#fredsiu

She looks down, and you feel yourself ply under her. "You've seen how those other soldiers looked at you since we heard about how you and the other s-" "What are you trying to say?" You feel something wrapping around your throat and pining in the back of your head as you look at her, and she reaches out to you. You recoil under your touch- It's been so since news of the fleet's crash reached the Pact. Everyone's eyes have been turned on the sylvari, and the opinions usually go from "Detain them all and study them" to "Burn them and the Grove". Most of your unit refuses to look at you and your kin, and it would've truly been terrifying if not for her sticking up to you. "We could, you know. Leave." "Leave?" "Without notice. Get what you can and just, vanish with me." She looks back up and you can see the tears in her eyes. You feel a sharp pain in your chest, and the emotions in your throat sinking down and spreading. "I, don't want you to get hurt. No more." "But I can't just, leave like that, Siuvahn. I need to ask the Warmaster and-" "Yes you can! Yes, you..." Her voice cracks, and you feel like the dam is about to break. You momentarily glance at your boots, near the entrance. All things considered, you could leave. Pack up everything, ditch the uniform. Take a chest cover and leggings and run off into the Wildlands with your love, free of it all. Free of all those glares, those whispers. But at the same time, you're held back. You swore to serve Tyria. You swore to protect, to defend and to be its sword and shield. You stare into her eyes for a few moments, before getting off the bench and kneeling next to her, doing your best to keep contact with her. "I can't do it, Siuvahn." Her hands move to your back slowly, before tipping you over into her bare chest. As you lay your head against her shoulders, you feel her sob, and you can't help but let the sea that build up over time out. It hurts. Her rough hands hold you as close as they can, while yours bury themselves into her hair. She whimpers and whines, burying herself in your small neck. You feel your head thumping with emotions, every worries and fears buried inside you from the start of all this pouring out like a river. You remain a long time like this, holding each others and letting it go. Eventually, she pulls away, her face as red as when you whisper to her. You both breathe heavily, and she wipes your face with a softness you rarely get to see. "Will you be fine?" You wish you could say the truth with certainty. "I'm sure I will." Smiling sheepishly, you look down at her scarred body, and she pulls you closer once more. Maybe you could sleep a few more hours, this morning. After all, you're certain nothing but her is holding you now.