She dreamed of her again.
It was the usual dream; she finds her in a crowd, amidst strangers in masks, with that knowing, self-absorbed look she wears so well. Her heart fills with joy at the sight, as expected; it is no use denying it to herself, she knows that she still loves her.
As soon as their eyes meet, she walks away. As usual, she pursues her. They weave through a crowded ballroom to a beautiful mansion, much like a labyrinth. Hall after hall, she calls after her, apologizing for things she should and shouldn't, begs that she wait for her, begs for her to hear her. Like all her other dreams, she catches her in a grand hall, standing by great double doors. She takes her wrist just as her hand lands on an ornate handle. She asks her to stay.
Again, she says, "No."
She knew it was a dream, but still her heart wrenched. She willed herself to wake, but she couldn't. She knew what would happen next, as with all her nightmares; she would beg, she would grieve but all she would ever get was "No."
Oddly, her dream-self replies,
"Then go."
She awakened, her eyes out of focus. The gloom of the tent greeted her. With a hand to her chest, she willed to still her thundering heart. She should be tired; such dreams always left her drained but instead, she felt light.
Liberated.
She smiled.
Finally, she was free.
A warm hand touched her face.
"Are you alright, Leli?"
She took the hand and brought it to her lips, kissing it. This time, she didn't have to lie.
"Yes, my Warden. Go back to sleep."