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The first time Geraldus laid eyes on her was when he was held captive at Danthelon’s Dancing Ax. Fear gripped him, making it impossible to meet the gaze of his captors. The memory of the doppelgänger wearing Chelvin’s body still haunted him, and despite his efforts to steady himself, his body trembled with lingering terror. Then, as if in contrast to the darkness of the moment, she descended the ladder with Jaheira following behind. For those first few seconds, he could only gaze at her, overwhelmed by her beauty and the undeniable presence she exuded. She was in leather armor but something about her glows radiant light. As she descended, Geraldus felt a sense of calm wash over him. Though the terror still lingered deep within, his body slowly steadied itself. In the presence of Jaheira and this radiant woman, he felt a flicker of safety, a reassurance that, for the moment, he was no longer alone in his fear.
“High Harper. May Selune’s Tears shine on this meeting,” he spoke as Jaheira and the party approached.
“...A very formal greeting, Geraldus. You are well?” Jaheira’s eyes narrow at him.
He could feel himself panic, “Y-yes, High Harper. Standing beneath Selune’s Tears.”
A halfling woman steps forward, “The lad’s a little nervous, Jaheira. We heard of your great victory against Ketheric."
Geraldus' eyes flitted nervously between Chelvin and Jaheira, his mind racing. Then, for a brief moment, his eyes locked with the radiant woman standing beside the High Harper. Her expression shifted to one of concern as she noticed the fear in his eyes, and she shot him a look filled with silent worry.
“I understand, Geraldus,” Jaheira said, as both of them turned their attention to the High Harper. “Take a moment.” Jaheira made a subtle glance toward her companion, then shifted her gaze back to Chelvin. "And you, Harper," she said coolly, "there's something familiar about you. Doesn’t she remind you of our old friend Marcus?"
In that instant, the party sprang into action, catching the doppelgängers off guard. Within moments, they had swiftly neutralized the threat, leaving no one standing in their wake.
After the battle, Geraldus finally understood why he was so captivated by her. She emanated a beauty as radiant and powerful as the light she wielded as a cleric. She moved toward him, her gaze sweeping over him, carefully assessing every inch to ensure he was unscathed, in case he needed healing. Jaheira stood beside her, silent but watchful, waiting expectantly for Geraldus to speak.
“Did I - did I get it right?” he spoke anxiously.
“Selune’s Tears. It is said no false face can stand beneath their light. An old code, Harper - but yes, you got it right. Now I need your report.”
Geraldus' gaze flickered to her before he spoke, his voice tinged with regret. "We had eyes on suspected cultists in the city, like you asked. We thought we were tracking them, but..." He trailed off, his expression darkening as the weight of what had happened settled back in.
Jaheira interjected, her tone firm, "They were tracking you instead, evidently. Doppelgängers." Her words landed with a harsh finality, revealing the unsettling truth behind their pursuit.
“And they’re not just working with the cult, High Harper - they’re part of it. Bhaalists, I think,” Geraldus continued, his voice low and pained. Jaheira let out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.
“Everything seemed fine, until…your latest orders.” Geraldus went on, his words strained. “Until we started to search for the Rashemaar. They struck the same night. I woke to one of them strangling Chelvin, while smiling at me out of her face. She said - it said - that I’d report back to you as normal. Lure you here, and…I had no choice.” The cleric looked at him, her eyes filled with sympathy and a quiet understanding.
Jaheira responds, “I’m sure it felt that way, Geraldus. The others were likely dragged back to Orin. Tortured. Sacrificed. I do not expect you to die for me. But to risk Entharl? Any citizen who might have wandered in? There is always a choice - and a Harper must be able to make the hard ones. Perhaps this isn’t the life for you after all, Geraldus.” Her words were a quiet reproach, heavy with the weight of duty and consequence.
“No. Jaheira - High Harper - please. I’m still a Harper. I want to help,” Geraldus pleaded, his voice desperate.
Jaheira’s expression hardened. “You’ve scarcely signed up, boy, and there is a war coming. Why die a Harper, when you could still live as anything else?”
Before he could respond, a softer voice cut through the tension. It was the cleric, her words gentle yet firm. "No one can make that choice for him. Not even you, High Harper."
