[milliways] Through Shadows Into Light

Tomorrow I'll tell you everything.

Tomorrow.  He'd left her earlier, assuring her he only needed to clear his thoughts.  He was doing this for her.  And for him, she would listen and try to understand.

She'd tried to read, but her thoughts kept coming back to their conversation and the shadow that loomed between them.  Eventually she'd cleared a spot in the floor and worked through all 108 forms of her sword kata.  When she was through, she was drenched with sweat and her mind was clear.  She showered and managed to get a few hours sleep.

When the light touched her windows, it found her wide awake and staring at the mural over her bed.  The pale light of Cluros and Thuria lingered in the silks like the memory of his kiss, his hands -- his hands around her waist.  She rose and dressed for the chill lakeside. Khakis over boots, a long sleeved blouse and a long sweater Bar insisted she try. It was soft as down and had pockets inside and out. She left her hair down. She was not Jeddak today. She was just Dejah.

And he needed her. That fact alone kept her nerves calmed. Perhaps her expression was a bit stern, but this was a battle she was walking into, wasn't it.

She headed down to the bar and saw him sitting at a table with Edgar. Something told her to wait for him. A moment later, he joined her, his expression as haunted as the first day she met him.

Immediately, before opening her mouth to say anything, she gave him a warm smile and slipped her hand into his.