#eletha

Eletha and Shokrakar both settled into their seats in the tavern. Eletha had a certain look about her that Shokrakar couldn’t put his finger on. Was it sadness? Anger? Was she hungry? She hid her emotions well, but not well enough that something didn’t peak through.

“What’s up beautiful?” Shokrakar asked, leaning his arms onto the table.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“You never have been a good liar.”

Eletha didn’t look up at Shokrakar, doing anything to avoid eye contact with him. Until she had her head tilted up, Shokrakar’s pale green eyes staring right at her. 

“Tell me, Eletha. I can help.”

She knew Shokrakar was being serious, he never used her actual name. He always used a pet name or a term of endearment. She took hold of his large hard, strangely it always brought her some comfort.

“I don’t deserve to be loved.” She said quietly. 

Shokrakar stared at her for a moment. His eyebrows raising in shock. “What?”

“I don’t deserve to be loved.” She repeated, a little louder this time.

“What…I…who told you that?” Shokrakar looked angry, even a little hurt.

“No one had to tell me, I just know.”

“But I-”

“You what, Shok?”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me.” She pulled his hand up to her lips, placing a small kiss on his knuckle.

“But I love you.”

“I know, but only as a friend or family. I want romance, Shokrakar. I want someone to show me new things. I need passion.”

“I…I can love you in anyway you need me to.”

Eletha dropped his hand, causing a loud thud on the table. The two stared at each other, both in and awkward and stunned silence. Eletha didn’t know what to say. as this a confession? Or was he just trying to cheer her up.

“Shokrakar, wha-”