Never before he had felt such happiness. All of a sudden, his heart began to beat like crazy inside of his chest. Heat rose inside of him as he turned back, his eyes filled with tears. He did not dare to look you in the eyes but let his eyes rest in his wrist where your hand was holding him tight.

He was shaking all over. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes, preparing himself to see what he had desired for so many months now. A short, happy sound escaped his lips, as his eyes locked with yours and he got lost in the orbs of (E/C).

"Little stray.", he whispered with a shaky voice.

Still a little weak, you managed to form a thin smile.

"Missed me, general?", you asked in your usual joking manner.

But at that moment he did not pay any attention to it and let himself fall onto you. His arms wrapped around your body tightly, as he pressed a kiss onto your lips. After all this time this simple kiss felt like heaven and a thousand other things that he couldn't put into words. Letting the tears flow, he buried his face in the pillow and refused to let you go for a long moment.

Enjoying his warmth, you closed your eyes, a soft smile was resting on your lips. You could feel his heart beat against yours, connecting to it and beating at the same pace. Somehow, the feeling of safety wrapped around you, as he kissed you again.

"By the gods, I prayed for this moment. I prayed to all of the gods to see you smile again.", he whispered, trying to keep the tears at bay.

Happily, you pressed your forehead against his and stroked through the long strands of his Auburn hair. Your breath was shaking too, as his hands grabbed you by the shoulders and pressed you against his chest.

"You won't get rid of me this fast.", you whiled into his ear. "I was dreaming about you, you know. A lot. I saw your face and the way you smiled. It kept me alive. That and the thought of this new life we will have. I wondered how life would be with you. Here."

A soft laugh escaped him.

"It is beautiful. Let me show you. Right now.", carefully, he pulled you out of bed.

But before one foot could find stability on the floor, your legs gave away. With a surprised gasp, you fell into his arms. He caught you with no effort, picked you up and smiled.

"Don't worry, they will get used to walking again. I will carry you for now, if you don't mind.", he pressed a kiss onto your forehead.

Giggling, you let your head rest on his shoulder.

"By all means, lead the way.", you said.

The village had changed a lot ever since you had seen it the last time. The roofs were solid now and the walls were shining in a new, spotless white. The street had been fixed, no more holes and more space for the cattle.

Men and women were walking through the streets, doing chores, chatting and screaming. The sweet laughters of kids filled the busy air, putting more life into the village.

With shimmering eyes, you took in every single detail there was, from the flower beds to the art that was decorating the house walls. It smelled like fresh food and rain.

Morvran gave you all the time you needed, not rushing nor forcing his ideas onto you. He just carried you through the streets, introducing you to everyone who asked. A constant smile was lighting up his face.

Only when the curiosity died down a little and he noticed the exhaustion in your eyes, he walked away from the center of the village, into a forest.

Curious, you looked up to him, as he crossed a little lookout at the top of a hill and walked further into the forest, whose green gown was already turning orange. Autumn was coming.

"Where are we going?", you asked as he carefully walked down a small hill and turned to the right, as a few stones crossed your way.

"You will like it.", he just said and kept on walking.

"How do you want to know?"

"I know a lot about you now, little stray. I know that you like some piece and quite. And I know that you are a but nostalgic sometimes."

Before you could answer or argue with him, he stopped in his tracks. A smile spread on his face as he placed you on the top of a big, flag stone, covered in moos, and stepped aside, so you could take in the full view.

Suddenly, your ears picked up the sound of running water. The air felt fresh and crispy.

Struck by surprise, your eyebrows rose, as your mind recognises the scenery.

"It looks like my spot back at the mansion.", you gasped, thrilled.

He nodded.

"It reminded me a bit of our first meeting. Or rather, the first real conversation we had. After the accident with the horses, remember?", he looked at you, his eyes filled with happiness.

A sweet laugh escaped you.

"How could I forget? I thought we both won't make it out of that hole alive.", the memories caused you to grin devilish.

"But here we are. Alive and together."

"Sounds like a fairy tale."

"Does it bother you?"

His sudden questioning confused you.

"Bother me? In what way?", you asked with big eyes.

"Being here. With me, I mean. Because I can't think of a better thing."

Smiling lovingly, you pressed a kiss onto his lips.

"Me neither. Nothing could be better than this."

Suddenly, he turned to you. The facial expression of his had changed. He was so serious. As if there was an important matter that needed to be discussed.

"I know how to make it better.", he said, reaching into his pocket.

Confused, you tilted your head as he got down on one knee and held out a little box.

"Morvran?", you asked, your heart was beating like crazy.

"Marry me.", he said in a soft voice. "I can't think of anything else that would make me more happy. Please, never leave me again. I want you to have my name. It fills me with warmth when I think about being called your husband."

For a moment, your heart skipped a beat. Tears filled your eyes.

"Yes!", you jumped at him, wrapping your arms around his neck. "Yes, a thousand times!"