As she drifted restlessly around the room, she reflected silently. How many months had it been? Three? Yes, three months he had been gone. Her slender, pale fingers touched the stone hanging around her neck. A token of his love. She could almost see his gray-green eyes, dark golden hair, his strong, perfect features. And she let the tears come.

He wandered the army's camp as if in a dream. A flash of burning light streaked across the heavens, fading quickly. He stared up at the half-moon, shimmering, glowing. He could see her amber eyes, pale golden hair, his very touch bringing a blush to her pale cheeks. Three months was too long for a love this strong, he reflected. And he let the tears come.

How long had she lain in darkness? How long would it take for the dawn to arrive? How much longer would she be left in the night? How long would she have to wait for him?

How could he believe the dawn was coming? How long would darkness reign? How much longer would he lay in the dark of the night? How long would he have to wait for her?

She felt her heart aching, longing for his presence. She couldn't sleep, with one question echoing in her head: When will the dawn come?

He was longing, waiting, until he could feel her soft touch again. He never slept, for one question echoed in his head: When will I see the dawn?

She wandered the room that night, wishing, longing. She didn't notice the clouds that had covered the moon had drifted away, revealing a figure in the shadows. She didn't hear the footsteps or feel the warm presence until he wrapped his arms around her slim figure, murmuring love to her.

He smiled at the surprise and love mirrored on her lovely face. Her slim fingers clutched at him. He stroked her golden hair, letting it run like silk through his calloused fingers. He felt her fingers gingerly touch the deep cut on his cheek, her eyes swimming with unspoken thoughts.

"The night," he murmured, "is ending, Shira, my love. The dawn is coming."

"No," she whispered, cupping his chin in her hand, "Senjinn, the dawn is already here."

And their lips met in a gentle kiss, and the world once again, became perfect.