The medics brought in to help made several attempts to send Zrahelim out before they began working but at this point, he’d grown aggressively protective over her and refused to leave. In favor of saving the half dead soldier they allowed him to stay. One of the humans gave him odd looks when he did not turn away as they undressed her, likely expecting some sort of disturbance. A snarl got him back to work. Only after an hour of intense magical heals and bandaging did most of the others leave the room.

“We’ve done all we can do for her at this point. If she’s to pull through, she’ll need rest. You should go. We’ll keep sending others to check on her.” One of the last medics, one who knew Kayza suggested.

“No.” he grunted and sat in the tiny chair next to the bed.

“You staying here is not going to help her recover any faster, Crusader.” The sylvari tried to persuade him.

“I’m not leaving.” He growled, baring his teeth at him until he left the room.

Several hours passed. Time and time again, the medics who came to check on her would try to remove the male from her side. Eventually, most of them gave up and told him to report if there was any change in her breathing or state of consciousness. It was nightfall when the stress started to wear on him. He knew he needed sleep, but the fear of losing her nagging at the back of his mind prevented him from leaving her side.

Eventually he settled on removing the upper half of his armor so that he might get comfortable resting his head and arms on the edge of the bed. It was another hour before he found sleep, her scent the only comfort he’d get.

~*~

In the wee hours of the next morning, long after the medics had stopped coming in to check on the wounded charr and move the other, Kayza's eyes finally cracked open. She coughed lightly as she pulled herself into a sitting position and looked around. She was almost surprised to see Zrahelim on the tiny stool, much too small for the large charr, next to the bed. The leather armor shirt, gloves and shoulder pads had been removed, folded and put aside. The rest of his armor was in place so she assumed it was an attempt at trying to get decent sleep.

"Zrahelim..." She whispered after few more moments, gently brushing a hand through his mane, and watched as he woke up slightly startled and sat up completely.

"Kayza..." his voice had an odd quality to it, part leftover sleep and part relief. “You’re finally awake."

"Did you stay the whole time?" her voice was soft but her eyes drifted to the folded clothes beside him.

“Yes.” He held back tears.

“It’s cold…” she muttered softly.

Instead of responding, the male wrapped his arms around her, hugging her gently to his chest and allowing her to lean into him in the process. In that moment he pressed his nose against the back of her neck and simply breathed his relief. Kayza didn’t hesitate to hug one of his arms and the warm soft fur relaxed her immensely. It was several long minutes before they spoke to one another again. They both needed the comfort that came with the embrace and neither was quite willing to break it so soon.

“Your fur is soft, Zra.” Kayza was the first to speak. Her voice was weak but sincere, lacking the usual venom they used in front of others.

“Yeah, just how you like it.” Zrahelim’s voice was rough with emotion though he tried to stay strong.

“Thank you…”

“It’s fine. You made it, Kayza.” The words were almost a whisper.

“You know what I meant.” She chuckled softly and smiled, beyond grateful.

Zra huffed in response to her comment and simply held her closer, happy that he hadn’t lost another person he cared for.

---

And last part :3. Hope you guys enjoyed it.

Zrahelim ©  Toeclaws
Art and Kayza © me
Charr and gw2 © Arenanet