Tangled in Silk and Steel

"Tangled in sheets, her body craved peace, but her mind was armored, restless, and ready for war."

Kane stirred from a restless sleep, the faint sounds of hurried footsteps and murmurs creeping through the heavy walls of the castle. Her body was tangled in the linen sheets, warmth radiating from Soraya, who slept soundly beside her, her bare skin illuminated by the soft morning light. Kane's eyes fluttered open, her mind still groggy from the intensity of the night before, but the urgency in the air tugged her fully into consciousness.

Something was wrong.

Soraya shifted beside her, her lips barely parting in a sigh as she moved closer in her sleep, unaware of the tension building in Kane's body. Kane's hand instinctively brushed over Soraya's shoulder, the curve of her waist, but her mind was elsewhere now—focused on the muffled voices just beyond the door.

The heavy oak doors to her chamber suddenly burst open, and a young knight, still dusted with the grime of the battlefield, stood at the threshold. His eyes were wide with panic, and his armor clanged with each ragged breath.

"My Lady!" he gasped, his voice rough and hoarse. "The plan… it's failed."

Kane shot upright in bed, the sheets slipping down to her waist as her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "What?" The word escaped her lips with icy sharpness, cutting through the daze of the early morning. Soraya stirred beside her but remained asleep, oblivious to the storm brewing in the room.

The knight looked down, ashamed to meet her gaze. "The reinforcements didn't arrive in time. The enemy broke through our defenses, and we've lost the western flank. Hundreds are dead… I—" His voice cracked. "I'm sorry, Commander."

For a moment, Kane was frozen, her mind racing to make sense of what she'd just heard. Her carefully laid plans had crumbled. Every decision, every tactic she had devised, had failed.

Hundreds.

The word echoed in her mind like a relentless drumbeat. My men. My soldiers. Dead, because of me.

"Get out," she hissed, her voice low but venomous.

The knight hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but the cold fury in her eyes sent him stumbling backward, and he fled the room without another word. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving an oppressive silence in its wake.

Kane clenched the sheets in her fists, her breathing shallow as she struggled to contain the rage boiling inside her. She couldn't afford to lose control, not now. But the weight of her failure hung around her neck like a noose.

Soraya shifted again beside her, the peaceful rise and fall of her breath a stark contrast to the storm raging in Kane's mind. Kane's eyes drifted to her, taking in the delicate curve of her sleeping form, the soft glow of her skin in the morning light.

But even Soraya's warmth couldn't anchor her in this moment. Kane's mind was already spinning through the aftermath—how many lives were lost, how many more would fall because of her failure? Her thoughts slipped back to the battlefield, to the men who had trusted her. She'd led them into this, and they'd paid the price.

With one last glance at Soraya, Kane swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, the cool air hitting her bare skin. She reached for her discarded robe, pulling it tightly around her as if it could shield her from the crushing reality of what had just happened.

There was no time for grief, no time for guilt.

Only action.

Kane's feet hit the cold stone floor, the shock of it jarring her from the last remnants of sleep. She moved with a practiced efficiency, despite the heaviness settling over her like a shroud. The morning air was crisp, biting at her skin as she tied the robe around her waist, the silk fabric brushing against her.

The room still held the remnants of the night before, the scent of sweat and passion lingering in the air, but it felt distant now. Almost foreign. Her mind was no longer here in this chamber, not with Soraya's soft form still tangled in the sheets. No, her thoughts were already on the battlefield, on the destruction waiting for her outside these walls.

She moved to the window, pushing it open with a sharp tug. The distant sounds of the castle waking for the day reached her—soldiers barking orders, the clang of armor, and the steady murmur of people moving through the courtyard below. But there was an undercurrent to it all, a tension, a franticness that belied any sense of normalcy.

Kane clenched her jaw as her eyes scanned the horizon. The western flank. Her men. Hundreds, gone.

Her grip tightened on the stone windowsill, knuckles turning white as she forced herself to breathe, to think. She couldn't let emotion cloud her judgment. There was no time for it. Emotions were a luxury she couldn't afford—not when there were still lives at stake, not when the enemy had breached their defenses.

