“More powerful than the rest of you combined, it seems.”
“I believe it.” Sadrie shakes her head before letting it fall back on the plaster. Both arms are slung forward, wrists propped on her raised knees. “Gods, songbird, are we going to be able to get through this?”
“I don’t know,” I say, honestly. “I need time. And to go veryslowlywith you from here on out.”
“Absolutely,” she nods. “Whatever you need. But I want you to know thatyou’repart of the reason I feel like I belong here, Tiss. I’ve been so lost without you. It took me until yesterday to realize how empty I’ve felt ever since it happened.”
I’ve felt empty too. Warmth surges in my chest, perplexing but not unwelcome. I don’t know yet what the future holds, but a part of me wants to start over with her.
Well,wantmight be a strong word. But part of me is willing, at least.
“Ghisele said she caught you and Lady Elodie having lunch in the flower greenhouse a few weeks ago. And I saw you walking together from the Orrery Tower just now. Seems like you two have been spending time together lately.”
“We have been,” I nod. “I’m not entirely sure where things are going between us but—”
“They’re goingsomewhere?” Sadrie finishes with a smile that transforms her face. “At long last?”
“Perhaps. Wait. Does that make youhappy?”
“Doesn’t it make you happy, songbird?” She tilts her head.
“It does.” I realize this is the first time I’ve let myself admit it.
“I adore you, Tiss. Although you’re terribly powerful, and your sex magic paralyzes me and echoes inside my head, you’re the most excruciating delight I can imagine.” Her watery smile widens. “Regardless of what happens between us, I want you to be happy. And if she makes you happy right now, then my heart soars for you.”
A quick laugh bubbles out of me, my skin pulling taut beneath my drying tears. Deep down, some part of me longs for things between us to go back to the way they used to be, but I know they can’t.
As Sadrie and I sit on my floor together, both of us a little bit broken from wrecking the other, I think that while we can’t go back to how we once were, perhaps we can forge a new way forward. Slowly, mindfully, but together.
Schedule
Temple of Eisha
Acolyte
Keefansday, the 1st of Thawtide
.: Breakfast ~ 07:00 to 08:50 :.
(Refectory)
.: Morning prayers ~ 09:00 to 10:00 :.
(Sanctuary Hall)
.: Acolyte class ~ 10:10 to 13:00 :.
(Learning Annex)
.: Lunch ~ 13:00 to 14:00 :.
(Refectory)
.: Chores ~ 14:00 to 17:00 :.
(Main Kitchens)
.: Bath ~ 17:10 to 18:00 :.
