As they ate, rather than endure silence, Trevian talked. It was nothing of consequence, nor was there an expectation of conversation...although an opening here or there in his speech indicated that she was welcome, at any time, to share her opinion. His speech was soft, given over to a soothing rhythm as he told her about his family, choosing only those pieces that might be appropriate for a lady (because much of it wasn't) and addressing each member of his family with a humorous, somehow fable-like quality that made each seem a caricature of themselves...and, yet, at the same time, he spoke of them with a frank, good-natured honesty from the heart that indicated how tightly-knit the siblings were.
"...But you look tired," he appraised as he took away her empty plate and glass. "And I could talk until the end of days if I'm not stopped."
It was amazing how little talking, really, he did with most...and not because they were busy doing other things. He was far more accustomed to listening, frankly...but, somehow, he didn't think Valia wanted to do much talking right now.
"I've had a fire going in the bedroom. I should think the room is quite comfortable by now, if you'd like to go to bed." He had paused in front of her in a crouch, his expression locked in that same kind smile. "And, in the morning, with any luck, the rain will have stopped, and we'll have good weather for travelling."