Dariz is Full, and I Desire a Walk in the Dark Together

Ailwin’s words hung in the air, weighted with truth and unspoken history. It wasn’t often she found herself moved by such moments, but something about this night—this fleeting connection—stirred something deep inside her. You’re right, she said, her voice steady, but with a softness that barely masked the ache beneath it. Time has a way of slipping through our fingers, even when we try to hold onto it. She met his gaze, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile. But sometimes, the fleeting moments are the only ones that matter. And you, Ailwin, are worth every second of the ones we steal.

She was afraid, of how much intimacy passed between them in that moment, knowing, deeply knowing, that each of them were invested in their stolen moment in time. Right now, together, here, under the weight of the moons that hung high in the sky, framing their world with enough light. I feel like I can stop losing those grains between my fingers when you're with me. It was coming easier, now, that she imagined what she would write to him, instead of the worlds trying to die there on her tongue, confused and half formed. She imagined the quill in her brain, on a paper, writing them down. It was easier for her this way, words that were lost were suddenly found again.

I knew the moment I leaned down and returned your cane that you and I were alike when it came to conviction, Ailwin. We both understand it, are bound by it, and find freedom in it at the same time, but if you asked me right now to vanish off with you in the night, I think we'd both be happy for a time, but neither of us would fully be able to rest, not truly. You and I have things left to do, she paused, turning to face him now, her hand tugging their joined hands up between them, a reminder that he already had more of her than she had ever given to anyone else. And when we're done with that, we'll slip off together, in the night, to a little corner somewhere, content that we're made a difference, and are free to live out the rest of the life we're afforded. She lifted their joined hands further, and pressed a tender kiss to the bottom half of his thumb, a sealing of a promise.

There's a hammock in the tree line, with blankets, if you'd rather try to sleep out under the stars tonight. Less risk of someone sneaking up on us.

@Ailwin