Human Edge

Colette moved closer to Bruun as the cold had slapped them after exiting the saloon. The streets seem to be quiet and not very busy. Colette looked up at the man. "Hot Chocolat..." she giggled.

After Colette pushes closer, Bruun turns so his back is to the wind and she's sheltered. It's still quite cold, but wth their size difference he makes an excellent windbreak at least.

He smiles looking at her. "I reckon your giggle is about the sweetest sound I ever heard," he says softly.

She looked up at him and just closed her eyes. "Mamy people have said that to me." She probably remembered some failed relationship. She wasn't sad just nostalgic.

Bruun, looks at her seriously, though perhaps she misses it while her eyes are closed.

"You're so impressive," he says quietly but with conviction, "that I ain't surprised." Ever so gently, he lets go of her hand and raises his arms to hug her. It's a slow movement, giving her a chance to pull away if she needs to.

The warm embraced is most welcomed. "I am not really zat impressive Bruun. Je suis... Colette. I am not rugged by war... I know stories and want to make ze world better for zose who I know have had it worse zan me." She moved her arms around his waist hugging the taller man. She placed her head on his chest.

Bruun is happy to maintain the embrace, and his heart flutters a little as her head touches his chest.

The man sighs. "You are more impressive than you realize," he says without hesitation. "And being made for war is nothing to aspire to," he says grimly. "Wars are only worth fighting to keep people like you safe. Warriors do terrible things sometimes, and unless we are protecting good people, there is no excuse for it." The honest words all come out before Bruun realizes it may be too much, too soon, and he freezes after speaking, fearing what she might say in response.

He may notice her aroma was vanilla cake. "Bruun... I know... grandpapa always said to me only kill in self defense. Defend the things that you love." The girl smiled. "Your people are starting to be in zat circle."

Even through Colette's intoxicating scent, Bruun takes the hint that she's tougher than he knew. "Sounds like I would like your grandpa very much. But for mercenaries it's... not so nice. The job that pays is not always protecting the nice Echo people." He sighs and looks into her beautiful smile. "I would do anything in my power to keep you away from fighting."

"Yeah...he was a great man. He told me stories. Monsieur Bates reminds me of him... you know." She chuckled. "Please, Bruun don't worry about me. I really don't want you to risk your life for me that way."

A chuckle rumbles out of Bruun.

"Well, for at least a while longer I get to say I'm 'just doing my job,'" he says with a grin. Then, voice quiet, "But that's not the reason." He sighs. "But, since you asked, I will try not to worry." He smiles, but it's clear that he feels this is a big concession.