#kelda

"Do you want to go home?" Kelda/Keldan asks, rising from their crouch over the rigging. It's open and honest, there's no blame, no accusation to the question, and I know they'll accept whatever answer I give.

The thought of the warm fire and a steaming mug of tea or chocolate is a cruel temptation, one that almost wins out. But this is important to them, so I shake my head, burrow deeper into my coat, and order myself to tough it out.

Rather than continue with the rope, Kelda/Keldan offers me their hand, palm up, fingers outstretched. I take it, and they help me into the boat.

"Here," they say, handing me a thermos that's toasty to the touch. "Pour one for me too?"

Of course, it's exactly what I'd imagined sipping around the fireplace at home, perfectly hot, beautifully warming as I sip. Kelda/Keldan spends a few more minutes on adjustments before we're finally underway, beneath their knowing hand, slipping gracefully away from the humming floodlights of the jetty and out into the marsh.

There's next to no wind tonight, still Kelda/Keldan manages to find what little remains, capturing in the boat's pale sails. I'm to point the torch forwards till we reach the lake, warning any other late sailors that there's another boat to be aware of.

Once we reach the open water, Kelda/Keldan secures the tiller, raises the sail, and drops the small weight that the tiny boat calls its anchor. We sit upon the deck side by side, our legs brushing against one another's, and just as I'm about to lean in closer, Kelda/Keldan asks me to close my eyes.

"Trust me," they say with a whisper they know plays havoc with my good sense.

When my eyes are closed, they take the torch from my hand and there's a sharp click. The silence washes over us with the dark. All is still, and were it not for the warmth of them at my side, I would feel terribly alone.

First their breath, then their lips ghost across my cheek. Their hand slides around my back, and even through the coat and the cold, I can feel the caress of each finger.

"Open your eyes," Kelda/Keldan whispers into my skin.

I do, and I find a sea of stars stretching beyond the horizon.

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