YOU CAN NEVER GO HOME

 
The light knock at the door was scant warning as it immediately opened and the servant girl walked in.
“Back on the floor again miss?” she stopped and stared. “More peppermint tea then?”
Dantien held her head so that her hair shielded Gabrielle’s face. “Please.” she said, her voice tremulous. “And whatever your strongest red wine is, bring that to me. Not a glass, a bottle.”
“Dinner’s a bit late- lots of people in the banquet hall.” she stood, curious, waiting.
“Are you going to get that wine now or tomorrow?” Dantien snapped, and the girl jumped.
“Right then. Wine and tea now. Your dinner-”
“Whenever.” Dantien dismissed her with her hand.
“Thank you.” Gabrielle whispered.
“Who needs those rats gossiping more than they do already.” Dantien moved her head back, and Gabrielle lifted hers. Dantien took Gabrielle’s face in her hands, rubbing the tears into her skin.
“I’d say let’s wash you up but I don’t know how you could possibly get wetter than you are now.”
Gabrielle gave a weak smile. “I think my legs fell asleep.”
“Mine too. Should we try to get up or is the floor it for the evening?”
“Up.”
With various moans and groans, they disentangled and slowly got back to their feet. Gabrielle looked at the front of Dantien’s shift and pursed her lips. “Looks like I rained on you. It’s a wonder you didn’t drown.”
“I’m a good swimmer.”
The door creaked open and the girl came back in, balancing the bottle and teapot on the tray. She set it down and wiped her hands on her dress.
“Don’t know about dinner. They’ve gone second rounds down there and cook’s ready to jump in the pot herself.”
“I’m not hungry, really.” Gabrielle said. It was true. She was too tired.
“Forget dinner. And try knocking before you open the door.” Dantien moved toward the girl who backed away quickly. She stamped her foot and the girl fled. Dantien picked up the tray and nodded to Gabrielle.
“Come on. You need to lay down before you fall down.” she moved toward the bedroom. Upon reaching the doorway, she paused and looked back at Gabrielle, who remained in place.
“So the Battling Bard of Potadea is afraid of a bed? I didn’t ask you to spend the night, Gabrielle.” the last words were snapped out, and she disappeared into the room.
Gabrielle drew and angry breath and went towards the bedroom, only to be met in the doorway by Dantien.
“Apologize.”
“I’m sorry, Gabrielle. We’re both tired, I guess.” she took Gabrielle’s hands in hers and pulled. “Please.”
She led Gabrielle to the side by the nightstand, where the tray sat. They both sat down on the edge of the bed. Dantien reached over and poured them both some wine, and they drank in silence.
Gabrielle scratched the top of her head and yawned.
“I am really going to need to lay down, Dantien.”
They shifted so that Gabrielle lay near the edge. Dantien sat back down on the edge at angle, her hips touching Gabrielle’s ribs. Gabrielle held up her empty glass and Dantien quietly sat it on the tray. After pouring herself another glass, she crossed her legs and looked away from Gabrielle, slowly sipping the wine. Gabrielle, half-asleep, watched as she raised the glass repeatedly to her lips. Dantien stopped and bit her lip with thought, then sighed.
“I’m selfish.” she measured her words. “I know you’re tired and I’m keeping you here with me.”
She began to twist the cloth of her shift that rose above her knee. Her hair fell down, hiding her face.
“But if you could- indulge me, just for tonight. Stay with me a little while. I won’t ask you again.”
Gabrielle reached over and stopped her hand from twisting the cloth further, holding it in her own.
“You can ask me anytime, Dantien.” she murmured. She pulled her hand closer to her chest and smiled.
“Thank you.” Dantien said softly, shaking her head so that her hair moved out of the way, turning to look at Gabrielle. She took another sip, gazing at Gabrielle over the rim of the glass. She finished the last sip, leaned over and blew out the candle.
“Go to sleep, Gabrielle. I just want to sit here with you.”
15