[SE] it wasn't because I didn't know enough

She bows to no one.

Maea's begrudging acceptance of the tea felt like time had been released. If she was any less stubborn, she might have let her eyes water, but their relationship wasn't there yet. Instead, Thal let the relief loosen the tightness in her chest. A liberating breath entered her lungs, bringing a lightness back to her body. Darkness still clung to her mind yet the physical struggles lessened exponentially. The evidence still lingered in the ache of her body, but the clouded disassociation with her surroundings seemed to release its hold.

That single word broke the silence between them. Thal wasn't surprised by it, but it hurt all the same. She hadn't asked to be Maea's sparring partner. She'd only stayed out of pity and an unlikely understanding of her situation. No one should be alone. All the same, the insult struck deep.

A thin-lipped, sad smile was forced onto her face, laced with pain and regret. "I know." Not wanting to break the spell or push Maea away, she accepted the blame. If it was any other day or any other person, she would throw back choice words of her own, but she feared that would only push her deeper into isolation. Maea didn't need anymore harsh words.

Now that she had accepted the tea and recovered her voice, Thal stood and turned to Maea. Her hand extended out to the woman. There was no judgement or pity in her face. There were no emotions other than companionship. They had been trapped in this space for hours now, perseverating in their suffering. It was time they moved on. A good night's rest would probably do them both some good and a soft bed was the only thought in her mind.

Thalassa

Maea

I feel it in the wind, my dear
The sun is gonna reappear

The sharp look finally thrown Thalassa's way was unreadable, though it could be argued that it spoke volumes that Maea looked at her at all. Similarly, the outstretched hand received a long stare as full of conflict as the first. But after a drawn out moment the pale woman sighed and took it, allowing herself to be pulled to her feet.

Moving stiffly, she gathered up her belongings. Pulling the shawl snug around her shoulders and snuffing the candles without a backwards glance, she tucked the bundled blanket beneath an arm and shuffled towards the door.

"Good night." There was a long pause, pregnant with the hard words that passed between them. But then Maea's shoulders heaved in a quiet sigh. "Thank you."

With a final nod at the woman, she hurried up the stairs and ducked out into the rainy night.


{FIN}

Good days are gonna come along
Hold on, hold on!