#( “pffftt vil's not gonna kill you! probably!! maybe!!! let's bet for no!!!!” )

[vanbredevoort]

She raised an eyebrow while flashbacks of her youth plagued her mind. He was stubborn and difficult to read, and those two traits usually meant she had no way of knowing what would happen next. It was unsettling— and nostalgic. She had been in a similar spot when she was his lover.

“Why wouldn’t it go well? Are you planning on picking up a fight with my husband? I’m wounded— here I am trying to save your life, and you are always too willing to put it at risk”, she said, tilting her head to the side as she spoke in her usual whispers, “Rand, my husband would torch this continent to the ground for me if were to ask. He would find a way to move planets and kill gods if it pleased me. He would shatter a mountain if I mentioned it ruined the view from my window. So yes, he’s not going to kick you out as soon as he hears you’ve seen me naked, if that’s your fear. Although I would recommend not bringing it up at all— that could potentially be your end and then the mage hunters would be the least of your problems, believe me.”

Her eyebrow rose again as she saw how he clenched his jaw. Lydia knew it was not going to be an easy fit to convince him to hide, it was not in his nature in neither of those cases - hiding and being easy to convince - but she didn't foresee how nervous it would make her feel. Her hands started to tremble.

“I spent most of my life trying to bring peace into the continent without conflict, without violence. To keep blood from being shed. So much that at the end I spelt MINE over a hallway so others would have a chance to do things right. You’re going to stain the ground with yours just because you’re tired of running away? I’m above trying to save the world again, I’m above sacrifice, but I’m not above suffering because of death! Your death!”, with a few deep breaths she coerced herself into relaxation, and spoke in a much calmer tone, “I’m not planning on forcing you to come. I would not have put my own anonymity in jeopardy if I didn’t know I had it in me to convince you, but the choice is ultimately yours. I suggest that you do take it into careful consideration—The place is safe, Rand. I should be dead, and if you heard that, you probably also heard the context. That I died during the coup of Thanedd, protecting the president of the chapter, Vilgefortz, who is an enemy to the northern kingdoms and the great empire— I offer a safe place that already houses two wanted criminals. And it’s a big house. You can do the rest of the math by yourself”

The very effort of feeling her against his palm had been near dizzying. She was alive and the very thought of it was making him stumble on his own thoughts. How was she still alive? After everything? He had mourned her, had thought that he would never that part of himself. It mattered little that they had parted long before she had been taken he had felt every single effects as though she had been at his side for the entire time. Her words and knowing that she meant them all made him soften towards her. Soften his resolve entirely. She really did care whether or not he died and if he was being hunted. However he couldn't let himself falter, could he? He had made his decision and it would have to stick. Yet that pleading tone of her voice made him rethink those decisions. Here he thought that he had a stubborn streak to outdo all others. That smile that she wore either eased him or unsettled him. Something told him that he was certain she was going to get her way. Did she always? He wanted to be able to say that she wouldn't get her way with him. He had a stronger will than that - didn't he? He supposed not. His shoulders slumped but then he felt his curiosity perk up - was that jealousy? His jaw tensed and he tried to make his gaze lighten while he looked across at her. He hoped that she didn't catch that look. He didn't need to bring anything of that up. The past should stay right where it belonged. "Are you going to keep me right here until I agree?" He questioned as he leaned forward on the table, clasping his hands together while looking deeply into her eyes. Something about her eyes always upended him. He couldn't very well tell him that now, he understood that much. "And is your husband really going to let me enter your home under your protection? I'm not sure how much of that is really going to go over too well, Lydia."