Chapter Text
Ellie brushes the red and gold surface of the festive bauble with a soft caress of her hand and makes a wish. A tingling wave of warm magic flows through her, gentle and reassuring; she closes her eyes as she pictures the memory in her mind. She imagines every detail - the familiar sounds, the scent of spices, the hum of gentle conversation. As she sinks further into her remembrances, a voice says, 'Shhh. Keep it quiet or you'll spoil the surprise!'
Her eyes fly open and she gasps. She's in the kitchen of their renovated Chateau in Amphail. It looked like a typical Sunday morning - one of many that they'd had together. Often on mornings like this, Gaius would leave her drowsing in bed, shushing Griffin when he came into wake them. Together they'd sneak down to the kitchen to prepare honey rolls, tea for her, coffee for him and hot chocolate for Griffin. Sometimes they were successful and Gaius would clatter through the bedroom door, tray first. Griffin following with a single pink rose in a narrow bud vase. But more often that not, Ellie would wake up, throw on her robe and wander to the kitchen. She loved to sit and watch them as they laughed and chatted, bemoaning the fact that she was awake. They were like a well oiled machine - each with their own part to play in preparing her 'suprise.' She sat on the stool quietly and watched them, listening to Griffin’s questions and Gaius’s patient answers, enjoying the rich aroma of the coffee mingling with the honeyed scent of buttery pastry. These were the things she loved. Gaius' grand romantic gestures were wonderful, but it was these small things she missed the most.
She draws out a stool now, and sits inside the memory - her little family, her two beautiful boys. So much love, so much happiness was hers for a little while. She was lucky, she chides herself. She should enjoy this gift, enjoy the moment while she can. Blinking back a threatening tear, she closes her eyes releasing the breath she didn't even know she was holding.
'Ellie.’
Her eyes shoot open, 'Gaius?' She says in disbelief.
Gaius smiles, his soft brown eyes on hers.
'Gaius?' Ellie repeats. 'Are you...' She touches his face, so long unseen but so familiar. 'Is that really you?'
'Yes, and no,' He takes her hands and she feels the warmth of his fingers as they encircle hers. 'Let’s just say that some unpredictable magical effects have allowed us a little window of time. I don’t know for how long though.’
Ellie's not going to look a gift horse in the mouth - or a gift Pega-tressymn in this case. 'Gaius.' Her voice breaks as he leans in closer, their foreheads touching. ‘It’s so good to see your face.’
Her husband smiles. ‘You too, beautiful.' He brings a hand up to caress her check agin, then slides his arms around her, the way he used to, pulling her whole body closer to him. Her hands slide up his chest and around his neck and she rests her head on his shoulder, the subtle scent of his cedar and sage cologne overwhelming her with love. 'I miss you so much,' she whispers. ‘Every day. You and Griffin.’
He kisses her forehead. 'And I miss you, Ellie. More than you will ever know.’ She smiles, her throat tightening. They stand there, savouring the moment. There is so much she wants to say, but perhaps it’s enough just to be together like this, whispering endearments and enjoying this unexpected moment in time.
He draws away then touches the ring she still wears on her right hand.
'You still wear it.'
'Of course I do. I will never take it off. No matter what...'
'Are you happy, sweetie? With him?'
'I am. It's different than what we had, but I am happy.'
'Then that's all that matters to me.'
Her cheeks are damp now, streaked with tears of joy and sadness.
'Just know,' Gaius says, his face close to hers, foreheads still touching, 'I still walk the world with you. I'm just walking a little further away. That's all.’
'And I with you, sweetie. You’re always with me in here.' She places his hand on her heart. He kisses her softly, then takes her face in his hands, and kisses her firmly, passionately, the way he used to.
As the magic fades, she can still feel his lips on hers, his hands on her cheeks.
Goodbye Gaius, she whispers.