born for burning

Being charming in a foreign tongue can be a knife fight with nuance, but it seems that Viðarr has managed to navigate it fairly successfully. Sitting here, spending time with her... it's as if Viðarr is allowed to feel again. Really feel, in ways that he has a hard time putting into words. It's a comforting experience. For all of the plans, all of the beautiful things in their future, Viðarr allows himself to be in the moment with her as well. They could be both, he decided. They could do both. Anything to keep her by his side for a little longer, to delay her return to the south just a bit more. It's a selfish desire. They will have so much time soon but... well, Viðarr can be shortsighted. He's allowed himself that.

"I expect nothing less." The words come with an understated grin, a ration of warmth. Viðarr respects her. His heart gives a squeeze as she speaks of being a mother, of missing being a mother. It's by the same token that he longs for puppies of his own underfoot. The Stargazer children were so wonderful, so lovely. Only privately does his chest ache for his own. "I long for the day when I can raise my own," he muses, tone gentle despite the heavy weight to his words. Víðarr's gaze lingers on Tenshi's for a moment. He would only sort of try to conceal the idea that he was picturing what it would be like with her. Not really trying. Not really trying to hide that fact, but just enough to provide plausible deniability.

Excitement, adventure, all of the wonderful things. Víðarr's eyes seem to dance with it, flickering with life. He can't help it. All of the things Tenshi speaks about, they're all things that he himself longs for. The very reason he's setting out on this quest, as it's set before him by the gods themselves. Though she doesn't look Víðarr in the eye, he can see the smile on her lips. The shadow is enchanted, hanging on her every word as she speaks. Tenshi mentions meeting his sisters as well, something that he'd be sure to arrange. A colorful bunch, one he loved dearly... what would they think of her? Strong and capable, Víðarr had no doubts they'd approve. "You will meet them soon." A glimmer in his gaze. He was looking forward to it.

And her question, her gaze intense and brilliant on his. The glimmer that reflects his own, that's enough to make his heart beat a bit faster in his chest. "I am going to make my family and my gods proud." The words come with their own weight. "I will build something strong, fierce, and beautiful for them. Adventures, excitement, danger, all of it. It will be incredible." Incredible. A good word, one filled with promise and all the wonderful things.

"And I see you, by my side." It's not an afterthought, no. Instead a bit more softness enters his voice. Where moments before there had been conviction, a sort of divine spirit flooding his system, this is different. This is gentleness, tenderness from the viking. Maybe it's a hope. Maybe he's manifesting it. Víðarr can't hold the sentiment at bay, though. In whatever capacity she would join him, he's pleased to have Tenshi here.

"Viðarr"