>>5238920“Care to get some fresh air, Will?” Alys' unmistakable voice echoes down the stairwell. You put your half revealed blade back in it's sheath.
You walk up the remainder of the stairs, and Alys embraces you. “You know, I realize it's good practice, but you can just ask me when you want to do something like this.”
“Will, shut up and take me outside.”
You do. It's a much calmer night than the one that Garn warned you of. The skies are clear, and the lights of the town and keep below sparkle in a beautiful contrast to the midnight black of the sky, however speckled by stars. You stare for many moments, only noting Alys beside you when she gently lays her head on your shoulder.
“It's all beautiful, isn't it?” Alys says. You have to agree. Garn did not undersell the view.
“It is.”
“Not just here, my love, all of it. Our world. We have to protect it. Brother can't do it alone.”
You shake your head softly. “He will never have to. He has my oath, and my sword.”
Her head turns to look up at your face. “It's hard for him, you know? He's not this cold face he puts on. I remember who he is. He's my brother. And soon, yours too.”
You had not thought of it, but she's right. By law, Alkaign will soon be your brother. What a strange thought. You were close on the road, but now? He seems so different to how he was, even such a brief time ago. “I suppose he will be.”
Her arms encircle you, seeking comfort, as a gale passes and chills you both. She shivers.
“Do you want to go back inside?” You ask, concerned. She only got back on her feet today after all.
She hums. “No, Will. I think I'll stay like this a while.”
A whisper. “I wish we could stay like this forever.”
Above you both, the stars are as static as ever. Alys softly kisses you in the moonlight, and to your mind it is perhaps the most beautiful moment you can imagine. All of the future fades away, and there is only this moment.
