It was these moments; spent intertwined, in silence, that Riley enjoyed the most. The moments when their thoughts, their words, fell short of the blanket of emotion that enveloped them. These were the moments that assured her every thrilling moment spent in the plague doctors company was the right choice. She must have been plagued with doubt, at some point in her life. She knew she must have. Even without the memory of those times, she knew herself enough to expect it - but they did not come to her now. She was so unsure of where her life was going, and what she was going to do next - but in her chasm of insecurity, she felt more sure about Malodore than she ever had before.

And it was nice to be sure about something. Especially something this worthwhile.

The sound of its chuckle broke her quiet and thoughtful reverie, and she blinked up at it. The words were a reminder that she still had no idea where to go, either. So instead, because she felt just as intrigued and just as pleased to be right where she was, she agreed with its assessment.

Then there is no reason to go anywhere, just now. Here, with you, is where I want to stay.

Sosiqui