She turned sharply from the window, her movements deliberate, controlled. There was no hesitation as she crossed the room to her armor, hanging on a stand near the bed. Each piece gleamed in the morning light, a reflection of her status, her strength. She would need that now more than ever.

Soraya stirred again, her eyelashes fluttering as she slowly woke, the movements gentle and unhurried. Kane could feel her gaze even before she turned, but she didn't stop. The cold, methodical process of putting on her armor was a ritual Kane had perfected over years—every buckle, every strap a testament to her resilience.

"Are you leaving?" Soraya's voice was soft, still heavy with sleep, but there was a note of concern woven through it.

Kane didn't answer at first, focusing instead on securing the breastplate, the metallic clink of it echoing through the room. Only when she reached for her gauntlets did she pause, glancing at Soraya over her shoulder.

"I have to," Kane said, her voice devoid of the tenderness that had marked their time together just hours ago. "The battle's not over."

Soraya sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist, revealing her bare shoulders and the wild tangle of her hair. Her eyes, still clouded with sleep, widened as they searched Kane's face. "What happened?"

Kane turned away, fastening the gauntlets with practiced precision. "We've lost the western flank. The reinforcements didn't arrive. The enemy broke through."

There was a moment of silence, and then the sound of fabric rustling as Soraya slid out of bed. "And you're going out there again? Now?" Her voice held a tremor, just a hint of vulnerability that Kane almost missed.

"Yes," Kane replied, more sharply than intended. She wasn't in the mood for softness, for warmth. Not now.

Soraya's hand found her arm, fingers light but firm. "Kane… you don't have to do this alone. Let me—"

"No." Kane's voice was hard as steel, cutting through the offer. She pulled away from Soraya's touch, fastening her sword belt around her waist. "This is my fight. My failure. I'll fix it."

"Failure?" Soraya's brow furrowed, concern deepening the lines of her face. "You can't blame yourself for this. You couldn't have known—"

"I should have," Kane snapped, the anger she had been trying to hold at bay finally breaking through. Her hands balled into fists as she turned to face Soraya fully. "I should have known. I'm the commander. It's my job to know."

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of Kane's guilt. Soraya took a step back, her face softening, but Kane didn't allow the moment to linger. She couldn't.

There was no room for comfort, no space for second chances, not anymore.

"I don't need you out there," Kane said, her tone colder now, dismissive. "I need you here, safe. That's what matters."

Soraya's lips parted, as if to argue, but she said nothing. Instead, she watched in silence as Kane strapped on her sword, the final piece of her armor clinking into place.

With one last glance at Soraya, Kane strode toward the door, her boots heavy on the stone floor. The sense of finality in her steps echoed louder than any words she could have said.

As the door closed behind her, Kane was already lost to the battlefield in her mind. There was no turning back now.

This time, she wouldn't fail.

Valere lingered just outside Kane's chamber, leaning against the cool stone wall, arms crossed with a casualness that belied the tension in the air. Kane emerged, her armor glinting under the dim light, the metallic clinks accompanying each step as she exited her private sanctuary.

Kane's eyes narrowed at Valere. "What do you want?" The edge in her voice matched the sharpness in her thoughts. Why can't everyone just let me be?

"Off to play the noble knight again?" Valere quipped, a smirk playing on her lips. "Or are you just going to get yourself killed this time?"

Kane felt irritation coil in her stomach. Is this really the time for jokes? "I'm not in the mood, Valere," she replied, her tone clipped. She didn't need this right now—she had enough on her plate without adding Valere's insipid banter to the mix.

"Your precious Soraya seems to have forgotten her place," Valere continued, eyes glinting with mischief. "Softening you with those weak little pleas."

Kane's jaw tightened at the mention of Soraya. This isn't her fault. She's trying her best, she reminded herself, but the frustration boiled just below the surface. "She's not weak," Kane said sharply. "You don't know what she's been through."

"Maybe not," Valere replied smoothly, brushing aside Kane's defensiveness. "But I know you. You're a soldier, Kane. You've always put duty before feelings." She stepped closer, lowering her voice, sensing Kane's agitation. "And it will cost you everything if you don't stay focused."

Kane's breath quickened, her heart racing as annoyance and affection warred within her. Valere had a point—I am a soldier, she thought, yet the weight of duty felt heavier than ever. Soraya's vulnerability weighed on her heart like an anchor.

