#also I decided there was no way M'naago would get left behind now. not after all they've been though

[halikyon]

"I can't let you do it..."

Her partner's voice had been barely a whisper, but with how close they were it was impossible not to hear. "Do what?" asked Ryune, resting in her partner's lap.

At first she seemed surprised she had said anything at all. "I'm not letting you go again, Ryune. I can't let you go, not alone." M'naago's voice stayed soft as she stroked Ryune's hair.

Ryune furrowed her brow, confused. "I won't be alone. My friend's will be with me-"

"No. I'm coming too." M'naago's voice broke before she could finish, the thoughts that had been plaguing her of late working their way into her voice.. "I've decided I'm coming with you to Tural."

"Naago..."

"I can't wait in Ghalgr's Reach every day waiting for you to come back. I just can't." A tear rolled down M'naago's face, Ryune's hand coming up to swipe it away before she placed her hand on M'naago's cheek in its stead.

"Then so be it." Ryune assured her. She was unsure why it had taken her so long to decide this, as she had seen hints of it in her eyes whenever they had parted company. "Whatever the New World has to offer, we will face it together."

"Just like that?" M'naago placed her hand on Ryune's free hand resting upon her waist. "You'll have me?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Ryune smiled up at her. "Besides, you were the one reassuring me that it would be alright to go, were you not? Putting a brave facade on that beautiful face of yours?"

M'naago sighed. "I couldn't bare the thought of something happening to you without me there. Not again." She pressed her head into Ryune's hand. "I couldn't bare to see you come back...like that, again."

Ryune understood, and could only nod in agreement. She still had nightmares some nights about Zenos and what he had done. It had only been in the last few months that she had been back in top form. Countless days of recovery, rehabilitation, and rest had let her body finally heal. At first it had been embarrasing to have other's take care of her needs, but now she understood it was a sign of unwavering love, as she would have done the same for any of the Scions or M'naago for as long as it took.

"If it were in my power, Naago, we would never need part again."