Fond Memory
Forde watched her from behind a tree. He knew how much she loved Innes. It hurt him to know that his love would never be returned. He looked away and took a deep breath.
"Just let her know how you feel."
Forde walked out from behind the tree and started to approach Vanessa. The war had just ended and things were chaotic for the royalty involved in this ordeal. The rest of them were finally relaxing. Vanessa was down by a pond resting.
She turned and saw Forde approaching.
"Hey! Come sit with me!"
Forde smiled and sat down beside her. "How are you feeling? That was a tough battle."
Vanessa's voice was serious "I know. I was worried we weren't going to survive, but all I kept thinking about was I will never see…"
Forde interrupted. "I know, Innes again."
Vanessa got quiet. "I thought it would be Innes, because I had secretly loved him for so long."
"What has changed?"
Vanessa looked into Forde's eyes, trying to read him. "I'm not sure. All those talks we had and you giving me pointers. I've really grown to like you Forde. I'm feeling things I never thought I would. It's so confusing since Innes is what I have wanted, but I find myself thinking of you all the time."
Forde's heart skipped a beat. "Me?"
Vanessa's face flushed. "Yes. The moment when that demon attacked us, I thought of you and how I would never get to tell you how I felt. I thought of when I first met you and how you always made me laugh."
"Vanessa, I don't want you to make a mistake by choosing me. I wouldn't want you to regret your decision."
"I wouldn't regret it. I wouldn't do this if I didn't love you. I know it is risky, because of us both being sworn to different countries, but I am willing to take that risk for you."
Forde leaned in and grabbed Vanessa tightly and kissed her. Vanessa kissed Forde back not wanting this moment to end.
Their lips parted and Forde laughed. "I will resign from the Renais knights. Ephraim would understand. Besides I have always wanted to pursue my art. Maybe I could start an art shop in Frelia? You can still be a Frelian knight and I can paint."
Vanessa put her head on Forde's chest. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."
The two stayed and talked until the sunset. When they grew old together, that day was always looked upon as a fond memory.