Alex didn’t mind the silence after he finished speaking to Soran for to him it was a companionable silence. When Soran finally did respond Alex listened quietly paying close attention to all he said.
“Humm...I have not had much experience with love yet or had many whom I’ve loved. However, I do know that my father and mother loved each other very much and very deeply. I don’t ever recall either of them saying anything about loosing their freedom to love the other. So to me it would seem that a person who is in love with another would still have their freedom.”
Alex paused trying to decide what all he should say or if he should even say anything else. He smiled at Soran then spoke again.
“I don’t think you were dumb for falling in love with Rowan. He seems to have fairly good sense for the most part. And he seems to be quite capable of taking care of himself and others as well. He also seems to care. Why he even sang for you when someone else might not have.”
Paused and grinned at Soran.
“His singing voice is quite pleasant. And well, since I don’t look for this and it might be hard for me to tell umm he is good looking too right? He’s someone most people, both women and men, might find attractive yes? He also seems to know what to do with someone who is interested in him or whom he would like to become interested...yes?”
Paused and glanced at Soran wondering how he was taking his comments. “So if all this is the case then I don’t find any fault with you for falling in love with Rowan. Especially if he has treated you well up to now.”
Another pause in which Alex sensed it might be close to time to leave. “Umm...I don’t mean to judge but could it be possible that you may have been expecting a little too much from Rowan and he may not have been ready or fully prepared to give all you were expecting? And or could it be that you weren’t quite sure what to expect from him?”
He paused to give Soran time to think about that then spoke again. “If you truly care for Rowan perhaps it would be a good idea to give what happened more serious thought and speak with him again and try to find out how much you really care for each other and if you both really want to start a serious relationship. I’d better go and let you be now. My offer of a place to sleep will remain open should you decide to accept it. And should you wish to talk with me further I’ll stop whatever I’m doing and listen.”
Alex moved to stand and when Soran grabbed his arm he paused and looked at him, listening. Alex placed a warm, hopefully comforting hand over Soran’s and gave him a charming smile. “Thank you, Soran. I’ll remember that.” Alex studied Soran for a moment longer and when he released his arm he picked up the mug then stood. “You should try to eat something Soran, it may help you feel better.”
And with that, Alex turned and headed back to the clearing. He was almost to it when he saw Eremis, Cas and Xue gathered together up ahead. He heard Eremis comments about the where abouts of Soran and Rowan and was about to approach them when he saw Rowan ride up pulling Demon behind him with Jeremy riding him. Now why are Rowan and Jeremy on horseback? Curious he remained where he was, quietly listening to the ensuing conversation and seeing some of the expressions, finding it all very interesting.
When Rowan left heading for the barn, Alex moved out of the trees toward Eremis, Cas, Xue and Jeremy. “Good evening.” He looked up at Jeremy. “Umm, Jeremy, are you going somewhere? I was going to take Darlanta up on her offer of supper and then give you your first archery lesson. That is if you still want to learn.” His gaze swept over the others. “If the rest of you would like to learn archery along with Jeremy, if he’s still interested that is, then I’ll teach you along with him. While you all think about it why don’t we go get something to eat...unless all of you have eaten already. If so I’ll eat and then set up some targets.”
Alex remained by them waiting for a response from Jeremy or from anyone else present.
