Harlequin
Disclaimer: Do I look like I own Fire Emblem? No? Good, because I don't.
Genre: Romance/ "Angst"
Characters: Leanne/Naesala
Opposites.
Contrasted against each other.
One cynical, hurt, angry. Wings as black as he felt his heart was. Hands and Talons stained with literal and metaphorical blood. A traitor, multiple times over.
The other innocent, beautiful, kind. As pure as the newly fallen snow her wings so resembled. Spared from the horrors visited upon her family and loved ones. An angel, as the beorc have always pictured.
He had found sanctuary, though he doubted his heart and intentions too much to ask for it. I'd only betray her as I have her brother, Tibarn, the others. The thought tore at his heart, and threatened to destroy him.
She had discovered love, but she feared the rejection she might face. Her heart was still fragile. I'll only be pushed aside. The thought ripped at her soul, and she felt she would wilt without him.
He could keep his calm under almost any circumstance, lie to anything, respond to any threat nonchalantly and without fear. His eyes were fierce as he ripped men apart.
She wept during combat, her young heart still unaccustomed to the idea that her loved ones might not return. Her voice quivered as she sang the galdr.
He was soiled.
She was pure.
"Naesala..." The Raven king turned from the clear surface of the lake he sat by when he heard his name whispered in the ancient tongue. His eyes landed on her. Hands clenched together, her white dress sparkling in the moonlight.
"Yes, Leanne?" the king asked, willing his heart to harden, to hide his feelings, his hurt, his damnable self-pity.
"I can not sleep, but promised everyone I would not wander alone. May I...stay with you for a while?" her eyes faltered a little when he didn't respond. She turned to leave.
I'm interrupting. I should leave...
He was awestruck. She had been wandered alone, away from camp...looking for him? She would have had to travel at least 20 minutes from the safety of their companions to find this hidden little lake.
How do I make her stay?
"Leanne." He said, standing up beside the crystal clear surface of the lake. "Its too dangerous to head back alone. I'll walk you home." She nodded her head in thanks.
His heart was a flurry of mistrust and pain, but hidden with in was something sweet. It drifted up to her, like gold glittering at the bottom of a dirty pool.
Her hands were shaking as they grabbed his sleeve shyly.
"What is it Leanne?" the Raven asked, turning around to look at her. She didn't answer, instead, stepping into him and wrapping her arms around his back. Naesala paused, eyes wide in surprise. Then slowly, he returned the gesture, sliding his hands under her wings, and pulling her closer, resting her head on his chest.
"Naesala..." she whispered, "Let me help you. I love you." Her words were as gentle as her features. Her intentions as innocent as her eyes, her love as real as the blood that pumped through her.
She was beautiful, kind, sweet and beloved by everyone who came in contact with her.
He was a traitor multiple times over. Reputation stained as black as his wings.
She loved him.
He needed her.
It was the moon who watched. Looking vainly at her reflection in the surface of the crystal-smooth lake, only to find it marred by a sight more beautiful.