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Thanks to the psionic detector, you knew Vlaakith's Gith were ready to ambush you.
Minthara suggested a plan to make a battle formation, and you agreed. Approaching the bridge, the Gith revealed themselves and Minthara abandoned her plan immediately. You stood in disbelief. Your left flank was completely open now.
In a panic, you hit the Gith with a sleet storm, hoping they'd fall prone.
After a desperate amount of call lighting spells, you managed to survive the attack by the skin of your teeth. But you were not so quick to forgive Minthara's transgression.
“Minthara, what happened to your attack formation?” you tried to stay calm.
“After the Gith revealed themselves, it was clear to me that we would fail if we stayed in that grouping. I had to adapt, Tav. You understand” she shrugged.
“No, Minthara, I do not understand. You could have gotten me killed. We're supposed to support each other and you left me exposed” your calm demeanor was starting to dismiss.
Minthara looked at you in disgust. “And I thought you were able to support yourself in battle. Perhaps I was mistaken. Should we reevaluate our relationship if you're unable to defend yourself?” she threatened. You hated when she spoke this way, it often came from a place of fear. But it didn't excuse how she was treating you now.
“Reevaluate all you want. You abandoned me, Min” you made your way to the camp.
At camp, Shadowheart tended to your wounds from the attack. Some were much deeper than you realized. The adrenaline of the fight must have made it easy to ignore them.
You tried to lie still so the skin could heal. Shadowheart kept looking at you like she had something to say.
“What's wrong?” You asked, worried some irreversible damage had been done.
Shadowheart cringed, avoiding your eyeline. “I heard about your fight. With Minthara” she said, testing your mood.
“News travels fast” you said bitterly. Obviously you were still hurt.
Shadowheart gave you a sympathetic look. “I'm sorry, I can't help being nosy. I just wanted to make sure you're okay” she assured you.
You rolled your eyes. “I'm fine, I just wish I didn't have to be” you said, defensively. Shadowheart let the topic drop.
As Shadowheart was finishing your healing, Minthara shoved her way into your tent. She looked irritated.
Shadowheart excused herself, feeling very awkward in between the two of you. You thanked her and said goodnight.
“What was she doing in here?” Minthara asked you, fuming.
You were shocked, the question almost didn't warrant an answer. “I wish you were kidding” you didn't know if you should scream at her or just kick her out of your tent. Was she seriously jealous right now?
“Tav, explain yourself. You're in a state of undress with another woman in your bedroll. Am I not to form any conclusions?” She accused. You could see she was getting very worked up by the situation.
“Min, she was healing me. Because I almost died in combat. We had a whole discussion about this,” you explained. She blinked at you. “I had a massive wound in my abdomen. I was bleeding everywhere?” Still no recognition from your lover. “You left me exposed in battle and I got wounded. Shadowheart was healing me because of your neglect” you snapped at her.
Minthara was offended. “I don't know how that prevents you from coming to me for aid” she scolded you.
“Because I don't trust you!” you sat up despite the pain still welling in your gut.
Minthara noticed your grimace and placed her hand on your abdomen. You felt a surge of healing energy run through you. Your bruising lightened and your scarring faded.
Even after you were healed, Minthara kept her hand on you. She felt you breathe into her touch, lighter now because of her.
“I'm sorry I have not inspired trust. I'm not used to requiring it” she apologized. “I think I would like to earn your trust, my love” she moved her hand to cradle your jaw.
In all your time knowing Minthara, she had never apologized before. Not like this at least. “It won't be easy” you said, not completely ready to forgive her.
“I should hope not. That would be naive of us both” she smirked and you melted at the sight. It was very difficult to stay mad at her. “But I intend on triumphing over this great challenge for you my love” she declared. You blushed at her words.
Minthara made you very bashful when she proclaimed herself to you. “Thank you, Minthara, really. But now I need to rest” you said, exhausted from the emotional turmoil.
She nodded and laid next to you. You opened your mouth to object but she cut you off before you could. “I am using this opportunity to earn your trust by protecting you from thieving half-elves” she held her arms open for you to snuggle into.
You did and settled into her possessive embrace. “You're unbelievable” you yawned, drifting to sleep.
Minthara kissed your neck, keeping watch for the night.