small sylvari stopped. He looked unsure, as if he was having second thoughts. My, what has this kid been through? But Trip simply unlocked the door and calmly ushered him in.
“I’m afraid it’s a bit of a mess at the moment, but do come in.”
It truly was a mess, but Trip simply hadn’t had the time to finish his regular chores. The floors were swept, the windows cleaned, the kitchen and bathroom spotless, laundry folded and put away… but he forgot to dust! And where were the fresh flowers for the vase in the living room? And he hadn’t put that book he was reading away! And was that a coffee spill on the counter?! Deplorable! How absolutely embarrassing!
“It looks pretty clean t’me…” Mr. Zollun said timidly. He stood awkwardly in the doorway, scrutinizing Trip’s home with the curiosity and caution of a stray cat.
“Oh, you’re too kind.” Trip laughed, relieved. “But uh, come in! You can hang your coat there.”
He gestured to the coat hanger by the door, and Mr. Zollun reluctantly shook off his ratty coat and hung it. The coat wasn’t the only thing ratty about the boy’s attire, Trip realized. Under the coat was more torn clothes, covered in stains and cuts. In all honesty, he shouldn’t have been surprised. What a mess this poor boy was.
“I’m going to start dinner in a bit.” Trip said as he moved towards the kitchen. He was still wearing his work armour, but that could come off later. “Did you want to borrow the bath? It’s upstairs. First room on the right.”
“H-Huh?” Mr. Zollun had been examining Trip’s house plant in the foyer, his prized majesty palm. “But—”
“You can borrow my clothes too if you like, but they might be a bit big for you.”
The boy was quiet, fidgeting uncomfortably, and holding his arm in a nervous grip. He looked to the floor, seemingly embarrassed.
“…Okay.”
And he pattered off, past the kitchenette, past the couch in the living room, and up the creaky set of stairs to the bath.
*
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