave her wasn't condescending. But she almost likened it to pity, and she was almost sure that was worse.
"You're thinking too hard." He said. Xaedrienne shook her head slightly, and she tilted her head in mock confusion. She knew he could see what she was thinking about. She wasn't exactly known for keeping her feelings off her face. Now his expression was neutral. She felt her earlier trepidation disappear.
"Not hard enough I'd say." She replied, trying to be amicable. "But, I'm boring you, aren't I?" She asked. This time he shook his head.
"Not at all. You know, I've never been accused of being easily bored before."
"I wasn't accusing you." Xaedrienne said defensively. Hector chuckled.
"I didn't say you were." He pointed out. She pouted, and he smiled, his sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light.
"Alright." Xaedrienne allowed, leaning forward on her elbows slightly. "Then what were you saying?"
"It's been a long time, Xae." He told her. "You look like you've been doing well for yourself." She smiled at him, her green eyes twinkling.
"I could say the same about you." She said. "But I thank you for the compliment all the same."
"I mean it though." He said, appraising her in a way that made her self concious. "You look well. Strong but... well, you're still a knockout Xae, I'm not gonna lie." Xaedrienne blushed and turned her eyes away, scratching at the long since healed scar absentmindedly.
"I... erm... thanks." She said in a small voice. He reached out and clasped the hand that she was using to scratch at her scar. He held in tightly, and she turned her wide eyes to him in shock.
"I know what you're thinking, Xae." He said, capturing her gaze in his own. "But this isn't like that. I'm not looking for things to critique you on. I'm not looking for your imperfections." She couldn't speak, her mind in a million places at once. The scar practically disfigured her, it crossed from cheek to cheek, setting her nose slightly crooked and puckering the skin at the top of her cheeks. And yet...
"I have quite a few of my own scars, you can see 'em." Hector said, staring at her happily. "Scars do nothing but show your strength. They're not ugly, like I'm sure people have told ya before." She nodded, her eyes turned down to the table.
"I only have one regret for my scars Xae, and these are words you can live by." He said, smiling at her when she looked up cautiously. "That I don't have more to scare away the baddies." Xaedrienne laughed and leaned in closer to Hector.
"Well then, I guess we'll just have to combine ours together, won't we?"
...
Little XaexHector love! Hector Dos is a goblin Warrior from Everlook, and Xaedrienne Hexknot, also hailing from Everlook, also a goblin. Enjoy! More to come soon!