#jaslief

 It was a strange and wonderful sight, to be sure, and the return of light to the people of the caverns was one thing, at least, Lief could he grateful for. Despite everything, this alone would have been worth the trip.

 Still, Lief found he couldn’t stand to be in the throngs of celebrating people, nor trapped in the tension inside Penn’s hut. In the days of old he could always have found peace and rest with his companions at least. But now, with so much unsaid between them, their presence offered little in the way of comfort. Of course, things were different now. Much different.

 A speck of black on the otherwise vibrant horizon caught Lief’s gaze, and his heart leapt as he recognized its soaring shape – Kree was flying once again, testing out his healing wing in the safety of the light. Another thing Lief could be glad of.

 As he flew closer Lief held out an arm to him to land on, but Kree passed him by, a slight breeze on his face all he felt. Lief turned to see where he had gone and–

 Of course.

 Jasmine was standing close behind him. She had approached so silently that Lief hadn’t noticed, though that was not unusual. She could be silent as the grave, when she wanted to be.

 She stared intently at Kree’s sleek black feathers as she stroked his back and examined his wing, resolutely keeping from looking at Lief. Stubborn, as usual.

 “How is he?” Lief ventured at last.

 “Fine.”

 “Jasmine…”

 “Well, you saw him fly, did you not? As I said, he’s fine.” She snapped irritably.

 Lief sighed. Clearly, Kree’s recovery had done little to recover her own mood. He thought, perhaps, she would finally offer the reason for her ill temper now that all was safe and well for the time. But she remained as tight-lipped as ever. Lief had never had to pry to know her thoughts before, but now… what else could he do?

 “And… how are you?”

 Jasmine scoffed. “I am perfectly well, Lief. It’s yourself you should be worried about.” She nodded towards his injured shoulder, and he raised a hand to it instinctively.

 “You should listen to Barda, and be more careful. Deltora would never forgive us if we let anything happen to you. To say nothing of those you left behind. Think of them, Lief, when you take your risks, if you won’t consider us. It’s what you’re best at.”

 Lief recoiled, hurt by her bluntness. He preferred not to think of home, and the promises he had made that he might not be able to keep. But he would not have his concerns deflected, as he knew she was trying to do.

 “Fine, then. I am glad you were not injured. But I know you Jasmine, and I know you are not fine.”

 Jasmine’s frown deepened, and Lief could tell she had many thoughts trembling on the edge of an angry retort. But still, she did not share.

 “I know you are angry with me. But please, what can I do? Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong Jasmine? Don’t you trust me?”

 Lief could read the emotions easily as they flashed across her face – an angry furrow of her brow, a sad shine in her eyes, a twist of resentment at the corner of her mouth.

 “With my life, Lief.” Was all she said.

 But Lief knew. Her words had not said as much, but they had not needed to. And no farther was heavily implied. After everything, it was easy to trust one another with their lives. But her thoughts, her feelings, her heart, Lief was no longer privy to them.

 If only he could tell her! If only he could close the distance he had forced between them – but as things were, there was little chance of making amends. Perhaps by the time there was, it would be too late anyways. Perhaps this was all they would ever be to one another – not friends, not anything but willing to risk their lives for one another.

 But wasn’t he? Had he not followed her here, against all better judgment? Would he not dive head-first into danger for her? Would she not still do the same for him? Was that not enough?

 I would have to be.