You need to remember what's at stake, Valere continued, her voice unyielding. Soraya can't possibly understand the weight of your decisions.

Kane's eyes flared with indignation. "You don't know anything about us."

"Look at you," Valere countered, stepping closer, her gaze unwavering. "You're torn between your duty and your heart. If Soraya is a distraction, she's a liability. And if she gets in the way…"

Kane's fists clenched at her sides. Damn it, Valere, she thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Why can't you see that I'm trying to balance it all? She wanted to snap back, to push Valere away, but the truth hung in the air between them, undeniable.

"I don't want to see you fail, Kane," Valere said, her voice low but fierce. "You're meant for greatness. You can't let your heart lead you into battle."

The weight of Valere's words pressed against Kane's chest. She felt the flicker of doubt, an unwelcome companion. Is she right? The thought lingered, but Kane quickly dismissed it. No. Soraya needs me. I can't abandon her.

"I have to go," Kane finally said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Valere watches Kane leaving, having the clear feeling that her words had done some kind of impact.

Kane moved down the corridors of the castle with purpose, her mind calculating her next steps. The losses on the western flank were catastrophic, but she wasn't one to dwell on failure. Not for long. She needed to act quickly before the enemy consolidated their victory. There was still a chance to turn things around.

Her destination: the war room. The commanders were already waiting, and Kane knew there would be questions. There would be doubts. She could feel the weight of her decisions pressing on her shoulders, but she wouldn't let it show. Not now. She had to remain strong, decisive. Any sign of weakness would only worsen the morale of her troops.

As she approached the heavy doors of the war room, Kane briefly closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steel herself. This wasn't the time for regrets, nor the time to question the past. It was time to act.

The doors swung open, and the hushed conversations inside immediately ceased. A group of commanders stood around a large table, maps of the kingdom sprawled across it, marked with pins and notes of troop movements. Kane's presence commanded the room, and all eyes turned to her as she entered.

Commander Corpse Three, one of her most trusted advisors, stepped forward, concern etched on his weathered face. "General Kane, the situation on the western front—"

"I'm aware," Kane interrupted, her voice sharp. She walked toward the table, her eyes scanning the maps. "We lost the western flank. The enemy took advantage of our delay in reinforcement, but we will regain control."

Commander Corpse Three, aka CCT hesitated, his brow furrowed. "But the losses—"

"I'm not interested in excuses," Kane cut in. "Or blame. What I need now is a solution."

The tension in the room was thick, but Kane thrived in it. She took the lead, pointing at the map. "We may have lost the western flank, but they won't expect us to strike back so soon. They'll assume we're retreating, licking our wounds. We're going to use that assumption to our advantage."

CCT nodded, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes. "What's your plan?"

Kane's fingers hovered over the northern region of the map. "We'll divert our forces here, to the northern ridge. From there, we can launch a counterattack, take them by surprise. They'll be focusing their defenses on the western front, expecting retaliation. We'll hit them where they're least prepared."

One of the younger commanders, a man of the 5th division, spoke up. "But we don't have enough forces left in the north to stage a full-scale assault."

"We will once we redirect the reserves stationed in the central regions," Kane replied without hesitation. "It's risky, but it's our best shot."

The room fell into a tense silence as the commanders exchanged uneasy glances. They knew the risk—if Kane's plan failed, it could leave other territories vulnerable, and they couldn't afford another defeat. But Kane was relentless.

"There's no time for hesitation," she said, her voice hard. "We strike now, before they can regroup. If we succeed, we'll push them back and regain the territory we've lost. If we fail..." She paused, her eyes narrowing as she looked around the room. "Failure is not an option."

CCT was the first to break the silence, stepping forward with a nod. "I trust your judgment, General. We'll prepare the troops for the northern offensive."

The other commanders followed suit, nodding in agreement, albeit with some reluctance. Kane could feel the weight of their trust, but it wasn't trust that motivated her. It was necessity. There was no other way.

Kane left the war room, her mind already racing with the logistics of the plan. She knew the risks, knew the stakes, but it was a gamble she was willing to take. There was no room for fear or hesitation in war. Only action.

