Through The Ashes

27

A week had passed since Jorn's collapse, and the camp continued to move at its normal pace. Jorn felt the difference immediately. The pain in her head had faded, and the fatigue that had once weighed her down like a lead blanket was slowly lifting.

Today, Mara insisted on taking her for a walk—"just a short one," she'd promised—around the camp to get her moving again. Jorn had never been happier.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the camp. The air was fresh after the morning rain, and the scent of damp earth filled Jorn's lungs as she walked slowly beside Mara. It was a relief to stand firm on her feet again, to stretch her muscles and not feel like they might give out beneath her.

"How's your head?" Mara asked, her gaze sharp as she glanced at Jorn.

"Better," Jorn replied with a small shrug. "No more dizzy spells, and I can think without feeling like my brain's about to split open."

"That's good to hear," Mara smiled, a real one that softened her whole face. "I've been worried."

"I know," Jorn replied, her voice quieter now. "I'm sorry."

Mara led her past the inventory section of camp, where supplies were stacked, and a few extra tents had been set up.

"You look like you're ready to get back into things," Mara commented, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"I feel ready," Jorn admitted. She stretched her arms overhead, feeling her muscles loosen. "It's been too long since I've done anything useful."

"You've done plenty," Mara said, giving her a pointed look. "You cleared the basement and managed to make it back in one day."

Jorn didn't respond right away. Part of her wanted to argue, but another part of her knew she was right. She turned to look at Mara. She studied Mara's face—tired, yes, but always unshakable, always there.

"I couldn't have gotten through this without you," Jorn said quietly, her voice almost lost to the wind. She meant it, more than she could put into words. Mara had been her anchor, pulling her back from the edge more times than she could count.

Mara's hand brushed lightly against Jorn's arm. "You would've made it, Jorn. You're stronger than you think."

"Maybe," Jorn replied, her voice softer now. "But it's... easier with you."

Mara smiled, the kind that made Jorn's stomach swirl in a way that wasn't unpleasant, and she gave a small, teasing shrug. "Well, lucky for you, I'm not going anywhere."

Jorn chuckled, feeling the last bit of tension leave her body.

"Come on," Mara said, nudging her gently. "Let's get you back before Del starts lecturing me for letting you out of the tent too soon."

When they finally stepped inside Jorn's tent, the soft flicker of the lantern cast long shadows against the canvas walls, the outside world disappearing as the flap closed behind them. Mara let out a small sigh, stretching her arms as if the short walk had worn her down, and Jorn watched her for a moment, her desire dawning on her.

"You should sit down," Mara said, her tone returning to its usual caring but insistent cadence. "You're still recovering, remember?"

Jorn nodded absentmindedly, but instead of sitting, she hesitated. Her gaze lingered on Mara—on the way her hair fell slightly into her face, on the soft curve of her lips as she bit back a yawn.

Without thinking, she took a step forward, her heart thudding in her chest. "Mara."

Mara turned, her eyes catching the intensity in Jorn's voice. She raised an eyebrow, concern flashing briefly in her hazel eyes. "What is it?"