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The wind blew hard; a blizzard was most likely coming. Stan peeked outside his tent, watching elves as they set up camp for the night. Kyle had let more travelers in recently, due to both the harsh winter and also not wanting them to get hurt by the Grand Wizard.
As the Elf King's most trusted ranger, Stan often kept watch during the night. He had really bad anxiety from the amount of ambushes they'd experienced in the last month. One moment, the usual hustle and bustle of the village would be going on, and the next, the place they called home was temporarily a battlefield. Stan was always on high alert because of this, ready to draw his sword at any given moment.
He cautiously walked over to the table, still listening closely for any unusual noises. He poured a bit of water into a cup before adding a bit of wine, just enough for him to feel the buzz but not enough for him to have a hangover in the morning.
He took a small sip, feeling the cool liquid trickle down his throat. He took a deep breath, trying to soothe his anxiety for the moment.
Just then, he heard a can knock over outside followed by the bushes rustling. He was out of his tent in a split second, his sword wielded in his hand and his cup spilled on the snowy ground.
"Who's there?! Show yourself, now, or I'll have your head.." he shouted.
The bushes moved once more, and he swore he saw blonde hair. His grip on his sword tightened as he moved closer to the potential threat.
"I said show yourself, NOW!"
"Calm down, Marshwalker.."
Stan's eyes widened slightly just as Princess Kenny rose up from the bushes. His grip on his sword lessened and he moved closer, grabbing Kenny's hand and pulling her into the tent.
"What are you doing here? I could've beheaded you.." he whisper-yelled, sounding angry yet full of worry.
Kenny pulled her hood off, smiling softly. She took one of Stan's gloved hands, putting it up to her cheek.
"I just wanted to see you.. I missed you," she said simply, pressing a kiss to his thumb.
"You know it's dangerous.. What if the Wizard finds out you're here? He'll kill you AND me. Then both of the kingdoms are as good as gone.." he tried to relax under her touch but was still tense.
She sat on Stan's cot, pulling him down beside her. She pulled his helmet off and rubbed her fingers through his hair, feeling him start to finally relax. He laid his head against her shoulder and looked up at her. She could see how vulnerable he looked in that moment. He let out a shaky sigh he didn't know he was holding in, looking down in his lap as tears dared to prick his eyes.
"I worry about you, you know. I worry about you everyday, even if we're supposed to be enemies."
"Then don't worry about me."
Stan looked up at her, looking confused and shocked. She saw the silent question in his eyes and smiled again before speaking.
"I said don't worry about me. I can handle myself, you need to find some time to worry about yourself. I don't want you to get hurt from all of this stress you're holding in," she leaned closer before continuing, "I love you, Marshwalker. I hope you know that even if we are miles separated, I will always find my way back to you."
Stan's eyes lit up as he gripped her hand with one hand, cupping her cheek with the other as he looked into her eyes.
"I love you too, Princess. I really don't know what I would do without you."
He pressed his lips to hers tenderly, squeezing her hand. He was scared to pull away, scared she'd disappear if he did. Terrified that this was all just a dream. Even if she didn't want him to worry about her, he couldn't help it. Even if it wasn't his main focus, it still lingered in his mind. He eventually did pull away, looking into her eyes. His thumb traced each scar and imperfection on her face. He could study her face for hours on end.
He didn't remember when he fell asleep, but when he awoke, the moonlight peeked through the opening of his tent. It was still nighttime, but he could tell it was much later. He heard soft breathing underneath him and looked down.
Kenny was sound asleep next to him, her coat wrapped her around the both of them. Stan looked at her sleeping form with both adoration for her and worry about the current time. He moved a strand of hair out of her face, which was somehow enough to wake her up.
She looked at him, sleep still evident in her eyes. She smiled sleepily and he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, letting his lips linger there.
"You really need to leave. It could be dangerous if you stay any longer," he spoke quietly.
"You're really warm. I think I'll stay a little longer. You don't want me to freeze, do you?" she smiled, mischief in her eyes.
As the small fire crackled behind them, Kenny slipped her coat on. Stan led her to a secluded exit, his hand on the small of her back. His hand stayed on his sword, his eyes darting left and right. Once he was sure they were out of sight by any potential spies, he kissed her temple.
"Please be safe, okay?.." he spoke with worry.
"I will, my knight. I'll see you again soon, I promise," she gently hugged him before walking off and soon disappearing from view.
As he walked back to his tent, all he thought about was her. Only her. How he would kill for her, die for her, do anything for her. Anything if it meant she was safe from harm's way.
And very few things would tear them apart.