"Let's hold on tight to dreams of ours, even though we've still got a long way to go."
* * * * *
* * * * *
Erisande woke a bit early, as the sun was still rising over snowy Ishgard. The fire, long having died to mere embers, managed to keep the room a smidgen above freezing through the night.
Glancing to the sleeping form of Sebastian beside her, she smiled and stroked a hand gently along his shoulder. He was exhausted, and she chuckled knowing the simple touch would not wake him. It was no secret that he'd rested more deeply at her side. After all he'd been through recently, he needed his rest.
As she rose from the bed and donned a robe, her first stop was the fireplace. A little poke of the embers and some kindling brought the flames back to life before she slipped a good sized log inside to burn.
He had not called out, had not let her know of his need to have her by his side in Ishgard. He had not told her of the troubles faced by his house, the disappearance of one of the noble ladies he served, and the days of stress that followed. Still there was political turmoil as well, the city still torn between those who desired vengeance against the dravanians and those who wished for peace now that option presented itself.
Sebastian's parents had been killed by dravanians, and it broke her heart to know he'd been orphaned because of this terrible war. She understood why it was difficult to let go of the past. If she was perfectly honest, there could be no peace for her if she was asked to break bread with whoever murdered her own mother.
On the same hand, she did not want their own children to be orphaned, either. If the war continued, it was possible.As she glanced back into the room, she knit her brow together. Nor did she want to be a widow. Her beloved wore the mantle of both knight and dragoon, and he was one of the first to respond to dravanian attacks. Several times already she'd had to kiss him goodbye without knowing if he would return.
Stepping back into the room, she smiled as she saw him again, still sleeping peacefully. He'd changed her world, showed her that there was still love in her own heart by giving his own to her. As she continued to watch him, he stirred the slightest bit and then opened his eyes. As his vision cleared and he recognized her, he gave a warm and sleepy smile.
She returned the smile, realizing that her eyes had grown suddenly misty. Closing the distance between them, she shed the robe she wore and went to his now open arms.
