Chapter Text
The Mage. Outlawed magic user. A surprisingly alive magic user. A mage who saved Arthur. And the one person they couldn't find in these godforsaken caves.
Turning a corner Mute practically ran over the one they sought. Never let it be said be careful of what you wish.
Mute blinked, their hand braced against the cave walls. Arthur definitely forgot to mention how pretty the Mage was. How pretty and female the Mage was.
In comparison the Mage didn't do much but stare blankly at Mute. Her dark eyes glinting in the sparse torch light.
Mute couldn't help but bite their lip. A shudder beginning along their scalp and moving down their spine to settle in their bones. Oh, they definitely knew why Arthur attempted to hide his obsession. The greedy bastard that he was.
Feeling their thoughts in order Mute shook out their left hand, as though that'll chase the lightning away. Their other hand lightly dragged down the cave wall. Their knees creaking under the strain of the crouch they found themselves in.
The entire time the Mage kept silent. Neither he form nor her eyes betraying her thoughts at Mute's intruding presence.
Finally at eye level Mute held out their hand. The unending gaze from the Mage made Mute feel bare, as though their entire being was nothing more than an easily breakable window.
With no hesitation nor wariness Mute felt a warm, dry, callused hand settled against theirs.
A soft intake Mute pressed their forehead against the warm slight fingers.
A shaky exhale and "thank you".
"Why do you thank me?"
Pretty face and a striking, drawing voice. Greedy bastard indeed.
"He will not say it, the stubborn ass he is. But you kept him alive where we would have failed. Thank you." Mute kept their voice safe, knowing it was futile to hide the timber of their voice to this being.
"Will you not thank the others?"
"They are here for you are here. Arthur is here because of you."