Alvina and Quinn have never been further apart, but their connection to the spirits might be what reconnects them again.
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Quinn av Stál is slowly losing his mind. He's sure of that, and the only thing keeping him together is his fiancé Islo Charr...
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Now when we had settled the trade, it was time to go back. I was excited because it only meant we were getting closer to going to Andahavn. I'd get closer to seeing Quinn again. I was nervous. And excited. Excited to finally go home after more than a year of being away. And nervous because this wasn't a happy homecoming. This was a declaration of war.
We'd blow up the harbour first with the help of Kabir battle ships. Then we'd fly in over the city, trying to keep the soldiers away, so the army from Kabir could take the city. It sounded so simple. But it wasn't. Everything had to happen at the right time, and if it didn't, then it'd all fall to pieces so fast.
"You alright?" Barr asked and joined me by the railing in front of the large windows on the bridge.
"Nervous most of all, I think."
"I am too. I am finally going to Quinn." He put his hands at the top of his stomach. "I can feel him here all the time. It is so odd. I am so connected to him, but he does not even know I exist." He blinked and dropped his hand down by his side again. "I am afraid, Al."
"Why?" I turned fully towards him, but he kept looking at the scenery flying past us.
"What if he rejects me? What if I cannot..." He stopped and bit down on his lip. "I uh... I really like Huck. And I am... Afraid I cannot leave. For Quinn. What if I need to leave Huck behind? This is my calling but... He is my friend."
I put my hand on his arm and gave it a soft squeeze. "I can understand those are hard choices."
He stepped forward and circled his arms around me, pressing me to his chest. I got a bit of a fright but then leaned into the hug. It was a nice hug.
"I think Huck is more than a friend," he whispered.
I pulled back and smiled up at the much taller spirit. "Yeah, I think we all had that hunch."
"Really?" His eyes widened. "Do you think he knows too?"
"Yeah, Barr, I think he knows too." I couldn't help but smile.
"I hope so. We were in bed together-"
"Okay! I think that's..." I waved my hands around. "Yep, more than enough information there, buddy. You're more than friends and Huck knows that too."
He laughed. "Are you embarrassed? Your cheeks are getting darker." He put his hands on my cheeks and squished my face. "Your face is all hot."
I laughed too and pushed him away, making him laugh harder.
"Why will you not hear what I have done with Huck?" he laughed and grabbed my arm with one hand, the other ruffling up my hair.
"Argh, Barr! Stop! It's like hearing what Quinn has done and I never wanna hear that." I tried to wrestle myself away, but it didn't go well at all. He looped his arm around my neck and pulled me close.
