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Huddled against Halda’s throne An’Thaya dwelled in the moments between tortures. It was worse, somehow, this limbo, with only herself and the silent Agaru for company. At least at the other times she had something to rail against, someone to fight, someone to beat on, scream at, vent her frustrations. The nothing between was what truly scared her, and it was bound to kill her.
Healing fingers reached up to run through what was left of her once glorious mane of flaming hair, now barely an inch of fuzz that curled at the temples. Her skin was still sensitive where the flames had eaten it away to the bone, the areas a pale white after Haldanuru’s rather torturous healing, contrasting sharply with the tanned areas of her delicate flesh.
She thought of her children at times like these, remembering their faces and wondering if they still breathed. She prayed to the Gods of Light that Galain and Adarin had managed to take them to safety… that Ro had been able to do something to stop Callan from crossing the wards. It was a greater hell, the not knowing, than anything Halda could have possibly done to her.
He lied to me.
Agaru’s voice in her head startled Tay, and she remained quiet for several heartbeats before responding.
Who lied to you?
Callan. The Crimson’s voice was low, more withdrawn than usual.
Lied? How? Confusion marred the Amazon’s face, and she latched onto Agaru’s willingness to speak, grateful for any distraction.
He told me… that love was possible amongst our kind. If that was love… I’m not sure I want any part in it.
Shocked silence lay between them for several moments as An’Thaya twisted the silver floral ring on her wedding finger. A tear escaped, only to be angrily wiped away, and within, emerald threads of soul wound affectionately around crimson.
Oh Agaru, she said softly, As much as I hate Callan right now, oh Gods; anyone would give their soul to be loved that way. Don’t you see? Without you he has gone stark raving mad… no one could ever take your place in his heart. Not many can say that… there are not many that can say they have known that sort of love. He did not lie… at least, not to you.
A ring of smoke puffed out through the Amazon’s nostrils as Agaru considered her words. Tay could almost hear her brooding, and welcomed the company, silent as it was.
I miss him… The Crimson uttered finally, But then… I always miss him.
The broken tone in Agaru’s voice cut at the half-elf. Tay closed her eyes and lost herself in their inner world, just the two of them in the darkness.
Oh Gods… I have been so unfair to you. I’m sorry Agaru’loki… for the time lost, for bringing you here.
Your intentions in coming here cannot be faulted An’Thaya. An innocent was suffering in your place. I can understand that. I just… I’d like to see him one more time… before we die.
Tay turned her head, the heat of the throne searing her temple. How many beings were going to die because she had chosen not to let Fionna suffer in her place?
I would set you free if I could, you do know that? I would release you from me, if there were a way.
I know… I also know there is no way. We are more one then you care to admit. You can lie to yourself half-elf, but you cannot hide the truth from me. Not here, in the depths of your soul. I know what it is you want, even when you are not clear on it yourself.
When An’Thaya’s eyes opened again it was Agaru looking out, the scattering of scales across the Amazon’s abdomen spreading out in a wave across scarred flesh as they began to shift. Sleep now… I’ll keep watch.
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