He was momentarily taken aback by the softness of her voice, a warmth that contrasted sharply with the weight of the conversation. But Geraldus quickly composed himself, his resolve hardening. “I want to fight…for Chelvin. For all of them. So it means something.” His words were steady, driven by a deep need to honor those lost and ensure their sacrifices weren't in vain.
“Death is death. To look for meaning in it is foolishness, boy. Childish, storybook nonsense.” Jaheira's voice was heavy, tinged with bitterness. But after a moment, she sighed deeply, as if fully understanding the weight of her own words. She offered a small smile at Geraldus. “...Exactly the kind a Harper would spout, I suppose. Fine. I have no right to make the choice for you. Not when this mess is of my making. I sent the Harpers hunting after the cult without thinking what it would mean to be hunted in turn. Now they are compromised.”
Geraldus was taken aback by her words. His eyes widened in surprise, and he let out a small breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, the weight of her confession settling in.
“And if not for you, I wouldn’t even know it. I’m sorry, Geraldus. Harper.” Jaheira said.
She then turned to the cleric, her gaze softening. “And I owe you an apology, as well. I haven’t told you everything I hoped to learn here today.”
Her eyes shifted back to him, and with a sigh, she continued, “First, Geraldus - you’re the last Harper in the city I can rely on. Lay low, and rest while you can. I have matters to discuss with my friend here."
Once dismissed, Geraldus took one last look at the radiant cleric, who was speaking quietly with Jaheira. She turned her head, their eyes meeting for a brief, electric moment. She gave him a smile—so gentle, so kind—that it lingered in his mind long after.
He dipped his head in gratitude, then climbed the ladder out of the Harper’s safe house.
For the next tenday, he couldn’t shake that smile from his thoughts. It lingered in his mind, gentle and beautiful, in a way he had never experienced before. Geraldus had some experience with courting and the occasional kiss, but that was the extent of it. He was familiar with the surface of attraction, but this... this was different.
For the first time in his life, he found himself dreaming of a woman's smile, of having her in his arms. His thoughts were consumed by her, an obsession he hadn’t known he was capable of. He wanted to learn everything about her—the simple things: her favorite food, color, the time of day she felt most at peace, her hobbies. He had never been this driven to know someone beyond his usual duties, but for her, it was different.
The more he uncovered, the more in awe he became. Her name was Tav. She wasn’t just a hero in his eyes—she was a hero to many. Some of the local Tieflings, survivors of hags, Duke Ravengard, the Gondians, and more had benefited from her courage and strength during her adventures.
She invaded his dreams nearly every night, and whenever he had a moment of free time, his thoughts would inevitably drift back to her. What is she up to now? When will I see her again? Does she fancy someone else? His stomach sank each time these questions arose. Why was he thinking of her so much? Had he truly fallen in love with her at first sight? How old are you now? How are we so naïve? he pondered, almost in disbelief at the intensity of his feelings.
But no matter how much he tried to push the thoughts aside, he always found himself circling back to one question: When can I see her again?
And then, his wish was granted.
After helping the people of the city defend against the mind flayers, the air was thick with victory. The streets buzzed with energy, and soon, people gathered at the Elfsong Tavern to celebrate their triumph over the elder brain, their spirits lifted by the heroes of Baldur’s Gate. Geraldus knew that High Harper would be there, and with a flicker of hope, he thought that perhaps—just perhaps—he might see her again.
And there she was.
She stood among the crowd, covered in dried blood and bruises, yet laughing happily with the Rashemaar. Geraldus’ heart skipped a beat as he spotted her, but a wall of people stood between them. He tried to get closer, but the crowd was too thick, and he could only watch from afar.
Despite the grime of battle, she radiated a kind of beauty that seemed unaffected by the chaos around her. It wasn’t just her appearance—it was her spirit. There was something about her—her strength, her confidence—that made her shine even in the aftermath of war. He stood still, watching her, his gaze following every movement, every laugh shared with those around her. His heart eased when he saw that she was safe, that she was well. After a long while, he finally tore his eyes away.
As he turned to leave the tavern, ready to report back on his mission and head home, a strange sense of resolution settled over him. Maybe it was time to finally let go of his childish crush and move on. He had seen her, confirmed she was alright, and that was enough. At least, he told himself, it should be.
