Again, Kell fell down the mineshaft of what-ifs, the walkbacks, the second-guessing. If only he'd been stronger. If only he'd asked more questions. If only he'd been more aware, hadn't accepted the idea that she was dead simply because she was silent.
It wasn't fair, of course; the path Kell and Rhy had taken had allowed them to save countless lives in the attack, and to ensure the freedom of all the prisoners even if it had come with costly delay.
But for too many, they hadn't come soon enough.
Now was far from the time for regrets, for revisiting old guilt. Now, there was nothing to be done. But with the wounds still fresh, he appreciated the way Neria leaned into him. Her warmth against his side was more than just a reassurance, and her admission was no small comfort.
"And you," Kell said softly, his voice faltering at the edges, faintly overwhelmed. He gave her a squeeze, then shifted on the bed, downing the last of his tea.
no subject
Again, Kell fell down the mineshaft of what-ifs, the walkbacks, the second-guessing. If only he'd been stronger. If only he'd asked more questions. If only he'd been more aware, hadn't accepted the idea that she was dead simply because she was silent.
It wasn't fair, of course; the path Kell and Rhy had taken had allowed them to save countless lives in the attack, and to ensure the freedom of all the prisoners even if it had come with costly delay.
But for too many, they hadn't come soon enough.
Now was far from the time for regrets, for revisiting old guilt. Now, there was nothing to be done. But with the wounds still fresh, he appreciated the way Neria leaned into him. Her warmth against his side was more than just a reassurance, and her admission was no small comfort.
"And you," Kell said softly, his voice faltering at the edges, faintly overwhelmed. He gave her a squeeze, then shifted on the bed, downing the last of his tea.
"... we should try to sleep."