[ What might a healer do for her? Give comforting words and soothing her? Alkaid finds she does not need such things. What she needs is what he offers, his arms wrapped around her and pulling her into his protective hold. She leans into him entirely, practically melting into him. She shakes, but, the touches to her ear do seem to calm her.

A gentle cry comes from her at his words. There is so much she wishes to say in return so that he knows his words have not fallen on deaf ears. The words will not come, no matter how much she wills otherwise. Instead, she reaches for his hand and places it where the ties for the back of the robes sit. She leans her head into his hand at her ear. ]

I'm sorry... I don't know why... I shouldn't be like this.

[ She is a Warrior of Light, do they not rise above traumas and embody the path forward for others? If so, then why is she still like this? Even K'thisru has handled it all so much better..

Alkaid closes her eyes. ]

You protect the most important thing that no one else could. [ My heart. ] I should be stronger... better than this for you. My knight who has waited so long for me to come home... a-and I...

[ I feel broken and as if I can't be put back together. ]