Six months later, she returned to his thoughts. Jaheira had recommended him to the Harper Council for the position of Watcher, and he had been granted the honor of bringing a guest to the ceremony—someone who would officially name him Watcher before the Council. As he pondered who to invite, his mind inevitably turned to her—the hero who had saved Baldur’s Gate and the one who had once spoken on his behalf. Jaheira had also mentioned that she would soon be meeting Tav at a small gathering. Seizing the opportunity, he quickly penned a letter for Jaheira to deliver to Tav, hoping to reconnect.
He wrote:
"My friend,
I hope this finds you, wherever you are. I just wanted to thank you, and...ask a favour. I'm to be made a Watcher!! The High Harper put me forward to the Harper Council, for 'service to the city'. I'm not sure what that means, but I know that if it wasn't for you I'd be back mucking out my mother's yard. I am permitted to bring one guest to the ceremony, who will name me Watcher before the Council. You spoke for me once before. I understand you're probably busy - but I would be honoured if you'd do it again.
I await your reply - whenever you can! (But hopefully soon?)
Harper Geraldus"
His anticipation grew as he awaited Jaheira's return with a response, and when she finally did, it was with the letter he'd been hoping for.
It read:
“It is so great to hear from you, Geraldus!
I’m really glad to hear you are doing well, and congratulations on becoming a Watcher! I will never forget your bravery the first time we met—it was truly inspiring. I’d be honoured to be your guest at the ceremony. Before the event, I’d love to spend some time with you to get to know you better. That way, I can represent you and your dedication to the city more personally. I’ll be at Fraygo’s Flophouse for the next few days, so feel free to stop by whenever it suits you. Looking forward to catching up!
Tav”
He burst through the door, his heart racing. He was finally going to see her again. After six long months, the feelings he had buried deep within him surged to the surface, overwhelming him with their intensity.
When he arrived at the hostel, his eyes immediately found her. She was standing there, just as he remembered—still clad in the same armor, her presence as radiant and captivating as ever. It was as if no time had passed at all, and yet, everything felt different.
Then, as if sensing his gaze, she turned to look at him. Her eyes softened, taking in the changes in him. His shoulders were broader now, his stance more confident, though the man he had become still held a trace of the same uncertainty she had once seen in the Harper’s safe house. The pretty half-elf she had once known had grown into a striking, handsome figure, but he is still so pretty.
A smile tugged at her lips, the same signature smile that had haunted his dreams for so many moons. It was warm, knowing, full of unspoken memories, and it hit him like a soft wave crashing over him. His chest tightened, his breath catching in his throat.
"Geraldus! It's so good to see you!" she said, her voice a comforting balm, pulling him firmly back to the present. It was the warmth he had longed for, the kind of reassurance he hadn’t realized he'd missed so much.
"Tav! I’m so glad to see you well!" Geraldus replied, his voice a little breathless, his heart still fluttering. He walked over to her, "What have you been up to?"
“Oh, you know… trading and selling things from my travels. I was just with Entharl this morning, looking at a new cape." She waved a hand dismissively. "But enough about me. How about you? How have you been?" Her gaze softened, eyes full of curiosity. "Should we take a walk? I’d love to hear about it."
"Yes, let's," he agreed.
Geraldus filled her in on the latest politics, the events unfolding, and the ongoing rebuilding efforts at Baldur’s Gate, while Tav regaled him with tales from her travels. He couldn’t help but feel a little stunned when she mentioned traveling alone—no companions, no party by her side. Everyone else had returned to their lives, but there she was, still the same as ever—adventuring, helping those in need, and living a life so far removed from the settled peace he had come to know.
As they walked down a narrow alley, the unexpected happened. Out of nowhere, a rogue cabbage cart came barreling toward them. Geraldus saw it coming just in time. Without thinking, he reacted instinctively, his arm shooting out to wrap around Tav’s waist, pulling her sharply toward him to keep her out of the cart’s path.
But Tav, ever quick and sharp, didn’t hesitate. Her instincts kicked in too—she pushed him aside to shield him from the oncoming danger. The result was an unexpected, tangled collision—they both crashed against the nearby wall with a jolt, her body pressed up against his, her arms instinctively wrapping around his shoulders as his own arms locked around her waist to steady them both.
