Chapter 15: FRIH - 15
The following morning, sunlight filtered into the room, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. The village outside was silent except for birdsong and the creak of old beams. Ronan sat up, blinking away sleep. His hand instinctively went to the Hero's Sword beside his bed, brushing its leather grip. Caution was now second nature.
He quietly opened the door, his steps light, avoiding creaky floorboards. The house was hushed, the stillness of early dawn. He expected the living room empty, Frieren already studying. Instead, he found her sprawled on the floor, fast asleep in an ungainly position.
He paused, unsure whether to intervene. One leg was crooked, arms flung out, like a broken marionette. Drool glistened at the corner of her mouth. Ronan simply stared, a half-smile playing on his lips. Her usually neat hair was loose, several strands falling across her cheek, and her stomach was exposed.
She looked completely unguarded, a rare vulnerability. Ronan's gaze was drawn to her thick notebook on the table, her notes from the previous night. Even from a distance, he could see precise handwriting and intricate magical diagrams. She'd studied late into the night.
He approached with reverence, admiring her dedication. Her passion for magic was evident. This reminded him of someone from his past, that level of focus was rare. It was easy to forget how young she still seemed, despite her long lifespan.
He bent down, gently lifting Frieren to move her to the nearby sofa. She was lighter than he expected. He adjusted his grip carefully, trying not to disturb her. As he moved, she stirred.
A small wrinkle formed on her brow. Her shoulders moved, searching for comfort. Her arms twitched against his chest, and then,
"Mmm..." she murmured sleepily, her eyelids fluttering open. Her voice was soft, like a half-formed thought. She blinked, her pupils dilating. It took a moment for awareness to settle in her gaze.
Her vision was blurry, her mind clouded with sleep. But the moment her eyes focused on Ronan, her hazy brain seemed to freeze. She realized she was being held, her stomach exposed.