Absolution

A war of emotions danced across Deathbelle's lovely face. Iolaire would miss that face. She would miss seeing that face in the throes of ecstasy. She would miss that sweet mouth telling her that she loved her. She would miss the woman; the lover. They wouldn't really lose one another, but a wall would be built between them regardless. A wall barring such acts and emotions. Iolaire had faith that they would both be able to do so.

Belle spoke of having never gone against a healers wishes yet and the small dame grinned. "Such an easy patient." Their whole relationship had been easy, save the backlash that she'd received from Sirius. He still wasn't happy with her when it came to Deathbelle, but he had asked her to help the woman in the first place. She believed he'd get over it eventually. Had she not sworn her loyalty to him again and again? What more could he want?

Her lover's sweet voice pulled her from thought and she closed her eyes as Belle pulled her close. Another declaration of love. The little healer melted against the Empress, wrapping arms around her to pull her into a tight embrace. "And I love you, Deathbelle." She pulled back to search the woman's face. "Remember that we aren't losing one another. When and if the time comes, we're just taking the next path in our journeys." She offered a reassuring smile. This wasn't a sad time. This was a time of joy. They had formed an everlasting friendship. A bond that would stand the test of time. She was sure of that. Iolaire would watch her friend enter the next chapter in her life as a whole, healed being. She was proud of their time together and was proud of the progress that her lover had made. She would be proud too when Deathbelle walked away from her. Sad, but proud.