For a moment, neither of them moved, caught in the unexpected closeness of the embrace. Geraldus’s heart raced—not from the danger they had just narrowly avoided, but from the warmth and sudden intimacy of the situation. His breath came in shallow bursts, and he could feel the heat of her body pressed against his. Her breath, too, was quick, but there was a comfort in that shared breathlessness. They were safe, but the intensity of the moment only seemed to grow.
For a beat, there was nothing but the thudding of their hearts, the sharpness of their breaths, the quiet rush of adrenaline between them. And then, Tav let out a soft laugh, muffled against his shoulder, her body shaking with the sound. Geraldus couldn’t help but chuckle as well, his own heart still thumping wildly in his chest.
"I see we both prioritized each other’s well-being," she teased, her voice light and playful. "Are you all right? Did you hit your head?"
Geraldus slowly pulled back just enough to look at her, his hands still lingering at her waist, as if to make sure she was truly unharmed. "I’m fine," he said, his voice a little hoarse, though his mind was still reeling from both the close call and the surprising proximity between them. "What about you? Are you hurt?"
Tav met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Her grin softened, and for a moment, there was only the quiet bond between them, warm and unspoken. "Just a bruise to my ego," she said, her voice light, "but nothing serious."
Tav’s gaze shifted, and she noticed the firmness of his shoulders and chest—evidence of the hard work he’d put into being a Harper. He’d grown into himself in ways she hadn’t realized. With that strength, it was hard to imagine him being anything but a heartbreaker.
She raised an eyebrow, her smile teasing. "You know, you’re quite attractive. Do you know that? Your partner must be very happy."
Geraldus blinked, his large hazel eyes stared down at her, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. "I... I don’t have a partner," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tav’s eyes widened, a playful laugh escaping her. "Impossible! But you’re so gorgeous!"
Geraldus’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red, and his eyes darted away, suddenly feeling shy under her gaze. "Ar-Are you... interested in me?"
The words hung between them, and Geraldus immediately realized the bluntness of his question. His heart hammered in his chest, and he felt the warmth of his blush deepening. He hadn’t meant to be so forward—he didn’t even know what he’d expected—but there it was, out in the open.
Tav blinked, caught off guard, her breath catching in her throat. She hadn’t expected him to ask that—especially not so directly. But truth be told, she’d thought about Geraldus from time to time. The young Harper had left an impression on her, an innocent, almost naive charm that had stayed with her long after their first meeting.
And, for reasons she couldn’t quite explain, she found herself oddly drawn to him—his quiet strength, his unassuming beauty, his sincerity. She had never settled down with any of her companions, always moving from place to place, never lingering long enough to forge anything lasting. She hadn’t minded being alone, but there were moments—rare moments—when she thought of him, the lad who had been so hopelessly innocent and very, very pretty.
Now, as she stood there in his arms, feeling the warmth of his touch and the way his body pressed against hers, her heart fluttered in a way it hadn't in a long time. She could feel the heat rise in her own cheeks, a light blush coloring her face.
She shifted, suddenly aware of his arms around her. Should she tell him the truth? She wanted to—more than anything. But there was hesitation, a doubt creeping into her thoughts. He deserved someone more stable, someone who wasn’t constantly on the move.
But as she looked at him—his wide, innocent eyes, his earnest expression—she couldn’t help but feel a pull toward him, one that was undeniably real. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to stop running.
Tav opened her mouth, but the words didn’t come out right away. She hesitated, the weight of her thoughts clashing with the tenderness of the moment. Finally, she gave him a small, warm smile, the teasing light in her eyes softening. “...I’m more interested than I let on,” she said, her voice lighter than she felt, but her gaze spoke volumes.
Geraldus was caught off guard, his heart racing as her words sank in. His feelings, once manageable, were suddenly overwhelming, threatening to spill over. He was no longer sure of what to do with himself, or where to place his emotions. As they stood there, pressed against the wall, time seemed to slow, the moment stretching out impossibly. Everything around them faded into the background, leaving only the closeness they shared.
His eyes were intense, full of silent longing, and seemed to plead with her. A shaky breath escaped him, and his voice faltered as he asked, “C-Can I kiss you?”
Tav’s cheeks flushed, the faintest pink blooming across her skin. She smiled up at him and with a quiet breath, she answered, “Yes.”
Just as the words left her lips, a child’s voice rang out from behind Tav. “GET A ROOM, WILL YA!”
