Khaeris Dawndancer

Heavy Hearts in Highmountain

Highmountain was beautiful, but the scenic mountains had not soothed Khaeris like they had previously. Her mind was so caught up on itself, even the slightly musty smell of straw from the nearby village stables couldn’t catch her attention; the breeze had tousled her hair, but it didn’t lighten her heart. The sounds of the birds gossiping in the dawn did not pull her in to their song.

It had been a night like so many others, spent laying next to Andaeros in the small tent he kept in the mercenary camp. Small touches, quiet voices, and soft kisses before sleep claimed her lover. But something had nagged at her and kept her from resting. There was a stone made of her unease sitting leaden in her stomach. Even her movements felt heavy as she went about her morning stretches.

He was getting her breakfast. He’d been so happy to see her when she’d arrived yesterday afternoon. He had lit up and his eyes had crinkled with his smile. The runes in his skin had glowed just a tiny bit brighter when they’d embraced. They’d only been apart a few days, but he had missed her, sweeping her up to spin her around before kissing her soundly.

Andaeros loved her so much. So deeply. So perfectly. He was devoted and kind and careful and patient and–

Khaeris shifted and sat up abruptly from her stretches. Her toes curled tight and she rolled her lips. Her eyes bored into the bedroll beneath her, but did not see it. Hands smoothed over her thighs.

She gasped a little, startled out of her listlessness, as the flap opened and bright morning light lanced into the small space. His silhouette was familiar and comforting and her heart eased a little at seeing it.   There was a cup of coffee and another of tea. Her throat tightened and she felt her eyes burn suddenly. But then her heart  dropped again and as he sat down he noticed, too, his own smile faltering as his good instincts caught on to her mood.

What was wrong with her? He was perfect. She accepted her tea, but didn’t meet his eyes. Her hands cupped her tea and dread seemed to be pushing her down, down, down. Andaeros loved her so perfectly. She wasn’t good for him. This wasn’t fair. She couldn’t keep doing this. She wasn’t being fair to him. Even that thought flashing through her consciousness was enough to make her heart palpitate and adrenaline kick in. Her breath came faster.

“Andaeros… we need to talk.”