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The Prince of Rivendell didn’t expect this to be their life, if you had told them when they were still corrupted by Exor that in a few years time they would be free and they would be happy, they wouldn’t have believed you.
They, in fact, likely would have tried to kill you for trying to spread lies about them.
Bratwurst had been a comfort during those times, the last thing that they held onto that kept them grounded to humanity, that didn’t make them lose their mind completely - they still had that slither of humanity all because of one person. One beautiful soul.
The same beautiful soul that’s head was currently resting in Xornoth’s lap, their fingers gently stroking through his hair as he rested, his chest rising and falling in careful motions as he rested.
They took a deep breath as they took in the ocean’s breeze around them, it was rather cold out tonight but at this time Bratwurst was wearing their cloak as a blanket and Xornoth had experienced worse temperatures than this so they were willing to sacrifice feeling a little cold if it meant that Bratwurst could sleep peacefully.
Though, in their line of work - or previous work - that peace never did last.
Their fingers paused combing through Bratwurst’s hair when they felt him jolt slightly, looking down they noticed the way that his face scrunched up in fear, mumbling something quietly. Xornoth gently brushed the back of their knuckles against Bratwurst’s cheek, tracing the scar in an attempt to gently wake the other up.
They didn’t want to force Bratwurst awake - worried that he wouldn't know where he was at that moment, just that he was afraid and in pain, so gentle coaxing with their knuckle against gentle skin was the best Xornoth had at this moment.
Gasping and knocking against Xornoth’s hand was how he awoke. His eyes wide as a tear escaped before he could realise.
Xornoth shushed him quietly, brushing their fingers through his hair again, “It’s okay, it was just a dream” They spoke barely above a whisper but enough that Bratwurst could hear them.
“I’m here” they reassured as Bratwurst turned in their lap to look up at them. Using Xornoth to ground himself as he stared at them, memorising their features. “You’re safe”
“Hi” Xornoth grinned, tilting their head as Bratwurst seemed to jump, not realising he’d lost himself in his own thoughts again. A soft blush spread across Bratwurst’s cheeks as he looked rather embarrassed at being caught staring.
The elven prince laughed in delight, feeling safe enough to find enjoyment out of the small things, they felt safe and content enough to know that this life? The life they now had with Bratwurst? It wasn’t a dream. It was their reality.
And they were both safe, even with the nightmares and the bad dreams - at the end of the day they still woke up to each other's faces. They still woke up to each other’s body still being there, they still woke up to hearing each other's voice and feeling each other's hands.
They still woke up together.