The words hit like a splash of cold water, and both of them jerked apart, their faces instantly flushed with embarrassment. Geraldus stood frozen, unable to suppress the rush of warmth in his cheeks.
Tav, equally flustered, cleared her throat. “Um… I, unfortunately, have to meet with Duke Ravengard soon, so... let’s catch up later!” She offered a quick, nervous smile before walking briskly away, her face still red from the unexpected interruption.
Geraldus watched Tav retreat into the distance, his heart sinking with each step she took away from him. He didn’t want her to leave. He hoped—no, wanted —to see her again soon. The moment between them had felt so right, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it was only the beginning of something more.
He hadn’t expected the next encounter to happen so soon.
After completing his mission, Geraldus made his way down the dimly lit street, the evening air cool against his skin. It was then that he spotted her—Tav, walking slowly ahead, her movements swaying slightly. She seemed… off. Her steps were uneven, as though she were intoxicated. Geraldus hesitated, unsure if it was really her, but before he could process it, she stumbled and fell to the ground.
Without a second thought, he rushed to her. “Tav! Are you all right?” He knelt beside her, gently pulling her into his arms.
Her eyes fluttered open slowly, hazy at first. “Oh…” A soft sigh escaped her lips, and then, that smile—warm and sweet, the kind of smile that made everything feel lighter. “Geraldus... Where am I?”
He felt a rush of warmth flood his cheeks. “You’re pretty far from Fraygo’s Flophouse. Please, let me take you back.”
“Oh…” she giggled, her voice still a little fuzzy. “I was drinking with Alfira and Lakrissa... we were drinking a lot .” She let out a lazy sigh. “Mmmmm,” she murmured, her words thick with sleep and slurring slightly. “Just take me home with you, handsome…”
Geraldus' eyes widened, his heart racing. “T-Tav! What are you saying?” His voice was a bit shaky, a mix of concern and embarrassment. He had hoped she would simply allow him to help, but hearing her words—“ Take me home with you ”—stirred something deeper in him. Something that made his face burn and his heart race. Was she teasing? Or was there more behind her words?
He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or scold her, but the heat on his face told him this wasn’t a simple situation. But she was already out again, her head lolling gently against his chest. She was snoring softly, completely unaware of the chaos she’d left in his mind. Carefully, he adjusted his hold on her, lifting her in his arms and beginning the walk to safety. Geraldus found himself carrying her back to his small quarters instead.
As a Harper, he had a modest room and board, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Once inside, he carefully laid her down on his bed, adjusting the covers to make sure she was comfortable, despite her intoxicated state. He then made space on the floor, clearing an area for himself, but even as he arranged his bedding, his mind was anything but calm.
He couldn’t stop looking at her. Tav lay there, peaceful and serene, nestled into his pillow with a soft, contented smile on her lips. The weight of the world seemed to have melted away from her features, and for a moment, Geraldus was struck by how beautiful she looked. Her soft, steady breathing filled the room, and every tiny movement she made seemed to draw him in deeper, as though her presence alone was enough to hold him captive.
I’ll apologize in the morning , he promised himself. I shouldn’t have brought her here without asking - without her consent. But the guilt didn’t ease the ache in his chest. He had crossed a line, and now he would have to face the consequences of his actions. He could only hope that, when she woke, she would understand.
In the morning, he woke to an unexpected warmth against his chest. His breath caught in his throat when he realized that, in her sleep, Tav had somehow shifted down from the bed and curled into him, her arms draped around his waist. She was sleeping blissfully, her face peaceful, completely unaware of the way his heart fluttered at the closeness.
Calm down, Geraldus, he told himself, you’ve slept with ladies before... not like that, though! He shook the thought away, reminding himself that, during his Harper training, he’d spent countless nights resting alongside comrades in similar situations. It was nothing... but this was different .
He stayed as still as he could, careful not to disturb her, his mind racing, unsure of what to do next. Part of him wanted to wake her up, to ask what had led her here and why she’d ended up in his arms. But another part of him, the part that had spent so many nights dreaming of her, simply wanted to savor the moment. She was here, with him, and perhaps that was all that mattered, even if it was fleeting.
