Ah, indeed. The Fool doesn't intend to read Devin's expressions like an open book, but his impish smile spreads just a fraction as he discerns at least some of the thoughts going through that analytical mind. Then, "Beloved," Devin says softly, and though the Fool cherishes his candour, he cannot help but flinch.
(It is too soon. Will it always be too soon?)
He takes a breath and lets his fingers settle against Devin's chest, eyes following the path they trace over his shirt. "Yes," he says almost absently, "I was loved dearly, for a time." And as with so many things, there exists significance in what he doesn't say, as much as in what he does--he was loved, until he wasn't, and somehow through the process that followed he came to be known as the Fool. Somehow, he carried that title with him into Aifaran, and hasn't let go of it.
"Not yet," he decides quietly. Then, anticipating guilt or an apology, he insists in a gentle voice, "You did nothing wrong. 'Fool' shall suffice for now--and you cannot deny that it is an apt name for me." This he adds rather dryly, recalling his every foolish choice and action since his arrival here.
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(It is too soon. Will it always be too soon?)
He takes a breath and lets his fingers settle against Devin's chest, eyes following the path they trace over his shirt. "Yes," he says almost absently, "I was loved dearly, for a time." And as with so many things, there exists significance in what he doesn't say, as much as in what he does--he was loved, until he wasn't, and somehow through the process that followed he came to be known as the Fool. Somehow, he carried that title with him into Aifaran, and hasn't let go of it.
"Not yet," he decides quietly. Then, anticipating guilt or an apology, he insists in a gentle voice, "You did nothing wrong. 'Fool' shall suffice for now--and you cannot deny that it is an apt name for me." This he adds rather dryly, recalling his every foolish choice and action since his arrival here.