With this, I realized once again that 'slow burn' is literally my cup of tea; The excitement and contentment that tingles in you by the little simple moments is unique to this, in a way that you will never find in others.
Like here, in stories where you can't find scenes where ML&FL stands side by side at any moment, every encounter you hardly get will draw you in with your whole being. From the very beginning... When you know that nothing will develop fast, you start collecting every little crumb from the very first moment. You scan every expression of interest and emotion on their face and demeanor regarding the other.. In here, it starts from ML's interaction with FL's outstretched hand from the carriage.
In general, in a slow burn story, one side falls earlier and it takes time for the other to realize him/her, their hearts to align. That's why we come to the more exciting part when who first to fall is clear. Once you are sure of the love and affection of either of them (here this is ML), your focus turns to the other. When will she realize him, when will she start thinking about him?? Every little inclination and thought she develops towards him has an effect that more flashy scenes can't leave. e.g; It is invaluable that FL to remember ML's advice when riding horse where she was supposed to lead the convoy. Or remembers the scene he holding her hand and pulling her lightly to himself when she got into his carriage and saw the arrow she pulled out of his wound. Her thoughtfulness at home after their farewell at ep 19 and that sense of wonder if a flashback will come there..
Any minor and major event that makes them interact physically or mentally..
Tiny coincidences, encounters here and there..
Eyes meeting for a few seconds.. Their names that come side by side somehow..
Any simple gossip about one's identity, background, looks or success in the presence of the other...
With baby steps.. the bond that formed between them by the inconspicuous colorless threads that slowly and silently bind and entwined together...
Any faint-subtle interaction that you would never care about in the anything else becomes valuable and alive for you. Even if it is a scene that someone who comes near you while watching will never find important and interesting and maybe just where they stand face to face from afar... For you, the meaning of that scene is completely different. It is possible to watch such a scene over and over again. Because you keep looking for crumbs of interest/emotion/affection in their faces, movements and most of all in their gazes. That's why you watch the scenes of them at least three times most of the time. In the first; Read the subtitle. Second, watch the scene with an overview. Third, focus on micro expressions, gaze intensity, and body language. And when you get something tangible on the third, you rewatch a few more times just to be sure and enjoy it. Even in the simple and tiny scenes of the two, that tingling anticipation and excitement about any possibility that will bring them physically or emotionally closer is always hanging there, even if it is very small.
Not for those who like speedy and tangible things.
Only those who love the serenity and deep bonds in slowness will see the beauty in this.