Suddenly, he felt her shift and groan softly, her movements stirring him from the quiet comfort of their shared space. Geraldus wasn’t sure whether to pretend to still be asleep or to ask if she was awake, but before he could decide, she sat up, rubbing her head as she blinked a few times, disoriented.
“Oh dear,” she muttered, looking around the small room. Her eyes flicked around before settling on the gorgeous half-elf next to her. When their gazes met, a wave of realization hit them both at the same time.
“Geraldus!” Tav exclaimed, her voice full of surprise and a hint of panic. “Oh my goodness, I am so sorry!”
He blinked in confusion, still half-dazed from the situation himself. He slowly sat up, “What? Why are you sorry?”
Tav looked flustered, her cheeks flushing a soft pink as she shifted uneasily, clearly trying to piece together the situation. "I... I didn’t mean to end up here. I must have... well, I must have collapsed or something, and you... you were kind enough to help me." She paused, wringing her hands in her lap, her eyes still avoiding his. "I honestly don’t remember what happened after a few drinks at the Elfsong Tavern. Ummm...hmmm. Yup, I can’t remember."
Her voice trailed off, and Geraldus could see her embarrassment written clearly across her face. He felt a pang of sympathy for her, but also a sense of relief that she wasn’t angry or upset with him. Her words, though, left him unsure of how to respond.
“No, no, it’s okay,” he said quickly, trying to reassure her. “You were drunk, and you needed help. I… I brought you here to keep you safe. You don’t need to apologize.”
Tav glanced up at him, her face still tinged with the slightest flush, but her eyes softened with a touch of gratitude. “You didn’t have to,” she said, her voice gentler now. “But...thank you for helping me.”
Geraldus gave her a small, almost bashful smile as he met her gaze. “It was nothing,” he replied softly. “I just... I couldn’t leave you like that.”
Tav returned his smile, the awkwardness between them easing as she looked around the room. “So...this is your place, huh?” she said with a thoughtful glance, “It’s...cozy. Homey!”
“Thank you,” he said, his smile widening just a little. “It’s not much, but I like it.” But his smile faltered when his gaze landed on a bruise on Tav’s temple. He instinctively reached out, gently brushing his fingers over it. “You’re hurt.”
“Oh…” Tav placed her fingers over his, noticing how long his fingers were. She smiled reassuringly but tinged with a hint of playfulness. “I’ll be fine,” she said with a grin. “It’s just a bruise! Probably from when I fell, haha!”
Geraldus smiled fondly as his hand lingered for a moment, then slowly slid down to her cheek, his touch soft and tender as he caressed the delicate skin. Tav looked up at him, her gaze curious.
The shift in the atmosphere was palpable, much like when they had dodged the cabbage cart yesterday. The unspoken tension between them lingered in the air—should they pick up where they left off?
Geraldus hesitated for a brief moment, his heart pounding in his chest, before quietly asking, “Can I kiss you?”
Tav's eyes widened slightly at his question, the air between them thick with an unexpected tension. The words hung there for a moment, as if neither of them knew quite how to bridge the gap between their unspoken feelings. She glanced at him, her gaze soft and full of warmth, before it shifted to the ground, then back to him again.
“Geraldus...” she whispered, her voice quiet. But there was no fear in it, only a quiet sort of invitation, like she was giving him space to decide, too.
She hesitated, her breath catching just slightly as her heart raced. The moments they’d shared were becoming more than just simple memories—they were turning into something deeper, something neither of them had expected. But still, there was something about the way he asked that made her heart flutter.
"Yes," she whispered after a beat, her lips curling into a shy, almost teasing smile as she closed the small distance between them, her hand reaching out as though it had a mind of its own.
The room seemed to fade away as they moved closer, both feeling the magnetic pull between them intensifying. Geraldus's breath hitched when her hand brushed against his cheek, the warmth of her touch sending a spark of electricity through him. He didn't wait any longer—he leaned in, gently, carefully. His lips met hers with a soft, tentative pressure.
The kiss was slow, a meeting of two souls, unsure but eager. Then, as if the tension between them had been building for ages, it deepened. Tav’s hands found their way to the back of his neck, caressing his raven-black hair, pulling him closer. Geraldus’s arms wrapped around her waist, feeling her softness and warmth as he drew her in, as if the world outside this room no longer existed.
His heart raced, but in her arms, for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace.