"Please hold still," Syzoth begged, concern evident in his facial expression. He held a warm, damp washcloth and brush it over her face, arms, anywhere on her skin that was stained with blood.
Ashrah sighed. "It's alright, truly," she tried to insist. "There is nothing to worry about. Let me do it."
Her quest for absolution led Ashrah down many dangerous paths. Today, her assistance had been called upon at the sighting of Netherrealm beasts wreaking havoc in Outworld. The task was simple enough, but it left her covered in blood when she reported back to the palace. Syzoth was quick to escort her into a private room and to get the necessary tools to tend to her wounds, despite her protests. She now sat on a table, her robes partially undone.
Syzoth's eyebrows knit and he lowered his hands to the table, to either side of her. "How can you expect me not to worry, knowing what sort of dangers you faced today?"
"Syzoth..." For a moment she fell silent as she thought of how best to put him at ease. It was a hard task to do when he stood with his face a mere few inches away from hers. Ashrah was a warrior born of the Netherrealm, with instincts bred for kombat and for fulfilling the role of a demon. How could she be expected to sit still when his touch alone brought a fluttering sensation to her stomach? He resumed cleaning the blood off her face and her eyes wandered to the side when she felt her face warm. On one hand, she had never felt so distracted in her life. On the other, she wished his touches and caresses would never cease.
"Syzoth..." she began again, beckoning his eyes back to hers. "...this is what my life is, and has always been. This is what I do, and how I will reach my goal. Please have faith that I know what I am doing."
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I know...forgive me. I have never met a more skilled and admirable warrior than you. I know that you know how to take care of yourself." He pressed his lips together. "It is just...difficult for me to see you covered in blood, is all. But rest assured, I would never do or say anything to hinder you in your goal. You know that I will always be by your side, as long as you will have me."
Ashrah's heart skipped a beat, hearing his confession. Few had ever cared for Ashrah's aspirations or encouraged her to pursue them. And even fewer had ever felt the need to protect her or were concerned for her well being. One of her hands found its way to his cheek. He looked at her with curiosity, and an emerald tint grew on his face. Ashrah smiled. "For what it's worth, most of this blood isn't mine," she said, wanting to lighten the mood.
Her jest was enough to get Syzoth to shed his serious expression and replace it with a smile.
Ashrah was unsure how long she was lost in Syzoth's jade eyes. His hands had once again planted themselves on either side of her. His proximity to her caused her heart to thrum. She wanted him even closer.
"Syzoth," she murmured as she searched his face. "I have a request...but I fear it might be blunt of me to make."
His eyes softened and his head tilted into her hand. "Your wish is my command."
Ashrah paused. "Kiss me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Syzoth raised his eyebrows, his eyes holding uncertainty before he leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to her lips. Ashrah's heart soared with surprise and exhileration. She melted into his touch as his hands moved to hold her waist.
She could still feel his breath on her lips after he separated from her. Her head spun and a smile formed on her face. "I look forward to the next time I return from battle."
