[SE] Ignore all the burdens that you keep

Tryin' to wash away all the blood I've spilt
This lust is a burden that we both share

Mer he was not, and he was reminded of that fact as he slipped naked into the cold water. While he wasn’t as impacted as he imagined Maea would have been, Liam still shivered at the contrast between the warm air of the Climb and the chilled water of the pool. Grabbing the soap he hurriedly scrubbed at his skin, watching as bits of blood and grime sullied the otherwise crystalline pool. It was a shame, really, to wash in such a beautiful little place, but hopefully the water had some way to clear and would be as good as new the next time they visited.

Maea’s question broke the near-silence, giving Liam pause. Did she truly know him so well after such a short time? The soldier dunked his head under the water as he rinsed, pushing his hair out of his face as he resurfaced. Then he said, ”I’ll be alright.” Wading from the pool, he added, ”I was just - I thought I was going to lose you.” And he wasn’t sure he would survive that. Not ever again.

He toweled off quickly and pulled on some fresh clothes: a simple white t-shirt and comfortable pants. Then he padded barefoot over to Maea, his damp hair already curling. Taking a seat beside her, he held out his arms, inviting her into his embrace.

Two sinners can't atone from a lone prayer
Souls tied, intertwined by our pride and guilt

Liam