Ahhh… what a first day.
I think as I sink into the hot spring.
It's a bit of a walk from our cabin to the baths, but it's worth every step. The steam curls around me, and the water's warmth soothing every inch of my body. I close my eyes, letting the sound of running water over the rocks wash away all thoughts.
For the first time in a long while, I feel at peace.
Still… I can't stop thinking about him.
I hope he doesn't hate the fact that we're sharing a room. My cheeks burn just thinking about it. Sharing a bed—with Kaelith…of all people. How am I supposed to sleep this weekend?
It's not that I don't trust him—it's that I've never shared a bed with anyone before.
As my thoughts swirl, I suddenly hear a splash on the opposite end of the spring. My eyes snap open.
Oh gods.
"K–Kaelith?!"
He's leaning back against the rock wall, calm as ever. He's wearing a long-sleeved bathing shirt and pants—this is not standard attire for the mixed baths here. It almost seems patched together from multiple bathing suits, the patterns inconsistent..
Then it hits me.
I'm only wearing a towel.
WHAT WAS I THINKING?!
"AHHHHHH!" I shriek, spinning around and clutching the towel tighter.
"You know," his voice drifts lazily through the steam, "for someone so excited to relax, you seem awfully tense right now."
How is he so calm?
"I—I'm not used to this, alright?!" I stammer, still facing away from him.
"This is my first time in a hot spring," he says gently. "It's fine. I won't do anything funny."
"That's not what I'm worried about!"
He tilts his head toward the stars. "Then what are you worried about, dear Nyra?"
I open my mouth to respond—but no words come.
"I… you know what? Never mind."
He smiles, clearly pleased with himself. "Just relax, Nyra. This was your idea, wasn't it? Besides…" His gaze softens. "Something tells me you did this for me. So I plan to enjoy it. But I can't do that if you don't enjoy it too."
I sigh, defeated. "Fine… I'll try."
Time melts away in the spring's warmth. Eventually, I stand to leave. He follows not long after. We each head to our respective dressing rooms.
I take a deep breath, but for some reason, it doesn't calm me. My heart's still pounding—though softer now, steadier.
When I finally step out, the door to the men's dressing room opens too. Before I can say anything, Mary's voice echoes down the hall:
"Dinner's ready for you two!"
A heavenly aroma fills the air. I don't hesitate—still in my robe, I rush to the dining table, Kaelith just behind me.
"Thank you for the food, and for the hands that prepared it," I say softly before eating.
Kaelith glances at me curiously. "You're religious?"
I shrug, reaching for the corn on the cob. "Not really. But it never hurts to be thankful for what you have."
He looks down at the spread. "I've never seen food like this before."
"I hope it's to your liking," Mary says cheerfully.
"What do you usually eat?" I ask.
He spears a piece of beef with his fork. "I'll eat anything, really."
"Do you have favorites?"
"No."
Mary gasps. "Surely there's something you can't live without!"
He freezes mid-motion, eyes distant. A long silence. Then he grabs a roll instead.
"If there's a replacement for it," he says quietly, "I hope I can find it."
The room falls still.
My chest tightens. I can feel there's something heavier beneath those words—but I change the subject quickly.
"Mary, did you know Kaelith's a traveler? He's probably just had too many favorites to name."
Mary smiles. "A traveler, hmm? What makes you travel?"
"Work," he replies.
"What kind of work?"
"I find people."
"Have you found the one you're looking for here?"
He takes a slow sip of water. "I have."
I nearly choke. "You… have?"
He nods.
"Then why haven't you brought them in yet? I know how thorough you are with your job."
He meets my gaze. "The time hasn't been right. But I will soon."
Something in my chest twists. "How soon?"
He gives me a look that says he understands exactly what I'm asking. "I'm not going to leave you, Nyra."
Relief floods through me.
"Besides," he adds with a teasing grin, "who else will fluster you so adorably, like in the bath today?"
I shoot him a glare, but his smile—tender and playful—melts the air between us.
The rest of the meal passes in easy chatter. Mostly Mary asking questions while Kaelith eats quietly, content.
When we finally return to our room, we climb into bed—each on our own side, our backs turned. The bed's large enough for comfort, but not large enough for me to forget he's there.
I can't sleep. My heart is racing too fast.
I close my eyes and try to focus on my breathing, but then I hear movement behind me.
"Nyra," he murmurs. "I never thought I'd live to see a day like this."
"L–like what?" I ask nervously.
"Living."
That single word pulls me from the haze of warmth. I roll over, moonlight catching in his hair—turning it silver.
"Living?" I echo.
He nods. "Where I'm from, that's a luxury. Sharing a meal. Laughing. Being warm. It's all a luxury."
He closes his eyes. "That's why I don't want you to fall for me."
My chest tightens. I curl in on myself.
"Too late for that, Kaelith," I whisper.
He smiles faintly. "I know."
His hand finds my hair, stroking gently. "Have you fallen for me?"
I breathe in shakily.
"I don't know," he says honestly. "These emotions are new to me."
A long silence. The rhythm of his touch lulls me.
"But know this," he says softly. "I meant what I said—I won't abandon you. Even if one day you're in danger… I won't leave."
That's enough for me.
My eyelids grow heavy as the warmth of his hand, his voice, and the beating of my heart blend into one. Sleep takes me.
"ᛊᛚᛂᛂᛈ ᚹᛂᛚᛚ ᛞᛂᚨᚱ ᛊᛁᛊᛏᛂᚱ."