Disclaimer: Do not own Fire Emblem or its characters.
I know that it's a dream. I know that it's not real.
She's before me, her Sacean hair flowing in the breeze, with blade at her side. The worry etched in her face, and the way she asks, "Is everything alright?" couldn't bother me.
But it does.
****
I know that it's a dream. I know that it's not real.
The feasting and merriment abounds, the sound of drums and whistles singing a happy tune amidst a short respite. The drunken feelings of victory heard in my laughing shouldn't be there.
But it is.
****
I know that it's a dream. I know that it's not real.
The nightmarish figures creep out from the trees, slack-jawed; fetid flesh rotting and peeling away from the bones. The stench shouldn't interrupts my commands, and the sight shouldn't freeze me in place.
But they do.
****
I know it's a dream. I know that it's not real.
I should be able to get up, but my head is ringing.
I should be able to stand but my body can't stop swaying.
I should be able to speak but my lips won't move.
She enters the tent, again with that worried expression
The illusion must be undone; before I cause myself more pain
Instead I feed my selfish desires.
I shouldn't have my arm around her.
But it is.
My lips shouldn't be meeting hers.
But they do.
I shouldn't be enjoying this.
But I am.
She should resist, but she doesn't.
I should stop. I need to stop.
I slowly pull away and only hear a whisper,
"Mark…?"
She sounds hurt.
But I can't reply.
****
I know it's a dream. I know it's not real.
That's why I've decided to leave.
I can indulge these dreams no longer.
But before I can leave, I find her before me again.
I step to the left, she steps to her right; blockading me.
"Let me pass, Lyn."
"Tell me why."
"I…"
I falter at the question that I have yet to answer. I feebly make an excuse.
"I have no reason to stay, the war is over. Now let me leave."
She gives me a sidelong glance and declares, "I can't."
"Why?"
She steps closer and gives me a peck on the cheek.
"Because I've just given you your reason to stay."
End note: Not that it should matter, but first thing I've ever published, wrote on a 7 and a half hour train ride home.