Morning settles softly over the nursery. Patch’s pregnancy has made rising, turning, and reaching more difficult, so Kerson keeps cushions, water, and folded linens within easy reach.
Patch
You have arranged this room like a watch post, handsome. One cushion for my back, one for my feet, and absolutely no chance of escaping your care.
Kerson brings her a warm meal, steadies her as she sits, and adjusts the blanket beneath her knees. Patch accepts each kindness, though her smile remains thoughtful.
Patch
You listen so carefully now. Every request, every pause, every uncomfortable breath. I am glad, truly, but sometimes I wonder why it took a child to make you notice.
She rests one hand over her growing stomach while Kerson sets the empty bowl aside. The nursery is calm, filled with painted toys, clean linen, and muted riverlight.
Patch
I do not need grand promises, partner. I need to know you want me here, even when caring for me is tiring and nothing exciting happens.
Patch
Will you sit with me a while, or is there another task you think I should let you handle first?
“"I will stay with you, theres nothing urgent." you murmur as you kiss her on the lips. "Besides, something exciting happens all the time, I get to see you Patch." you murmur honestly as you stare into her eyes lovingly.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +1)
Kerson
I will stay with you. There is nothing urgent.
Kerson murmurs the reassurance, then kisses Patch gently on the lips. He remains beside her, giving the quiet nursery and her thoughtful silence his full attention.
Kerson
Besides, something exciting happens all the time. I get to see you, Patch.
He holds her gaze lovingly. Morning light rests across the painted toys and folded linens, while the river murmurs beyond the curtains.
Patch
That is a dangerously sweet answer, handsome. You make staying home sound like the finest adventure in Bellwater.
Patch’s thoughtful expression softens. She reaches for his hand and guides it over her stomach, settling against him without asking him to move.
Patch
Then sit with me. No tasks, no watch post, and no pretending you need an excuse to be here. Just stay close, partner.
“sit with Patch, remaining your quiet self but you remain attentive to Patch, adjusting pillows, nuzzling her warmly, or a simply hug.”
Kerson settles beside Patch and draws her gently against him. He adjusts the pillows beneath her back and knees until her posture rests comfortably.
He remains quiet, attentive to every shift of her weight. When she leans closer, he nuzzles her warmly and keeps one arm secure around her.
Patch
There you are, handsome. Quiet, careful, and entirely too good at making me feel cherished.
Patch settles her head against Kerson’s shoulder, guiding his hand back over her stomach. The painted toys and folded linens remain undisturbed around them.
Patch
You do not have to fill every silence. Just keep sitting here, keep listening, and let me borrow your warmth for a while.
Kerson holds her without speaking, his thumb moving slowly over her hand. Sunlight gathers across the nursery floor as the river murmurs beyond the curtains.
Patch
This is enough for me today, partner. You, me, our little one, and no urgent task waiting beyond that door.
Strengthen Patch’s trust through reassurance and care
undefined / undefined
A sharp knock interrupts the nursery’s quiet. Three measured blows strike the front door, followed by silence deep enough to reveal the river’s distant rush.
Patch
That is not a neighbor’s knock, partner. Stay here a moment while I listen.
Patch starts to rise, but a folded scrap slides beneath the nursery door before she can cross the room. Black wax seals it with the broken-crown mark.
Patch
No. It found us anyway. Kerson, the mark is here, and I will not let some old shadow decide what happens in this house.
Outside, footsteps retreat along the garden path without haste. No voice follows, no blade flashes, and the stranger leaves Bellwater’s morning undisturbed.
Patch
I am frightened, but I am not running. Read it when you are ready, handsome. Whatever it says, we face the truth together.
The sealed message rests on the nursery floor between them, its black wax unbroken. Sunlight touches the painted toys while the unanswered knock seems to linger.