There is a nearly infinitesimal release in the tension of her muscles when Nashua supports her so unquestioningly. A relief and a welling of tenderness for the man who would so willingly look past his fear and prejudice for her. She finally glances at him then, the love in her gaze unmistakeable even in the brief heartbeat of time before her features once more fix on them pair before them, expression shuttered.
Mazikeen seems to have little more to say to her, her attention moving as Gale’s had to Nashua. It is easy for Noel to slip into observation, and what she observes makes her uneasy.
When Bolder appears, Noel’s gaze jumps to him. Her heart thumps hard in her chest as she slides her gaze quickly over him, assessing him for injury. When she sees none, her relief is so profound that she nearly sighs, only barely restraining herself as her gaze flicks back to Gale.
She does not trust either of them, but the intensity in which Gale stares at Nash unsettles her. It is made clear in the flashing of his features, the shifting colors of his eyes. There is more that Gale wants from her chosen mate, and if the blackness of his wide grin is anything to judge by, it would not end with Nashua whole. Or perhaps even alive.
A shudder runs down her spine at the thought, and she steps forward instinctively. She moves between them, breaking the fixed stare with her body, wings flaring slightly. Her dark eyes settle on him, willing him to recognize her own steely resolve. She may not be a warrior, may not have trained to fight or deceive, but that does not mean she would stand by and do nothing either.
She does not fear the curse, nor does she fear death. Neither would ever hold any claim over her. Only the man standing behind her and the boy hanging above them can make any such claim here and now, and she would give them every fiber of her being without hesitation.
She says nothing to Gale however. If he is as clever as Nash believes, he would understand why she had put herself between them. Nash would too, though she knows he would not like it.
Instead she lifts her gaze to Bolder. “As they said, the choice is yours.” She offers him a small smile, wishing he were closer so she could wrap him in her embrace. So she could feel his heartbeat and know he is well. “I just want to know you are safe and happy.”
- noel
@Nashua