hold my hand

lily from what i’ve tasted of desire i hold with those who favor fire The younger woman’s enthusiasm for Lily’s self-declared challenge takes the entertainer off-guard for a moment. Not enough to make her step back, but enough to make her pause, blink in surprise, and then break into a wide smile tinged with disbelief. Awesome?! “If you say so…” For her, it’s all about proving something to herself, about being able to move forward in this world and shedding part of the old Lily who would rather burn herself on a hot pot than stare into the foggy abyss, knowing there’s nothing underneath her feet if she steps too far. But there is strength in numbers, and strength in Melita’s bones; she radiates youthful naivete in the way that young men often do when think they’re indestructible and everything is a challenge to be overcome. Except that it’s not testosterone fueled and it isn’t brash. It’s kind. At least, this offer is. And Lily is quite grateful. She exhales quietly in relief, not knowing she’d been holding her breath. And that smile grows wider (if possible), disbelief fading into gratitude. “I’d love it if you joined me,” she says before reaching her hand out to Melita, hoping that the warrior-to-be will take it and they can step on to the not-so-strong looking bridge together. Making sure Fangorn isn’t in the way, Lily prepares herself to take a step, looking at the straight path ahead of her and definitely not at the bridge or the vast expanses of emptiness on either side.