They remained by the river for a while longer.
Khione eventually released herself from Nero's embrace and moved toward the shallower bank, where she sat on a smooth stone and allowed the water to flow around her feet.
Nero joined her.
They watched the current move between the rocks, occasionally disturbing the reflections of the trees overhead.
There was no need to fill the silence.
Khione leaned against his shoulder.
Nero rested his cheek lightly against the top of her head.
They had always been comfortable this way.
Neither was particularly talkative, and neither felt compelled to manufacture conversations simply because they were together. Their silence wasn't awkward. It didn't demand an explanation or an attempt to make the moment more interesting.
It was simply theirs.
After some time, Nero stood and held out his hand.
Khione accepted it.
They returned to the riverbank and retrieved their shoes before finding a suitable place to prepare dinner.
