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It hurt to breath. Every movement made Teresal’s body ache. She knew all the Scions wanted to help, but this was something that she should do herself. She didn’t want them to risk their lives for something that she had taken in herself. It was hard to sleep at night with the Light trying to tear her body apart.
She stumbled and knocked her shoulder against the corner of a building. It was hard to navigate around the Crystal Tower when her vision went white like it had been happening with more frequency after the battle with the last Lightwarden.
“I wish I could help you, so that you weren’t in so much pain.”
Her lips quirked a bit before turning her gaze. It took a moment before her vision cleared and she could see Ardbert standing here, his brow furrowed. At least he appeared when no one else was there. At the moment she didn’t need anyone to think she was losing her mind from the stress by talking to herself.
“It’s all right. I’ll be fine.”
The brow remained furrowed as he stared at her with bright blue eyes. “You don’t look fine to me.”
“I need to keep going. For a little longer.”
“You should tell them. They are your friends. They can help lighten your burden.”
“There is only so much that even they could do. Their help is appreciated but sometimes, I need to face things on my own.”
“Your life isn’t something that you should treat as a pawn on a chessboard. You are important to everyone.”
Teresal sighed, leaning her head back and gazing up at the night sky. “I am aware of what my responsibility is.” She tilted her head towards the translucent form. “Did you never get tired at times, wishing for one less situation so that you could catch your breath?”
A corner of his lip quirked up as he looked up at the sky as well. “Always. But then I thought of all the people who couldn’t do what my friends and I did. That we were looked up to for a reason. We would all get tired but we relied on each other to lend strength.” He turned his gaze back to her. “Your friends are your strength. And they are yours. Never feel that you have to take on everything by yourself and carry the burden on your shoulders alone. You are not a pawn. You are a Queen.”
Teresal gave a snort, a small smile appearing. “I’m not some maid looking to be flattered by a warrior of light.”
“No, but you stopped thinking about the serious things for a moment now didn’t you?” He help up a curled fist.
She eyed him for a moment before shaking her head and gave him the fist bump. “So corny.”
“What are friends for but to tell jokes like that.” He let out a breath he didn't have anymore. "If I can alleviate the pain even a little, I will do what I can."
"Thank you, my friend."