[Training] Like sand through the hourglass

The world's a little blurry,
or maybe it's my eyes,

The command in his single word made her pause, already back to her knee in the sand. When she glanced up, she was met with the sight and smell of charred skin. It didn't usually bother her, but she didn't usually see the work of her magic on a friend. "Shit. Hadama, I - I didn't mean - " The fight immediately left her, adrenaline sapping at her strength. It made her arms sag, all the bruises starting to ache in their wake. 

She shook her head, having difficulty looking at the Mer King as she rushed to apologize for her lack of control, "I'm sorry. I - uh - should have been more careful." Thal winced at the shame flooding in to replace the pains he healed without hesitation. It only made her guilt intensify. "Thanks..." The softness of her voice was uncharacteristic of her, something buried deep within to the uncertain girl hiding within. 

Finally moving to fully stand from the ground, she stepped forward cautiously, her hand raising subconsciously towards the wounds she'd caused, even if she had no power or skills to assist. "Are you...?" Okay?

the friends I've had to bury
they keep me up at night.

Thalassa

"Nor did I." It would be a few minutes before he could use his healing ability again, and his wounds were not entirely fixed, but the pain was manageable and his skin, though red and shiny with a fresh layer from the first round of mist, was no longer bleeding. "I should not have used my gravity spike on you." He inclined his head in apology as she did the same, emerald gaze softening at the distress in her voice and the wince of regret.

When she rose to join him he reached out as well, a slow movement, careful of the subtle flicker of someone younger and less hardened in her eyes. His hand brushed past her hesitant one, heedless of the frisson of pain at the brief contact over partially-healed burns, until he could rest it lightly on her shoulder, fingers curling around the narrow span of bone and muscle. Strong, but surprisingly fragile beneath the raw flesh of his palm. He squeezed it gently, offering reassurance and forgiveness. "I am." Or he would be, once he cast his healing magic again. "But I am ready to return to the Marauder now, if you are willing?"

The world's a little blurry,
or maybe it's my eyes,

Looking closer at the extent of his burnt skin, Thal didn't feel her actions were justified despite her own frustration and panic in the moment. She nodded her head in 'acceptance' of the apology, but she didn't really feel it necessary. Everything had come down to her own inability to separate pride, instincts, and sparring. Her head still hung as she repeated softly, "I'm sorry..."

Hadama's comforting hand made her feel like a small child beneath the weight of his forgiveness. She shrunk a little further, but a little color returned to her pale face when he assured her of his wellbeing, even if she still smelled the cooking of his skin. Latching onto the focus of purpose, Thal turned away, trying to build up the confidence that had fallen away. "Of course. We should get you out of the heat." Perhaps it would help with the pain she knew he was in and help her work to amend her mistake. 

[FIN]

the friends I've had to bury
they keep me up at night.

Thalassa