The Survival of Two

Before

He watched the entrance of the cave as he ate, unsure whether he would prefer for Osha to return or leave him alone in the oppressive silence. He knew that when she did return, he would have to face her coldness, but he'd survived her scorn before. He would regain her favor as he had after their trip to Brendok—and he was willing to endure however many cold bowls of soup and cold shoulders it would take. He finished his soup and set the bowl beside Osha's. Deciding to get some rest, he wandered back towards his cot, extinguishing the lights nearby. He left a single glowing light by the table, hoping it would act as a sign of goodwill when Osha returned. He settled beneath his blankets, turning over to face the wall and letting his mind drift off to sleep.

Osha returned late that night, exhausted from her training. She snuck back into the cave, mindful of the darkened interior. She crept quietly to her bed, careful to avoid waking Qimir. Shutting off the light, she slid into her bed and drew the covers around her, eager to let the day fade away.

Qimir woke to the sound of labored breathing. He bolted upright, scanning the dark cave as his vision adjusted. Seeing Osha back in his bed, he hurried to her side. She'd thrown the covers off in her struggle, leaving them hanging from the corners of the bed like seaweed flung across the rocks that lined the shore. Her chest rose and fell with a shaky intensity that set Qimir's heart alight with concern. She hadn't had a nightmare in weeks, much less one so intense. He could see the frantic movement of her eyes behind her eyelids, made all the more frightening by the occasional jerking of a limb or her head. He sat on the edge of his bed, hovering his hand over her body, before settling it on the dip of her waist. He tenderly gripped her body, hoping he could still her shaking form. He took a deep breath, trying to reach out and dull her panic. He let a sense of calm wash through himself and into her, hoping it would be enough to stave off her nightmares. He reached down with his other hand and brushed her hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear in an absentminded caress. Like the many nights before, he smiled down at her as her breath normalized, relieved that he had been able to lessen her pain. All of a sudden, her eyes flashed open, and she recoiled at Qimir's touch. Her gaze flicked to the scattered blankets, as though she wished they were close enough to use as a shield against his proximity. The initial fear in her eyes faded to confusion as she looked down to observe his hand on her waist. Before her mouth could open to protest, Qimir silently pulled his hand away, preparing to return to his cot. As he stood, she caught his wrist, pulling him back.

"What did you do?"

"You were frightened. I wasn't going to leave you alone to suffer your fear."

"Oh," she said quietly, as if hearing the words he'd left unsaid, rather than his statement. "This has happened before, hasn't it?"

"Yes, though not for a while."

"Oh."

"I'll let you sleep now," he said, turning back to his cot.

"No, wait—" she reached out instinctively, blushing as she quickly pulled her hand back. She took a steadying breath, looking up at the dappled moonlight that illuminated his back. "Would you like some tea?"