#cartershiera

Lightning illuminated the fight long enough for Shiera to see Carter take a direct hit from the monster avian. One that left him plummeting.

Then darkness returned.

Shiera couldn't see more than an inch in front of her face. But it looked like the fight was up to her now. The howling wind drowned out all sound, even her thoughts.

So she fought. And did her best.

This time it was enough. The beast went down.

It was strange to know it was falling without being able to hear it hit the ground or hear its dying cries.

But Shiera had a more pressing problem.

Carter.

She landed on the ground and used her free hand to shield her eyes as she squinted around.

Nothing. All she could see was darkness in the storm.

She called out his name, but she failed to even hear her own voice. Nothing of a response.

It looked like the search would have to be through touch.

Slowly and carefully she walked around. Shivering without the distraction of the fight from the frozen rain.

Unable to see, she tripped. But what she tripped over didn't feel like a tree root or rock.

Groping on the ground she found it. One of Carter's wings.

Carter seemed out of it. Too much to free himself from the thick mud he had sunk into.

Shiera started digging.

The mud was getting everywhere. But soon she had one of Carter's hands free.

By then Carter had come back to himself enough to hold onto her back when she took his hand and started to pull.

She slipped in the mud and landed on top of him. But now both of his hands were free.

They tried again. This time Carter was able to stand.

Shiera let out a breath. She hoped Carter was feeling up to flying.

It was a long way home.

<hr>

Shiera sipped at the hot chocolate Carter had made while she was taking her shower and watched him exit his third shower.

He took a seat next to her and began sipping his own cooling mug.

“It still feels like I have mud under my nails,” Shiera teased.

“I would have been stuck there for awhile it it wasn't for you. Your sacrifice is appreciated.” Carter teased back.

Shiera sighed and took another sip of her hot chocolate. “It was definitely worth it.”

Carter's gaze softened as it often did around her. “I'm glad.”

Shiera knew what was unsaid. That there was nobody Carter would rather have by his side.

And she knew what was unsaid by herself. That there was nobody she would rather have by her side than him.

She knew Carter knew her side too.

It was nice to be a pair like that.

Still it could use being said more often.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”