Even I need a rest by the time we get to the bottom. It's a valley, nestled snuggly out of sight of anywhere but the air. Climbing back out of it would be a chore, but the thrill of discovery has taken hold. When was the last time any living human had come into this valley? Was it a long time ago? More recent? Were there lost explorers who had come here? I have the distinct impression that we aren't alone, yet I can see no sign of recent human habitation. Just a pillar that has fallen on it's side, and more of those carved faces.
Their eyes stare at us out of deep, dark sockets, and their faces are a mixture of emotions. Macabre grins and mournful eyes. Some of them seem tortured, while others mock us. Most of them are malicious, and that feeling of being watched returns. Every muscle in my body tenses, ready to run or fight. Those eyes don't look human. They don't look like anything at all.
Lara is like a wolf, I'd overheard Sam say once. It had been to Jonah. I'd felt bad listening in, but I couldn't disagree with her. I don't think she'll ever be tamed again.
There's a clicking sound and I realize I've taken the safety off of my gun. I look at Sam, and she gives me a worried look back, before drawing the gun's twin from her belt. I don't remember unholstering the weapon, but I don't put it back as we push our way through underbrush that grows thicker, and thicker and thicker. I take the lead. Sam has our back. I tell myself that we'll be okay, that if I can trust anyone with my back, it will be Sam. My body doesn't like the idea as much. Walking into danger alone is a lot easier than doing so when worrying about another person.
"Watch your step. There could be pit traps, or worse," I say. My voice sounds a little distant, and I'm surprised at how well I can talk while all my senses are honed for danger. We probably need to change the memory cards and batteries, and we take a break in a clearing to do just that. While Sam fiddles with the cameras, I try to figure out what has me so on edge. It's enough to worry me, and I think I need to say something. We've already said it, but I want to say it again. "Sam, I love you."
"Don't."
"I..what?" I look over at her. She's glaring at me, and I could swear there were tears in her eyes. I reach for her hand and she takes it. I keep my grip strong, and I'm surprised by how strong hers is.
"Don't say it like that. That's your 'we're in danger, Sam, something could happen so I want to say it' tone of voice. We're going to be fine. I trust you. Do you trust me?" She's wavering, her voice shaking but there's so much determination in her that I love her more.
I study her eyes and her face, and my shoulders relax. She's such a wonderful person, and I know I'm lucky to count her as my best friend. My girlfriend, but best friend first, always. I'm smiling when I reply, "I trust you."
"Good. Then we're going to be fine." There is a weight to Sam's words that I can't miss. iWe're going to be fine./i Maybe it is hopeful thinking, maybe it is even some confidence, but we are going to be fine. As friends, as lovers, as adventure seekers and documentary makers. I bring her hand to my lips, and I'm rewarded with that smile of hers.
I let go, and feeling more confident about the future, push further into the ruins. Of course, being fine didn't mean that I shouldn't watch where I was going. The air shifts suddenly. Something rushes towards me and I turn to both face it and move out of the way.. Dimly, as though at a great distance, I hear Sam screaming my name.