forum A Promise of Fire (closed)

Started April 06, 2023 by @ElderGod-yellowqueen

tune

"No one will find you up here. It's just you and me." Areilla tugged him to the balcony
.

Amyntas follows, quiet.

She opened the doors and led him outside. The wind whipped around her hair and some strands got in her face. She didn't bother to try to move it away. She kept holding onto his hand. "Just close your eyes and breathe."

Amyntas keeps his eyes open, too paranoid that something would happen if he even blinks.

"Hey, it's okay. I'll protect you. Close your eyes and just breathe." Areilla rubbed his bicep softly.

He shakes his head, “I’m supposed to protect you…”

"It's okay to let someone else protect you." She gave him a soft smile. "Let me."

He shakes his head again.

"Yes. It's okay. Let me protect you." Ariella looked up at him.

Amyntas bites his lip, silent.

"Close your eyes."

He whines, shaking his head.

"You can do it. I believe in you." She gently reached up to cup his cheek. "Close your eyes."

He whimpers, “No…I- I can’t…”

"Why can't you?" She asked. "What's stopping you?"

He bites his lip, “I’m…scared…”

"Why are you scared? Do you think anyone can get passed me? Because I promise they can't."

He looks away.

Ariella touched his cheek again softly, turning him to face her. "Trust me."

He looks at her, biting his lip.

She stroked his cheek softly. "Close your eyes," she whispered.

He takes a moment, then slowly closes his eyes.

"Good," she said. "Now take deep breaths. Breathe in the fresh air and just listen. Listen to the birds sing and the wind blow. Allow yourself to relax."

Amyntas takes slow, shaky breaths. No matter how hard he tried, he still couldn’t seem to relax. He stays stuff, and on high alert even with his eyes closed.

Ariella's hand dropped from his cheek back to his hand. She rubbed her thumb over his knuckles. "Just listen. Let your shoulders drop. Let the tension out."