–Defective… unworthy… in your eyes, I’m not those things at all though, am I?– Anara asked.

–No.– Kes replied. –Very… very much the opposite, in fact.– She moved to kiss her and caress her face.

And Kes could tell that Anara knew what she meant, through their link, even though she would have had trouble explaining it in words. –I like this… being so close to you…– Anara spoke. –Is it… is it possible to stay always this way? Always connected?–

Kes thought about it. –I don’t know…– She finally told her. –It seems to be working well, to have worked well, undoubtedly so, but, I think we should pull back for now, to make sure there are no unintended negative effects…– Kes replied, worried that maybe she’d gone too far, too fast, and doubting her own, still largely untested, abilities… ”…and to make sure it’s really what we both want…” She was honest about her other reason too. This feeling was… very, very tempting, and she felt like she needed perspective right now to process it…

–I…– ”Of course, whatever you need.” Anara spoke aloud, and there was such deep fondness in her voice that Kes sucked in her breath a little in surprise and delight. She could likewise feel that the trust and belief that Anara had had for her before had been increased even more, and had grounded itself down very deeply indeed. –Yours, always yours…– Kes heard the thought and smiled, feeling very secure in her marriage, her love for Anara returned without reservation, and that, it turned out, was the very best sort of feeling to have, she was finding.

Kes moved in and kissed her again. ”We should go check on the children.” Kes spoke softly, withdrawing from her wife’s mind fully.

Anara gasped and passed out.

Sharp, wordless panic welled up inside of Kes, and she reached out with her mind and her hands. She saw immediately what was wrong, and was relieved beyond words to know that it wasn’t serious. She soothed Anara’s mind, healed the strain and fatigue she found within it as much as she was able, gave her what strength she could, and, in seconds, Anara was blinking her eyes open again.

–What happened?– Anara asked in her mind.