As she made her way toward the stables, her thoughts returned briefly to Soraya. She had left her in the chamber, words hanging in the air that were half-spoken. There was always a pull there, something that gnawed at the edges of her resolve, but Kane had learned long ago how to compartmentalize. She couldn't afford distractions, not now.

In the courtyard, soldiers were already gearing up, preparing for battle. Kane's presence was enough to straighten spines, to light a fire in the hearts of those who had once doubted. She knew the kind of leader she had to be—unyielding, unshakable.

CCT met her by the stables, his expression grim. "The troops are ready. We'll begin mobilizing within the hour."

Kane nodded, mounting her horse with practiced ease. She surveyed the scene before her—armored knights, war-hardened soldiers, and the determined faces of those willing to fight, even after the losses they had suffered. This was her army. Her people.

"We move out at dawn," Kane said, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "This is our chance to take back what's ours. We'll show the enemy that we're not broken, that we won't be defeated."

Her eyes swept over the soldiers, lingering for a moment before she turned to CCT. "I'll lead the northern flank myself."

CCT stiffened slightly but nodded in understanding. He knew Kane's methods—she never sent her soldiers into a battle she wasn't willing to fight herself.

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground as she approached her black stallion, the animal's sleek form contrasting sharply against the muted colors of the surrounding stone. She reached for the reins, the familiar touch grounding her as she felt the weight of the impending conflict pressing down.

She mounted with ease, the leather saddle hugging her as she settled into place. The horse shifted beneath her, sensing the tension in her posture. This isn't your fault, Kane, she reminded herself, but the thought did little to soothe the storm brewing inside.

As she turned to survey the gathering soldiers, her gaze fell on the lines of weary faces, their expressions a mix of determination and uncertainty. She would lead them into battle, but the weight of that responsibility felt heavier than ever. They need me to be strong, she thought, and with that, she steeled herself for what lay ahead.

Just as she prepared to signal her command, she heard the thud of hooves approaching fast. Valere came into view, her jet black hair cascading behind her as she rode a chestnut mare that moved with practiced grace. Valere pulled to a stop beside Kane, her expression resolute.

"I'll go with you," Valere declared, her voice cutting through the din of the camp. "You may not know it, but I'm from the north, and I know the terrain better than anyone."

Kane met Valere's gaze, surprised by her sudden appearance. Why can't she just stay back and let me handle this? Annoyance flickered in her chest, but there was a deeper thread of appreciation woven through it. Valere had always been steadfast, and her knowledge could prove valuable in the face of the enemy.

"Valere, I can't have you putting yourself in danger," Kane replied, her voice strained as she struggled to keep her tone gentle.

Valere's brow furrowed, and her eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of defiance igniting. "You don't get to decide that for me, Kane. I know what's at stake just as well as you do." Her eyes swept over the soldiers, lingering for a moment before she turned back to Kane.

Kane felt a rush of conflict. She knew Valere was capable, but the thought of her wife being in the line of fire gnawed at her resolve. 

"Very well," Kane finally relented, the frustration yielding to an acceptance she didn't entirely welcome. "But stay close to me. I won't lose you out there."

Valere met Kane's gaze, her expression a blend of pride and resolute defiance. "You won't lose me, Kane. I promise," she replied, the confidence in her voice carrying a subtle challenge. "Besides, I know the northern lands better than any soldier you've got. My knowledge will be our advantage."

The camp came into view as Kane and Valere rode onward, the tents dotting the landscape like a patchwork of muted colors against the earthy browns and greens of the surrounding fields. The air was thick with tension, the scent of sweat and smoke hanging heavy in the atmosphere. Soldiers moved about, their voices low, eyes cast toward the ground, each lost in their thoughts, bracing for the impending clash.

As they approached, Kane felt a swell of pride watching Valere command the attention of the troops. With every word she spoke, her voice carried a magnetic authority that made heads turn and hearts quicken. Valere dismounted with the same grace she exhibited on horseback, her black hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her face like a halo in the fading light. Kane's breath caught for a moment; there was an undeniable allure in Valere's presence—strong, fierce, and undeniably beautiful.

"Gather around!" Valere commanded, her voice a blend of authority and calm confidence. "We have preparations to make before the sun sets. We need to fortify the northern flank and ensure our scouts are equipped for whatever lies ahead. Let's move with purpose!"

