A Thousand Rainy Days

Talyssa's heart pounded hard against her ribcage as she listened to Quill's words, his gaze never faltering from hers. She swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. She could feel her cheeks heating up despite the winter chill, feelings fluttering like a frenzy of butterflies in the pit of her belly. Or perhaps that was only the buzz of the wine. His statement was loaded, his confession pulling at her heartstrings in a way that perhaps wasn’t intentional.

As he spoke, his paw turned underneath hers, their pads touching in a way that sent a jolt of heat spreading from the point of contact and throughout her body. She tightened her grip ever so slightly, the gesture conveying a silent acceptance of what he had just confessed.

She felt the weight of his words, of all the possibilities they entailed. The thought was terrifying and exciting at the same time, setting her heart racing even faster. Talyssa was a woman of action, not hesitations, but even she knew the gravity of this moment. There was no going back after this, no undoing what had been said and done.

"Quill," she began, unsure how to articulate the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. She took a deep breath, her gaze never leaving his. "I don’t see a heathen.” She answered lightly, "Rather, I see a man who's lived his life on his own terms, and there's nothing wrong with that." She paused again, her grip on Quill's paw tightening just a fraction more. "I don’t know what the future holds or what paths either of us will choose to walk. But if there is something more you yearn for... well, perhaps we could share the road for a little while?" And see where it takes us. The words hung in the air, heavy with intent and promise. Her breath mingled with his in the icy air, visible tendrils of life among the frozen garden.

"Talyssa Carpathius"