Love is… (an episode of a love story that never happened)
No one knew about them – they both agreed that none of the companions would understand their feelings and the decision was to meet only when both were sure that the others would not notice or suspect. He told her that even if someone sees that they are not in the camp, a date between them would be the last thing they would think of. She told him that because of that they had to be especially careful, otherwise this spontaneous but honest spark of their feelings will be mauled by their friends' judgement. They even staged some dialogues in front of the others, just to make them believe that there is absolutely nothing happening between two.
It was a cloudless night and they were lying in the grass watching stars – sometimes a lonely comet would flash its tail to the lovers letting them both make the same wish repeatedly. Neither of them spoke. She was lying on her back with one hand stretched aside, as he rested his head on it. He was smiling playfully as he drew soft squares with his finger on her cold palm.
She has recently accepted that a spark of their mutual feelings ignited a bonfire of emotions – and she loved it. She never doubted his feeling as she thought she could see through him - all her companions were the same to her, but not him, he was very special.
He hoped that one day they will leave their differences behind and reach a new level of intimacy – he now remembered the first day they met – even then he had felt that somewhere deep they were very close, as if there was a natural bond.
With her free hand she gently caressed his cheek, her favourite bit of his body. Even in a camp, amongst others, she was fantasizing about stroking his fluffy, soft and round cheeks that were moving up and down as he smiled.
She was thinking about the day they both realised that they were in love – he got trapped by the Brood Mother's tentacles - when she noticed that, she rushed to help and grabbed a tentacle just in time before it pierced his chest. The night after, he came to her to thank for saving his worthless life and to give her a wonderful present, something that she still treasures. She then said that she found it very romantic. Romantic! Hearing herself saying that word turned her own world inside out. She was confused, shocked, angered, terrified – the whole spectre of feelings overwhelmed her mind – it was so novel and intriguing. Soon she decided to accept the flow of emotions.
Something moved in the bushes – they looked at each other in reassurance – probably just a rabbit – he then suddenly felt that he desperately wanted to kiss her, her cold lips, firm as an adamant, but so sweet to touch. He brought his mouth to hers and they closed their lips in a tender kiss - the unusual sensation of tickling spread through his lips swiftly spreading through his whole body. She was enjoying the kiss as much – he was so different, so alive "I love you, Oghren" she whispered.
At first Oghren was surprised to realise that he can have strong romantic feelings, but love is an unpredictable thing. He quickly learned to come in terms with his new role of a caring lover.
"I love you too, my girl, I dream that nothing ever change". He kissed her again, this time passionately. She welcomed this kiss with joy – finally Shale learned what it means to be truly happy.