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“Please, let me come with you.”
It began with a simple request from Fia, yet, for Rogier, the implications were anything but. Simplicity was a luxury seldom afforded to anyone in the Lands Between, least of all the Tarnished. Beyond the protective walls of the Roundtable Hold was a world rife with unspeakable danger, and the mere thought of her facing the sharp edge of a soldier's spear or the ferocious maw of a runebear filled his heart with dread.
Rogier sighed heavily. “I don’t think that would be wise, my lady.”
“And why not?” Fia's voice rose, a spark of defiance in her words, though it was unintentional. “Do you think of me as some burden you must bear?” Then, as if catching herself, she tempered her question. “Is it because I am a woman?”
“I think you may not fully grasp the gravity of such a request.” He said after a moment, glancing toward her. “Limgrave alone is teeming with Godrick's men, fowl Tarnished hunters who will not show mercy regardless of who you are.” His voice carried a harsher tone than he had meant, but it stemmed from a place of profound worry. “Though I fear it could make matters worse for you, in truth.”
“I do not require a lecture on the Lands Between, Rogier. I am well aware of its dangers.” She lifted her gaze to meet him, determined. “And its sorrows.”
He exchanged a weary glance with her before turning away, resting his hands behind him as he focused on the flickering flames of the hearth. “Then you understand why I cannot take you with me.”
“Would you have me remain a prisoner here?” She knew it was nonsensical, but the words slipped out regardless.
Disagreements were rare between them — a reflection of the deep understanding they had cultivated — but there were instances when Rogier's obstinacy could be exasperating.
Just like him, she thought fondly, sadly…
“I would have you remain safe.” Rogier answered, his voice gentle yet firm, before turning to face her once more. Though a hint of tension still lingered in his demeanor, his expression softened easily under her gaze. He sighed quietly, walking over to kneel in front of her. “Fia... darling…” He then took her hand in his, kissing it with the utmost tenderness. “If anything terrible were to happen to you, I don't think my heart could bear it.”
“My dear Rogier,” Fia returned his affection with a small, warm smile as she carefully cupped his face in her hands. “Would you truly deny me the stars?” Her soft eyes held him for a brief moment before continuing, gently tucking a few of his dark strands into his cowl. “Or the scent of fresh air?”
“I…” Rogier seemed to stumble over his thoughts. It was never his wish to be her gaoler, only her protector. “If it please… I can bring forth the glow of starlight, or the chill of the wind…” He let her embrace him, pulling his face to her bosom, the last of his apprehension seemingly melting away.
“A time will come when we must part,” she murmured, removing his conical hat to lovingly stroke his hair with her fingers. “Until then, let me aid you where I may,” she added pensively. “Let us lay beneath the stars... if only just this once.”
Rogier felt the weight of her words as he thought of the pivotal moment she spoke of. To be a Tarnished often required great pain and sacrifice, and yet he hoped that he could spare her from even a fraction of it. Or perhaps he was only trying to spare himself…
“I would like that,” he conceded, emotion welling in his eyes as he pressed his face into the soft folds of her gown.