This is a short followup to my first Beloved of Ashura story. Like others, I wanted to see if I could do a complete story in 750 words. It was slightly easier using established characters. I hope you enjoy it!
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The air was heavy with smoke as the sound of battle faded. Dove looked around for another foe, but Rayven was the only person close. She sighed with relief as none of the blood that covered her lover appeared to be hers. Although she had absolute confidence in Rayven's abilities, Dove knew that age was the one foe even the avatar of a warrior goddess couldn't defeat in the end.
"Just not yet," she silently prayed, "don't take her from me yet, Ashura."
When Rayven swayed and seemed ready to fall, her fears surged back. Dropping her sword, she rushed over to put an arm around her.
"Dove, I'm fine. Just exhausted," Rayven said, before chiding her. "Is that how you treat your sword?"
"No, Mistress," Dove whispered, the terror still strong, but years of training reasserted themselves. Letting go, she picked it up and cleaned it. Sheathing it, she again put a supporting arm around Rayven. The feeling of disappointing her faded with a gentle kiss to her forehead.