Page 45 of Diamond

It's freeing, actually. To think of being able to wearhijabor not, based on my own preferences and beliefs instead of the expectations of others.

He returns when I am nearly done with removing the argila from his reins and have convinced him to enter the cave, grateful Kuret already checked it for animals.

Kuret has something roasted in his hands, wrapped in leaves. Closer inspection tells me it is some version of a bird, but I honestly don't care all that much. I just scarf it down hungrily.

I murmur my thanks to Kuret for the food, and then move to the back of the cave and put Roshan between us.

Thanks to Roshan's large body, the cave feels warm and after Roshan settles on the ground, I lay close, using his wide, soft body as a pillow. My heart pounds at the idea of spending the night in a cave with someone I don't trust, but I gradually calm myself by running my hands through Roshan's fur.

Roshan will let me know if something is wrong. Before long I am completely exhausted and fall into a restless slumber, hoping morning comes soon.

23

Kuret

I do not realize how tired I am until I have filled my belly with the wild avioid I killed earlier.

Nasrin and Roshan are settled comfortably around each other and fall asleep as soon as they rest their heads, but I stay up a little longer to wash myself in the stream.

I scouted the area thoroughly, so I am hoping to enjoy the time in the water leisurely, cleaning every bit of myself to get rid of the built-up grime. Though I was excited at the novelty of it, being submerged in water isn't quite as pleasant as I imagined.

The temperature of the water helps ensure I spend as little time in it as possible, which is best anyway because of how vulnerable a position it is.

It is far too cold, which none of my kind tolerate well, but when I rise from the water, I can't deny that I feel better.

Nasrin won't need to give me any more pointed looks over the brown blood, especially once I take the time to wipe off the animal hide; once again I am grateful that it sheds stains so easily.

It was worth the long nights of hunting and the harrowing fight with the multi-horned beast. I even take a moment to re-braid my hair, the task soothing and familiar enough to ease some of the nagging worry that I have harmed something between Nasrin and me.

Maybe there are signs that she is not as angry, though.

I noticed when I returned from cooking that she let her hair loose from the black covering and it sent a victorious surge through me, nearly the same feeling as a well-fought battle.

My breath huffs against my hands as they complete the intricate looping around my left ear.

It has been a battle.

I set out to rescue as many women as I could while getting my honor back. While there have been many unexpected hurdles, the serenity around me, the satisfaction of Nasrin being safe, and the lulling sound of a cool stream more than make up for it.

If she continues to warm to me…

I'm not even sure what comes next, but I'm excited about the possibilities. About the mystery.

After catching myself nodding off a few times by the stream, braid still in hand, I decide I've made enough progress on refreshing them for now. I make sure that the wound on my stomach is healing nicely before putting my leg armor back on.

I leave off my torso cloth to give the wound space to breathe. It'll also help illuminate the cave in case Nasrin wakes up before daylight.

My lips quirk up and my hearts quicken at the idea of being a beacon for her.

I wander slowly back into the cave, my ears twitching and alert for danger, but I hear nothing. Everyone is just as I left them, and I'm put at ease.

I let my eyes roam over Nasrin's sleeping form and allow myself to say her name out loud in a soft whisper. She does not stir, softly snoring with her light hair splayed against Roshan's darker body.

My hands twitch toward her and I picture myself moving back to her, fitting myself up against her soft curves, but fling the thought away.

The universe truly is not fair at all because something as precious-looking as she is does not deserve to endure a reality such as this. She is fragile, yet firm and powerful. She should be in a cloister surrounded by females.

She does not deserve the horrors that have been visited upon her.