“Well, it’s not like I plan on going anywhere at present.” He quips the words, trying to get back to that comfortable level of lighthearted humor. He stretches out on his back beside Jesper, head tipped up so he can watch his face from how he’s propped up over him. This… it’s comfortable, too. If in a different way.

He listens as Jesper explains and can’t help but think this is the sort of tale Ingrid would have loved to hear. Ashe, too, he’d wager. It does sound like one of the epic tales of love that ends up remembered through time. Hated enemies who fell in love instead.

Even if they hadn’t gotten a happy ending. Not as they should have. Real life rarely ended the same way the stories did. “Is she here? Your friend, Nina?” His voice is soft as he asks it, chewing on his lower lip.