After locating the kitchen, Esme was slightly taken aback to find both Simon and Finnian already there. Simon initially stiffened at the unexpected entrance, but the tension melted from his frame when he realized it was just Esme.
A half-empty glass of water rested in his hand, while Finnian stood further down the corridor, his lean form propped against the wall with his hands casually tucked in his pockets.
"What are you two doing here?" Esme's curiosity compelled her to ask as she quietly approached the counter to set down the herbs she had gathered.
Finnian's eyes were heavy with drowsiness, and it was evident that Simon had coaxed him out of his room just for the sake of a late-night drink.
Esme reached for a nearby jug and filled it to the brim. She then extended it to Simon. "Here," she said with a gentle smile. "Keep this in your room so you won't have to step out every time you're thirsty at night, alright?"
