[ he holds his tongue, and offers tea and sympathy instead, returning to his chair and resting his hand on her back, below her neck. ]

As difficult as you would like, child, and not a measure more or less.

[ do not give him this authority, beleth.

he sets his cup down on the side table, making sure there's a coaster under it, and then crosses his legs neatly, still leaning just-so to keep his hand on her back. comforting. solid. ]

Someone will look at you as though you are the stars themself. You deserve nothing less, and they will not ask that you reshape yourself to fit them.