Noctisardor Bypass ave verum corpus

it felt so good to be held, to be cradled, to feel small and protected against the heartbeat of one who was stronger, who knew more. heda sagged with relief in his arms, her tears finding a crescendo as her nails curled into the fur of his chest — then a slackening, grief finding its gentle fade as her shoulders shook and the sobs quietly slowed.
"what plan, amadeo?" voice muffled somewhat. "a year of pain? how much m-more?"
and her questions were not rhetorical, not really; heda was clutching for something through the man, a wisdom that would allow her to suffer in peace. and this she could do, if only she knew that god would one day uplift her. 
the clock ticked a sullen sound.