Kane watched her, the way her eyes sparked with determination, her body poised and confident. Gods, she's stunning. The heat of battle loomed ahead, but in that moment, all Kane could see was Valere's passion shining through, illuminating her like a flame against the encroaching darkness. I'm falling harder for her, she realized, and the thought both thrilled and terrified her.

CCT approached, pulling Kane from her thoughts. "Commander, we need to finalize our strategy. The enemy is moving fast, and we can't afford any mistakes," he said, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Right," Kane replied, pulling her focus back to the task at hand. "Let's gather the scouts and assess the situation. We'll need to anticipate their movements."

As she turned to head toward the gathering of soldiers, she caught sight of Valere in the thick of it all. The way she interacted with the men and women around her, offering encouragement, issuing commands, her charisma a beacon of strength—it made Kane's heart race. Valere wasn't just a warrior; she was a leader, someone who inspired those around her.

Kane couldn't help but admire the way Valere handled the chaos of the camp. She moved through the throng of soldiers with purpose, exuding a calm confidence that drew people to her. Kane found herself drawn in as well, the pangs of admiration mingling with something deeper.

"Commander!" A soldier called, snapping Kane out of her reverie. "We've spotted enemy scouts approaching the northern ridge. They're moving fast."

Kane's heart sank. "We need to push back. Valere!" she called, her voice cutting through the noise. Valere turned, her expression sharp and focused.

"Let's move!" she shouted, and without hesitation, she led a contingent of soldiers toward the ridge, her every move fluid and assured. Kane fell in step behind her, a fierce sense of protectiveness stirring within her.

As they rode, the wind whipped through Kane's hair, the world around them blurring into a haze. She could see the enemy scouts in the distance, their silhouettes stark against the horizon, and she felt the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. But even amid the rising tension, her gaze kept returning to Valere. 

As they reached the ridge, Valere stepped forward, exuding confidence as she surveyed the battlefield. "Form a line!" she ordered, her voice unwavering and sharp. "Archers, nock your arrows! We will not allow them to breach our defenses!"

Kane's heart swelled with pride, watching her wife's deft leadership in the face of danger. How did I get so lucky? She admired Valere's strength, her ability to command respect without raising her voice, her innate capability of inspiring those around her.

As the enemy scouts drew closer, Kane could feel the tension rising, the air thick with anticipation. She positioned herself alongside Valere, both of them radiating confidence as they faced the approaching threat. The ground beneath them vibrated with the pounding of hooves, the unmistakable sounds of war echoing in their ears.

"Steady yourselves!" Valere shouted to the soldiers, her fierce determination cutting through the chaos like a beacon. "You've trained for this moment. Trust in your skills and trust in your comrades!"

Kane's heart raced, a mixture of anxiety and admiration swirling within her. Valere was truly magnificent, and the sight of her fighting spirit made Kane's chest tighten with longing. She loved the way Valere fought, not just with her sword but with her very presence, igniting a fire in those around her that made them feel invincible.

But the weight of war pressed down upon them. The enemy was relentless, their numbers greater than anticipated. As the first clash of metal rang out, Kane felt the adrenaline spike within her. She would fight alongside Valere, shoulder to shoulder, determined to protect her and their soldiers with every ounce of strength she had.

"Stay close!" Kane shouted as they moved to engage, her voice firm. She couldn't afford to let anything happen to Valere. As they clashed with the enemy, the heat of battle surrounded them, the world narrowing to the fight ahead.

With each swing of her sword, Kane felt a mix of fury and determination. She would protect those she loved, and she would fight for Valere, the woman who stood strong beside her, making her heart race with every glance.

The clash of swords and the shouts of battle echoed around them, but as the dust began to settle, Kane felt a wave of relief wash over her. They had fought valiantly, driving back the enemy scouts and reclaiming the northern ridge. The field was strewn with the remnants of conflict—fallen soldiers, both friend and foe, the air heavy with the scent of sweat and blood.

Kane sheathed her sword, her chest heaving with exertion. The adrenaline from the fight still coursed through her, but a flicker of concern nagged at her as she glanced around for Valere. Where is she?

