fragile minds

She swallowed thickly and pressed her cheek into his palm when he cupped it. And I'm so proud of you. You've achieved so much in the time I've been gone. We should celebrate. It wasn't a suggestion. She'd find a way to make sure they both enjoyed their time spent together, even if it was only a few stolen moments. All too soon, the contact ended and she had to swallow a protest.

Just as she resisted that urge, Chip embraced her and she clung to him, burying her face into his shoulder. I'm glad you think so. Her words were muffled against his skin and, soon, she began to nuzzle her cheek against his neck. I-... I would be honored to help in whatever way I am able. It was an honor to be trusted in such a fashion, and she appreciated the faith he'd placed in her, even after all these years. Since you insist... He'd always known how to get his way with her and, just as she'd gotten used to him holding her, he was pulling away again.

She sank silently to the sand, letting the silence stretch between them. I do. Stars were the only thing that kept me going when I was in Tevinter. I always hoped you and the others might be looking up at the same stars and that your lives were better than the one I was leading. It was my only claim to something that reminded me of home... Saying it out loud made her realize just how messy her time in Tevinter had truly been. While it had not been pleasant, it had been all she'd had for a while... Hope... Which was a fickle mistress at best.

She sagged against his side and closed her eyes again. ...I must be honest with you, and I pray you still look at me as you do now. My slaver wasn't the only one I killed. There was another and, while it was under duress, that isn't the part that troubles me most. I am now the hostess of a shard of Andruil... It sounded crazy, and if felt even crazier to say it aloud. How could someone as low as her be the hostess to a shard of Andruil?