The rain in Outworld had been falling for hours, creating streams between the cobblestone of the empty market district.
Beneath the slanted awning, Syzoth and Ashrah stood side by side. They had crossed paths many times before, each time by chance. And tonight, once again, they stood close, forced together by the rain.
Syzoth kept his eyes ahead of him as he broke the silence between them with great reluctance.
“I didn't think you would fall in love with me…”
Ashrah did not turn and stared out at the rain. A long moment passed, filled with only the sound of water.
“I didn't either,” she finally replied. Her lips curled into a faint smile as she explained, “I was only curious to know how it felt to be human… To feel an attachment that was not a divine mandate or demonic impulse. Just… a connection.” She risked a glance at him. “Now, I know. It is a feeling that can creep up to you like a spell but… not quite.”
He turned his head slightly, though his eyes kept low on the ground. “Why not act on it?” he asked quietly, barely audible over the downpour.
“Because…” Ashrah let out a sigh which turned into mist, “you are still in mourning, Syzoth,” she finally said. “To ask you to return that love would be cruel. I cannot ask you to divide your heart.”
“Still, you could stay,” he offered. “Stay, and let me heal with you here.”
She shook her head, eyes filling with sorrow. “I must return to the Wu Shi academy. My understanding of this humanity I covet… it is not yet complete. To stray from my path of purification would unravel me. And that would not be fair for either of us.”
Syzoth turned away, but not before a tear crawled down his cheek.
Hearing his uneven sniffs, Ashrah reached out to brush her hand over his shoulder before pulling him into a tight embrace. He returned the gesture, wrapping his arms over her back and around her waist.
“Please don't cry, Syzoth,” she whispered, running her fingers over the damp strands of his hair. “It is only a rehearsal…”
But he couldn't help it, knowing that this may be the last time they ever meet.
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