Snippet #2514180

Aca:
Leaving was hard. Marqun came to me when he suspected. I told him why I had to go. He warned next time we met we'd be enemies, but I could accept that. It's kind of sad when you think about it. He has lost both of his companions here. Our group will look weak. But I couldn't stay. I couldn't keep hanging around a place that was in negotiation with the Pronghorns...with slave holders. I can't support suffering...I can't support this evil. When I told Marqun that, he simply smiled.
"I Wondered when you'd say that" He says smiling sadly.
"What do you mean? You were expecting me to leave?" I ask in confusion. Not that I'll admit it, but that stung. He obviously thinks I'm to weak for the group. Right?
"I mean you've always been one of the kindest, most gentle people I've known, except for on the battlefield. There you are at peace and willing to hurt. But the moment you leave the fight, you look at the bodies and feel guilt. You feel cold and cruel. It doesn't matter who the enemy is, you hurt. Don't even try to deny it," He added. seeing I was going to protest. "I can see it in you face."
I sigh. "So I am weak?" I ask, my voice overly controlled, myself determined not to let any hurt show. Marqun looks exasperated.
"No!" He says frustrated, "It's a strength. That's why you're our best tactition! You once told me that when you try to look at how to bring down an enemy, you imagine you are the enemy. And in the moment you understand them, in that moment you learn how to completely tear them apart, you love them as you love yourself. That is not weakness, that is strength, and that is why you are leaving. You are strong enough to be able to see it from the slaves' points of views, you are brave enough to."
I look up at him, wanting to cry, but suddenly he leans down and kisses me. I am shocked for a moment, but then I kiss him back. I feel warmth rushing through my body and I realize I am happy. I am truly happy to be leaving, happy to be kissing Marqun. Happy to know he feels the same way. When the kiss finally breaks off, Marqun says "And that is why I love you, and that strength that I love is why you must leave. You must go and do everything in you power to do what you think is right or else you wouldn't be the Acaralea I love." As he finishes I lean up and kiss him again, and then I say,
"I love you too Marqun. Goodbye."
He smiles at me and nods, and I leave to find Shimmerscale.
Shim and I are heading up a hill together. I let her get a bit ahead as I turn around to see our city. I smile and say quietly, "Farewell Marqun." as a single tear falls down my face. Then I grab my bag and turn around, ready to face a new adventure.