Chapter Text
The sun was setting, the last hints of it just barely lying over the horizon. Their group of companions - somewhere between allies and friends - had been sitting around a communal fire, but only the embers remained now. Similarly, only Corsica and Rosana were still outside. Corsica repaired a chestplate, while Rosana simply sat, hands folded on her lap, lost in thought.
Corsica looked over at her, curious, and without moving away from her work, said, “Do you still pray?”
Rosana paused, not sure how to answer. “Not often,” she said, honestly. “I’m not praying right now, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I was wondering how much of that was for show.”
She bristled at that. “I believe in people, in the church, in the community we’ve built and maintained. I don’t quite know how I feel about gods right now.”
“I will try not to take offense at that.”
Rosana frowned. “You’re not…”
“Only technically.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “It feels like I had finally figured the world out, and then the last two years happened, and I’m back to feeling lost again.”
Corsica sighed. “I think you have the world more figured out than you believe. You are certainly a source of strength for me.”
“I am?”
“Of course you are.” Corsica finally set down her chestplate and moved to sit next to Rosana. “I will forever envy your ability to lead with kindness and emotion. I know that my type of leadership requires a cold and careful hand, but it is reassuring to know that the people have someone to look to who can fill a room with warmth.”
“Thank you,” Rosana said, smiling a little to herself. “And you know that includes you too, right?”
Now it was Corsica’s turn to look confused, the bandages above her eyes pressing together.
“If you ever need help or advice or,” Rosana blushed here, “a source of warmth, I’m here for you.”
“Oh.” Corsica’s eyes flicked over her, examining close, then she reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thank you. You should get some rest, now.”
“So should you.”
“I’m keeping watch.”
Rosana placed her other hand on top of Corsica’s. “We have the wall, and the star stuff. You don’t need to keep watch anymore.”
“Rosana.” She turned her head, looking up into Corsica’s eyes. “I am a general at heart. You will never be able to convince me not to keep watch.” The remaining light of the fire glinted over her smirking eyes.
“Oh? Never?” Rosana teased, taking the six inches separating their faces and turning them into two.
“Never.” Corsica took her hand that was not clasped between Rosana’s and placed it delicately on her shoulder, her thumb brushing lightly over Rosana’s collarbone. Her breath hitched at the touch, fueling her with confidence. She leaned upwards, and Corsica bent to meet her kiss. She had expected Corsica to be cold, but maybe since it was so much colder outside, there was a small warmth in her touch that pulled Rosana in further. Her hand dipped into her jacket, clutching the collar of Corsica’s button up underneath. She felt Corsica smile against her lips.
“Let me try this again,” Rosana breathed, pulling away only slightly. “Corsica, you should get some rest.”
“And you as well.”
“Is that an invitation?”
Corsica lifted her hand, tucking a curl behind her ear. “I think it is.”
“Well, you don’t have to sound so surprised now.”
Corsica huffed a laugh. “Forgive me, it’s been a while since I had a girl over.”
Rosana giggled too. “Lead the way.”