Elody had been so focused on keeping her emotions in check; so proud that her voice didn't choke with a sudden surge of grief. Her nerves hadn't frayed like a worn out rope, a rope so stretched that the few final fibers, which hadn't yet succumbed to the pain, clung to the hope that if they could<i>just</i>hang on a<i>bit longer</i>, the stress wouldn't break them. But then her eyes met his...<br/><br/>She had failed to notice him come closer. Or was it that she somehow didn't mind? The warmth of his hands radiated across her sides and along her back, and before she could utter a single word his lips were upon hers, strong arms enveloping her and drawing her in.<br/><br/>The shock caused her to inhale as the action nearly broke her heart. He wasn't James, but she didn't want him to be. Her mind reeled as Malcolm's hand cupped her cheek, his gaze holding hers.<br/><br/><i>He will stay and help, but after, if there even is an after?</i><br/><br/>The faint taste of coffee lingered with the memory of his beard along her lips and chin as she stood silently, unable to speak.<br/><br/>She had almost forgotten what it was like...<br/><br/>It was then the warmth in his eyes diminished, his gaze turning into the type of darkness she had seen on the porch earlier. And earlier still, how he had looked in front of the hearth.<br/><br/><i>What scars you bear now...<br/>
</i><br/>Just as the tips of her fingers pressed against the hand still holding her cheek, his gaze returned to hers, and the warmth was once again in his eyes. Several tears managed to escape down her cheeks as she swallowed, desperately searching for her voice. The sudden howl of wind and creaking of the front door announced Little John's return from the barn, and she was launched back into reality. Hastily picking up the buckets, she tried to focus.<br/><br/>"Right...the bath!"<br/><br/>She quickly finished filling the tub before moving out into the hall, trying not to fly about like a ruffled sparrow.<br/><br/>"Let me go get you that change of clothes and some soap. No need to rush. No doubt you'll want to enjoy it. Dinner will be waiting when you come out." The warm smile was back as she was soon off up the stairs. Thankfully, Little John had gone into his room to change. It gave her a chance to catch her breath without being seen.<br/><br/>She returned a few minutes later with a pair of long johns, trousers, and shirt, along with a bar of homemade soap and a washcloth. Setting them on a small stool beside the tub, she then moved back out into the hall, her eyes daring to meet his.<br/><br/>"If you need anything, just ask."<br/><br/>With that, she returned to the kitchen.<br/><br/>Crixus, master of surprises that he had been up until now, was sitting by the stove...tongue lolling out of his mouth while his tail flopped up and down excitedly. Elody knelt down beside him, reaching up to scratch behind his ears.<br/><br/>"I'm glad you're back, boy..if only for a little while."