In spite of all that had happened, Mina appeared overwhelmingly positive on the forefront. Her smile was broad, posture left open and as welcoming as it possibly could in that moment. In a silent movement, the slightest gesture, Clockwork’s eyes flickered over to her guardian before sweeping back to their original positioning.
“It would be my pleasure to help, Ms. Mina.” Bone white fingers folded themselves neatly about the handle of the spoon, securing it in place as the child stepped forward to stir the pot. Upon doing, however, she seemed to realize that it was quite a reach, and instead paused in her efforts to retrieve the stepping stool from across the room. While Clockwork attempted to try and gain the height that her years left her without, Soren found himself answering what remarks had been left in the air- starting with Mina’s reply.
“I’m glad.” His own warm, polite smile was provided in return, although it didn’t quite hide the concern that lingered in his eyes. “I know how...stressful things have been lately, so it’s good that you’ve been doing well.” Soren was quiet for a few moments, hand lightly scratching at his shoulder as he watched Clockwork stir, but it was with the doctor’s next comment that his attention was brought back.
“You really don’t need to worry about interrupting us,” he replied. “We just came here so we could help prepare breakfast, that’s all- if anything, we should be the ones apologizing for the interruption.” His mouth quirked ever-so-slightly at Mina’s obvious avoidance of recent events, but he chose not to comment on it- instead smiling once again and folding his hands behind his back.
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Mina,” he said. “I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.” At least, Spire would, at any rate. Soren had noted the amount of food left untouched by Helena, little more than mouse nibbles here and there. She had been eating some of the desserts that he had baked as of late, but it wasn’t exactly what a growing girl needed.
It was at this point that Clockwork had decided to chime into the conversation once more, having been apparently distracted by the oatmeal. Her wrist continued in its deliberate movements, circling the pot in a steady loop, and dark purples remained on the pot, but her words were still very obviously directed towards Mina.
“Someone brought back a sack of apples from the last raid. Granny Smiths. If we slice them, and add them in with a bit of cinnamon, Helena might enjoy it.” It was partially from her own experiences that she made this suggestion- while oatmeal was certainly a staple of breakfasts, it wasn’t exactly the most flavorful dish out there, and Hel appeared to have more of a sweet tooth than not. A simple suggestion, a quiet commentary.
Although Clockwork had made her own additions to the conversation, it was Soren who picked up the exchange when the girl fell silent once again. “There’s no need to thank us. We’re just doing what we can for everything else- making a few meals here and there is hardly worth any real attention.” In a single movement, his hand had lifted to rub yet again at his shoulder blade. Small, linear flicks here and there. “If you’d like, I could see if I can ask Percival to get more powder for our supplies. I wouldn’t want resources to fall low just because of us.”
It was a simple, affable stream of chitchat, but far better than lingering on any of the less...desirable topics. Mina’s demeanor told that well enough than any words possibly could.