"While I live, I spend my strength; I will not let others fall if I can catch them." Life's lessons had taught 'if' was a word bigger than he was. Falling, too, was usually less literal, and individually defined. Colin's pain had been falling, even if it had meant living free. Obsidian had disavowed him to be rid of the foolishness. Laurelite did not call on it, and was remote- her net aand want was all in Metallia with no room for housecarls at her feet beyond the Sovereigns.
Nice to be simple for once. Just catching from a toss. He let go his grip once her feet and breath seemed steadied on the pave. Then his hands busied the moments between in unbuckling his epaulets, greatbelt, and dropping his scalemail longcoat to the fountain-ledge. He offered idle explanation to excuse them both allowing her to steady, " These lock the scale in place, and it gets in the way of grip. Maybe around my hips is a good place to lock your hold? I am not so far around there."
"As you are ready."
