Sacrifice
[The first move of the game is always a sacrifice]
Scene opens: Amery stands at the foot of Felix's bed in the healer's tent. Blood smeared on the side of her head appears dark in the dim candlelight, blotting out her features. In contrast, Felix is clean and shaven as he lies injured on the bed. Above the blankets, a sash of white bandages crosses his left shoulder.
F: Do you think it's easy? To choose to put myself in the line of fire?
A: Of course it's not easy! You- I'm grateful. I'm so grateful, I am-
F: So just thank me and be done with it
A: YOU ALMOST DIED. you almost died
F: I didn't! And even if I had, I'd do it again
And there it is. Amery holds her gaze on him. Her pupils seem to shake in the candlelight. The word hangs heavy but Felix takes it in, he answers like it's obvious.
F: Because in case you forgot, you chose first. That bullet was coming for you, because u shot first!
A: So it was my bullet to take. I swore, TO YOU, that I would do anything to win this war by your name. I am your soldier- your pawn. What don't you understand?
F: This war is not a game
A: You have to sacrifice to gain!
F: Not you. Amery, I cannot give them you.
A: The Knight doesn't die for the pawns or the King will lose, Captain.
Felix bristles at the formality. His features steele as he realises she won't reciprocate the tenderness he's shown her; not like how she used to.
F: Amery. Don't you fear death? When you were standing there, on the other side of the line, waiting for them to shoot you as you did them.. weren't you afraid?
A: I was. I was afraid because I could hear you coming for me. That I'd done a desperate, foolish thing and the captain was going to die for me.
Amery starts for Felix's bedside. A heavy limp appears in her step. Her brow furrows as she tries to hide the pain in her right leg. Felix sighs, knowing that if he nags her about it, she'll implode.
A: How do you expect to lead now? Bed bound and too injured to lift a spoon!
F: I do not regret taking that bullet for you. I regret that you feel like you need to be shot to prove yourself. You are valuable to me Amery. As a soldier. As a friend.
A: Please do not call me your friend.
A: Felix, I cannot forgive you.
F: I'm not looking for forgiveness.
A: Thank you, Felix, for saving my life.
Amery turns and limps awkwardly toward the tent's flap. Felix sighs, unable to hold it in.
Amery whirls around, cloak spinning. Tear tracks shimmer on her face, her eyes are teary.
A: I thought you were dead.. and that I'd never see you again. I missed you. I missed you so much, Felix.
Felix smiles sympathetically.
F: I missed you too, Ames.