Then, at last, the kiss was ended. They stood there, breathing hard, clinging to each other in the semi-darkness; and Narla said, "They spoke truly, Craig Nesom. I am—will always be—your woman."
He kissed her again, then, while a knot drew tight in his belly, and his throat swelled, and his eyes stung.
But all he could whisper was "Narla ... Narla...."
Outside someone knocked on the door.
Craig stiffened; straightened. "What is it?"
"It's me Bukal. Roh's coming up. Would you raid with us?"
Craig looked at Narla.
Pain was in her eyes, but her voice stayed steady: "Your life's your own, voyager. And ... I'll be waiting."
Craig called, "I'm coming, Bukal!"
They kissed again, and then he left her, striding out into the pale green light of the ebbing day.