Until You Put Me Down

With both of them set on digging the holes together, the task didn’t take as long and wasn’t as challenging as it might have been otherwise. Again it was a case of something he could have done himself, but was made significantly better by Aranea’s presence and assistance. He wasn’t able to really put as much force into the work as he might have normally - not with his still healing injuries holding him back. The wounds on his side protested the most as he stood over the shovel to press down on to it again and again. He wouldn’t stop though. He was too determined to complete the task at hand so he could finally feel that he was being productive with his time.

However, as they finished the second hole, he had absolutely no objections to taking a break. Even though the healing injuries didn't hurt that badly, it still made him tire out more quickly than he would normally. He knew it must be the same for Aranea so he didn't question her on the decision - instead nodding in agreement and grinning a little when she took the shovel from him. He followed her over to where she would eventually settle near the castle's wall and eased down onto his stomach beside her with a sigh. He enjoyed the hard work. It kept his mind from thinking too deeply about the things that bothered him and helped him feel like there was a tangible thing he was able to contribute to those he cared about. It made sitting still and resting so he could heal quite difficult. The only thing that made any of it better was having Aranea around that could help him work on things at this new pace or just keep him company whenever he did need to be forced to rest.

There was a comfortable silence for a few moments as they laid there, his silver gaze drifting from her to the work they had done so far and back again, before she spoke what was on her mind. She brought up the night that had put them in this state to begin with, mentioning the huge wolf that he had sent skidding over the edge of the cliff to its doom. He knew all too well that if luck hadn't been on his side it very well could have been the other way around neither of them would be laying here now. It was something he had thought about as they were getting patched up and fairly often in the days that followed. "And I was afraid that I hadn't gotten to you in time," he replied softly after a moment, leaning over to press his nose to her cheek. The image of her laying still on the ledge still haunted him even though she was here, alive and well. "Please don't go climbing any more icy cliffs for herbs," he requested with a smile, half serious and half joking as he hoped to bring a bit of humor to the otherwise dark moment. "No leaf is worth all that trouble."

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