I cannot say why I continue to return to this place. Even though everything was exactly how I remembered it, I still felt as though everything had changed.

The Oasis is familiar. How many times had Adonai and I slipped away from propriety, obligation, and duty to sneak out here to the blue waters and green tropics and simply be ourselves? There were very few times I could see the mantle of ‘Prince’ drop from Adonai’s shoulders, but here among green fan leaves and crystal clear waters there had never been anyone to judge or chastise. Here, with just the two of us, Adonai did not need to worry about what his family might think, how his siblings might condemn such a lighthearted freedom. The people’s peering eyes could not follow us here, and it had been our sanctuary…

… But even a place so beautiful and full of bittersweet memories could not save us from the turmoil and dreadful mess our lives had become.

As I arrived at the Oasis, my first stop was to step to the blue waters and quench my thirst. I did my best to not think of the last time I was here; dying beneath the sun, my body wretched, weak, and abused, infection burning fever hot beneath my skin. Ruth had saved me from death, but I still can’t help but wonder if it would have been better if she hadn’t.

A pity, truly. What a waste of her abilities.

The water was cool and refreshing upon my tongue. Water droplets fell from my lips as I raised my head, rolling an aching shoulder. Ever so slowly was my strength and sense of self returning to me. Even though I still looked a mess with my ribs visibly showing and my hip bones protruding, I felt better than I had in months. Oh, but living would continue to be a struggle for a long time to come. I had no idea where I stood with him...

A self-depreciating sigh left my lips and I glanced sidelong, the familiar dark and brooding feeling returning. Instead of the feeling settling into my gut and churning my insides, dragging my mental health through the muck, a voice from nearby distracted me and effectively yanked my mind from that terrible, dark places.

’Is anyone there?’

A soft voice beckoning with a touch of caution. I paused, ears forward, dual-colored eyes peering around left and right before spotting the fellow who had called out. Ah. I had missed him, tucked away into the shade provided by the large fan trees as he was. It certainly appeared to be a nice reprieve from the sun, even though the heat of the day had yet to return to the unforgiving temperature that the Mors was known for.

“Apologies,” I called, my voice rasping against my throat despite the drink I had just taken. Clearing my throat, which quite honestly did very little, I went on. “I didn’t see you there. I hope I didn’t disturb your afternoon.”