Then she spotted Valere, just a few feet away, her auburn hair now tousled and her cheeks flushed from exertion. But Kane's heart sank as she noticed Valere's horse limping slightly, its leg bleeding from a fresh wound.

"Valere!" Kane rushed toward her, her heart racing. "Are you alright?"

"I'm perfectly fine," Valere replied, dismissing the concern with a wave of her hand, though a flicker of discomfort crossed her face as she glanced down at her horse. "It's merely a scratch. I'll handle it myself."

Kane felt the tension in her chest tighten. "We don't have time for that. We need to get back to camp before they send in reinforcements," she insisted, scanning the horizon. The fight had barely turned in their favor, and the last thing she needed was for Valere to endanger herself further.

Valere paused, her gaze flickering to her horse, a mixture of pride and defiance in her eyes. "I can manage," she insisted, but the stubborn resolve in her demeanor only intensified Kane's determination.

"No, you can't," Kane replied firmly, taking Valere's reins in her hand. "Come on. We'll ride together."

With a begrudging nod, Valere relented, her eyes sparkling with challenge. "Very well, but you'd better be ready to catch me," she said, a subtle smirk playing at her lips.

Kane stepped closer, heart racing. "I'll help you," she said, her voice softer now. With a gentle hand, she lifted Valere onto her black horse, wrapping her arms around Valere's waist as she settled behind her. The warmth of Valere's body against hers sent a thrill through Kane, momentarily distracting her from the chaos that surrounded them.

"Hold on tight," Kane murmured, her breath catching as Valere leaned into her, their bodies fitting together like pieces of a puzzle.

With a swift kick, Kane urged her horse into motion, galloping back toward the camp. The thundering hooves pounded against the ground, and the world blurred around them—nothing existed beyond the two of them, entwined in this shared moment of vulnerability and strength.

"I regret not heeding your advice," Valere said, her voice steady despite the wind. "I only wished to demonstrate my capabilities."

Kane's heart ached at the admission, a mixture of admiration and protectiveness swelling within her. "You don't have to prove anything to me, Valere. You're already incredible, and I need you to be safe. Please."

Valere turned slightly, her gaze locking with Kane's, and in that instant, the chaos around them fell away. "I'll endeavor to keep that in mind," she murmured, her voice steady yet laced with a hint of vulnerability.

They reached the camp, the sounds of soldiers still bustling about, preparing for the next wave. Kane dismounted swiftly, helping Valere down as she noted the worried expressions on the faces of their comrades.

"Get the healer!" she called out, urgency spilling from her voice as she cradled Valere's face in her hands, searching her eyes. "We need to tend to your horse, and I want to make sure you're okay."

Valere smiled softly, her cheeks flushed from the heat of battle and their closeness. "I'm perfectly capable," she insisted, though a warmth flickered in her eyes that made Kane's heart skip a beat.

"Fine? You were just in a fight!" Kane exclaimed, unable to mask her frustration. "I won't let you brush this off, not now."

A soft, melodic chuckle escaped Valere's lips, a sound that stirred something warm and deep within Kane. "Your stubbornness is admirable, but it will be your downfall if you're not careful," she teased, her tone light yet laced with genuine concern.

"And you're too brave for yours," Kane shot back, her voice teasing but filled with affection.

As the healer approached, Kane felt a warmth spread through her, a realization that despite the horrors of war, this connection with Valere was unwavering. They were each other's anchor amidst the chaos—a love forged in the heat of battle, tempered by shared struggles and an undeniable bond.

Once Valere's horse was tended to, Kane took a deep breath, looking around the camp. The fight had left its scars, but they had emerged together, stronger than ever. With Valere by her side, Kane felt a renewed sense of hope and determination, a belief that they could face whatever lay ahead.

"Let's get you cleaned up," Kane said, her tone softening as she intertwined her fingers with Valere's, the simple touch igniting a spark between them. "And then we'll talk."

"About what, exactly?" Valere replied, a teasing smile playing on her lips, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and confidence.

"About how I'm going to kiss you when we're alone," Kane replied, a smirk playing on her lips.

Valere's laughter danced through the air, a melodious sound that lightened Kane's heart. "I'll be counting on you, Commander," she replied, her eyes glinting with a mix of affection and challenge.