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Days bled into each other in an endless stream of questions. Davrin shouldn't even be here. It should have been him, not Harding, to take the shot at Tearstone. To die for his failure. His inability to protect Rook from Fen'harel's grasp.
Just like Weisshaupt. Wardens were meant to sacrifice for a cause greater than themselves. And yet he remained. Trapped with the ghost of her memory to wonder why. Why was he here when the one he loved most was stolen away?
Yet answers eluded him. Sleepless nights and wasted days. An army of Rook's to fill a hundred chess boards carved and lining his shelves. Until Assan appeared with a soggy piece of parchment clutched between his beak. A chirp and sad tilt of his head as he dropped his prize on Davrin's lap with an unceremonious plop. The Warden's eyes wide as he recognized his name scrolled across the letter in Rook's smooth hand.
A ragged breath sucked in as he unfolded the paper. Willing his pounding heart to slow as he desperately scanned her words.
Vhenan,
Ir abelas. I'm so sorry if you are reading this. We were supposed to make a world where the light outshines the darkness, but I fear what will become of my sweet Warden without me near. To chase away his nightmares and hold his hand against the evil in this world. For I know defeating Gods will be no problem, but enduring after will be your greatest challenge.
You spoke of turlum. Of the bond between griffon and rider. I always took that word to mean trust. Like the trust built between us. You put your faith in me and I in you. Whatever it takes. Together in this journey. A path I wouldn't want to walk with anyone else. But now… I failed you. Left you alone. And I can only hope you will forgive me in time, ma lath.
What did you say once? Eyes of an eagle. Roar of a lion. And the heart of a halla. I know you didn't mean it that way, but it's such a perfect description for you, vhenan. You wear your armour on the outside, but nothing could prepare you for the force between us. Pulling us closer until you found yourself falling hard for your boss. And I- well my sweet Warden my life didn't really begin until I saw you stride over that hill. Sun at your back glinting off the steel over your chest. I think that's when I fell in love, that moment. And every moment since.
From there on out it was pretty simple. Wherever you were there I was, and vice versa. My shadow. My safety. Nothing ever felt as right as being with you. And I wouldn't trade one day at your side for a lifetime without. For to know you Davrin is to live. And loving you, well that's the only thing worth fighting for.
Sometimes I look across the courtyard and I love you so much it hurts. A longing and an ache that brings tears to my eyes. But then I see you stride out with our half bird-half cat kid at your side, and I can't help but smile. To imagine what our future will hold. Will we see the world together? Take the road less traveled and continue our lives as heroes? Will we settle down on some distant shore? Spend our years in love and laughter? Every moment in bliss as we bask in our love.
I'm sorry. I got carried away. This… this was supposed to be goodbye. Or at least, know I await you in the next great adventure. Soul lingering as I imagine all that might have been, and all I wanted with you.
But don't hurry toward me, ok? Our boy Assan needs you. The other griffons need you. I can wait. I promise. It will make it all the sweeter when I hold you in my arms once more.
So go chop some wood or something. Build another cabinet. And know wherever I am, you're with me in my heart.
Ar lath ma, vhenan,
Rook
Davrin stood there in silence. Blinking away his grief as he mouthed her last words to him. Repeating them as if he could brand them into his very soul.
Ar lath ma, vhenan.
A new feeling took hold that burned deep in his chest. His shoulders straight as he knew what he had to do. Feet carrying him towards Emmrich's room. Finally broken from the fog that had hung over him since she disappeared before his eyes.
He had to get her back. Needed to find her. To make that future she dreamed of real.
And as Assan trailed behind him he knew, nothing in this world would stop him from finding his Rook.