[prompt] friday ♠ changes
one (the life not lived) ♠ Petrana misses her husband when he's gone; responsibilities to the Order can take him from her and his children for months at a time. It makes the time when he is there easier and something precious, and she's grateful for it. She knows he'll never retire, and she asks God to forgive her the gratitude for that, too. (She loves him, she's always loved him, and when he's missed her she can pretend she never sees how hard he has to try to love her back.)
two (the words never said) ♠ Martel can feel the blood rising in his lungs and he understands Sparhawk's refusal to finish it full well. When Sephrenia lowers her face to kiss his forehead, he uses what breath he has left to say I regret. It doesn't matter any more.
three (the second chance) ♠ He follows Sparhawk to Jiroch, and he goes alone. They fight with words, and then with swords, and then finally with their fists and their undiluted anger. Martel resists excuses, only a brief explanation that he expands upon after Sparhawk hits him a few more times. (They both feel better, later, only they don't.) They sit in the wreckage of Lillias's kitchen, bruised and bloody and bitter and when Martel starts to say something, Sparhawk says for God's sake, shut up. So there are no apologies, only tired regrets and uneasy allies, but Martel's presence is an acknowledgement. Brothers, then, and there's something like hope even if there's no forgiveness.
four (the next time around) ♠ Kurik comes to in the nexus with a violent start-
five (the pure indulgence) ♠ "Where are they, Martel?" Annias demands, as the white-haired mercenary passes him by with little consideration.
"I'm sorry, did you want me to let them out first?" Martel inquires, not bothering to look at Annias when he speaks to him. "My mistake. Annias, the leech you call a son outlived his usefulness - such as it was - months ago. Step carefully before you do as well."
"Arissa-"
"I thought I'd give her a preview of hellfire. A bonfire is a merry thing, don't you think?"