Line Of Descent

Leah Price

It hadn't been long since Uisz saw Terival in such a state of internal pain.

"Come here," he said. Uisz followed.

Terival's long coverings flared behind him as he walked, and Uisz climbed up to their private shelter with him, her featherlike wrap floating behind her as well, like wings on an angel. They had been together not more than a few months, but she had become used to him long before that.

On this chilly evening, Terival escorted her to their quiet place above, and he took her close to him, and she lied with him, in love, and in trust.

"I want you to tell me what you'll do here when I'm gone."

Terrible thoughts dashed through Uisz's mind. Her mate was going away. On a pillow like cotton, and beside him, she tried saying she would be able to make it, but of course, that didn't come across so well in her pools of tears.

"Shhh..." He pressed gently on her lips with his fingers and smoothed away the wetness on her tender cheeks. "I'll not have this. You'll be here for me when I return. But for now, we'll be together for as long as it can last." He touched the place where he knew Uisz would weaken, knowing she wanted him to, each time a little more firm, more beholding.

It was night before long. Terival got up and lit one flinted lamp, then returned to Uisz.

"I believe what we have here is terminal. Without you, I cannot be whole."

Her glistening eyes said that she felt the same about him. The touch of her hand on his chest made him feel almighty powerful—as the strongest warrior, the greatest general, or the most revered king. Soon he would have to leave her, and for the moment, he wondered where and when the pain of her absence would strike him.

For what does an explorer travel?

For love of discovery, or challenge of pain?