WoTtober#2 HUNT (how it came about)
AN: Here a prequel to #1 – How Thom came to be in the hunt situation ?
"Oh, there you are!" A cheery voice interrupted Moiraine's musings. "I was wondering where you've gone before dawn."
"I don't need a babysitter." She was careful not to show how her boundaries seemed on fire right now. Thom was still asleep, but if he wakes and feels her like that... There was a moment when she considered masking the bond, but Thom would freak out over it even more. Keeping calm seemed the only option to protect the peace. "I just needed some time alone."
"That man of yours-"
"Husband, Anvaere. Thom is my husband. You'd do better to remember that."
Anvaere scrunched her face, clearly disgusted, but eventually seemed to get over that. "He really never leaves you alone. I'm surprised he let you slip out today. Although I see you must have come out in hurry."
Now Moraine laughed a little laugh. Those were her travelling clothes. Ones she has come down already to a state of comfortable pliable softness. She wouldn't have exchanged them for a royal garb. "We've been on the road for days and he deserves his rest."
"Is he your warder too?"
"Yes. I still don't know what you're looking for. Would save us both a lot of time for you to just ask."
"Does he... "Moraine had to look at her sister, as the unsure voice was a strange surprise. "Does he restrict you? Because if yes, there are ways to..."
"Thank you," Moraine was fast to counter. "He's just worried with everything..." her voice failed her for a moment there was little she really wanted to divulge.
"Oh, here are the ladies I was looking for!" Thom's voice was warm and light, She didn't feel him wake. He bowed a little before Anvaere but never let his eyes leave Moiraine. "What were you discussing, if I may ask?"
"I'm fine," she mouthed before he sat beside her and put his arm around hers.
"We were talking about taking a little morning hunt tomorrow. If you have nothing against it, of course."
#
Light, Anvaere was blunt as a hammer. No wonder she was never considered for the Sun Throne, Thom thought. At the same time he could feel Moiraine's small amusement. He knew by now she might have been annoyed, but not angry or afraid. He was still working on his understanding and adequate reading of the bond.
"A hunt?" he asked, realising they were both looking at him expectantly.
"You don't have to go!' Moiraine was fast to reassure. "We will be fine with several-" he didn't give her opportunity to finish.
"I will go with you. Just tell me when."
Relief and gratitude filled his torso-a warm, comforting feeling and he knew he made the right decision.