Delita's confident words and readiness to leave their mourning behind assured her of their mutual readiness for the step. She inhaled deeply yet quietly, nodding her consent. Never to return. So it would be.

Whereas instinct had driven her previous acceptances of his hand, this time the motivation proved different. Through choice, and want, Ashe reached out to envelop her hand within the surety of his.

For a moment she held his gaze. Just as they had entered together, so would they depart together. As for the return to Warjilis... she couldn't think that far ahead. All she felt was the call of the surface above, and the familiar warmth of Delita's hand.