He comes back with some wood and paper to start the fire, but Ciri starts apologizing again. When in fact it was him who wronged her. Well, kinda. The intentions were good, but the outcome was less than amazing. Daniel sighs and drops it off in fireplace before coming to Ciri to comfort her.
"Ciri, you took a loaf of bread so you don't die of hunger. Doesn't really fit into my definition of stealing." He sits down next to Ciri and pulls her into a hug. "It's okay. Yes, you didn't think it through, but last days were difficult and an emotional rollercoaster. Don't be so hard on yourself. I understand why you did it, though you do deserve a trip over my knee. Now, wait for a bit, I'll be right back." The fact is, he doesn't feel great after this slog through the mud and rain early in the morning. He's not eighteen anymore, and his body doesn't like this kind of treatment. He might be in good shape in regards to physical strength, but he's certainly not used to spending his mornings in the cold rain. So he leaves Ciri on the sofa while he goes to start a fire to warm his old bones. But with the roaring flame, the room suddenly looks much more comfortable and homely. He grabs some snacks as comfort food and comes back.
"See? Much nicer." Daniel smiles and drops back on the couch. The room is warming up, finally. "I'm just glad you're alright, really. Please don't do this again. Or at least pick a warmer day. And preferably without rain." He shivers a bit. Daniel's not a big fan of spring. It just rains all the time and it's cold and muddy.
"Now, what to do with you." His tone and whole body language says there is probably going to be some punishment, but it's not going to be particularly harsh. Probably more for her own conscience than because of some particular feeling of being wronged on his side. "I don't mind the book throw yesterday, though I could do without it in future. You have painfully good aim. Still, I deserved that one. And I understand why you ran away, but you could have died. It's concentrated misery out there and you wouldn't be first to die that way. Also, you scared me...like, for real. I don't mind you hate me because I didn't tell you about the whole thing with the books, but I would much more prefer if you hated me somewhere safe and warm." Daniel relaxes, the fire is starting to warm him and it's feeling pleasant. He could ground her, but he also knows Ciri is the kind of person where this causes more problems than it solves.
"So it'll be a trip over my knee for you, young lady." Daniel says, as he reaches out to grab Ciri, and firmly, but gently pulls her over his lap.
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