Aer had been busy after that shocking night conversation.
Yre have to admit that it occupies most of her thoughts now. As if she temporarily pauses grief for Nia's loss. She remembered how to imagine things again, she can't shake the image of her with Aer in Aseb in her mind.
The two of them together doing "earthly" things in Aseb...
She shook her head and ran again for the fifth lap. Physical tiredness helps her mind rest and have dreamless sleep. She is also exploring Pita now, she realized that the place is actually big.
"Oh and that's my soulmate, the Warrior Yre. She's also here to heal and recuperate..."
She briefly heard Aer's voice when she ran past them. He's pointing at her as if she is some attraction here in Pita. Looks like he's touring a new batch of "wounded Warriors" patients slash clients. They are accompanied by another Elder Healer.
As soon as she came back to her room, Aer just appeared in front of her.
"I am not sure but I don't think you Healers should be allowed to just teleport yourself here inside our room, our personal space?"
Yre told Aer, slightly annoyed.
Aer grinned.
"Actually, we are not allowed to do so except during emergencies. But I am allowed to be here anytime since we are soulmates so..."
He answered, shrugging off his shoulders. Yre rolled her eyes.
"Oh I'm getting tired of these so-called soulmate privileges', Aer. And I am certain that I also have a voice in this. I am not obliged to perform the imaginary soulmate duties, you know?"
Aer looked hurt that Yre wanted to take back what she said but he was also quick to hide his pain. He smiled, fakely.
"You are right, Yre. Consent it is. I apologize, maybe I am just still too thrilled to have you here that I forgot that this is a two-way thing. With that being said, can I invite you for a stroll tonight? I want to show you something..."
Aer looked so hopeful that Yre didn't have the heart to hurt him again. Which is quite weird as Warrior like her is already hard enough for this kind of emotions and consideration.
"Sure, Aer. And I would appreciate it if you can just knock on my door instead of just appearing here in front of me randomly..."
Aer finally smiled, for real. Yre can't help but smile back, realizing that maybe, she also missed his company.
"Very well! I will surely knock later. See you, Yre!"
He winked and disappeared.
—-----------------------------
"This is such a beautiful place, Aer!"
Yre still can't help but stare at the Middle in awe. Aer said that they are in one of the Middle view decks here in Pita. The planets, realms, stars, camps, dimensions, everything look so small yet so bright here. If her calculation is right, she estimates that Pita is located somewhere in the upper corner of the Middle.
"I am glad you like it! This is my favorite place here in Pita. I call it the reminder area..."
"Reminder area?"
"Yes. Whenever I am here, I am reminded of what darkness or void looks like. It is one of the things that Warriors have to deal with and heal from here in Pita. You know that we don't have night here and it is hard to heal souls when you don't have an idea of their despair..."
Yre was speechless and in awe. Maybe Aer is a young soul but he is a wise and deep one. She is starting to understand why they are soulmates.
"That is such a nice thing to know, you have a noble role and purpose Aer! Thank you for sharing that with me. I just realized something..."
Yre felt Aer looking at her. She continued to stare at the view of the vast Middle in front of them.
"I refused ascension because somewhere in my lifetimes, I have finally learned wholeness. To appreciate that the absence of one means the presence of the other. Like light and darkness. In higher realms, there is finally pure bliss and eternal perfection. I guess I am not yet ready for that. That's why I am still here in the Middle..."
"Or maybe..."
Yre looked at Aer. He is staring at her intently.
"You stayed here because there is still something lacking within you. And that's me, your soulmate who's finally here..."
Aer grinned playfully.
Yre don't know if she will laugh or roll her eyes so she did both, Aer laughed too. His face is red maybe from the shame of uttering that joke.
"I will finish my one month stay here, Aer. To also give you time to reflect if you are really coming with me in Aseb. I honestly don't know if there will be a life for you in Aseb, you can't be a Warrior there..."
Aer smiled.
"Thank you for considering me, Yre. I am sure of leaving Pita to be with you in Aseb. Let's figure out those things once we get there. If you may, I hope we can make great memories here in Pita while we are still here..."
Yre smiled. Memories. Such an earthly thing to say.
Aer opened his picnic box, there were a lot of foods and drinks. Yre raised her eyebrow.
"Are you planning to advocate gluttony here, you Earthling? That's a lot of food!"
Aer laughed again and fed her roast beef sandwich. It reminded her of a certain restaurant on Earth.
"I don't know about you, Yre but I believe that the Source sent you here mainly for us to finally meet. I feel like I am an integral part of your healing journey, so I will do my best and just hope not to let you down..."
Yre smiled warmly. She was touched and felt the need to reciprocate. She knows that this is their soulmate bond speaking.
"Hmmm you have a good point, Aer. But I still don't think that I refused ascension just because I was waiting for you unconsciously..."
Yre teased and it is really heartwarming to hear Aer's laughter. It's been so long that she felt it but right now, at this moment, there is nothing she feels but gratefulness.
Gratitude to meet and spend time with her soulmate, Aer.
