He circled her, like a vulture would his next meal. Staring at her, giving her his wicked grin which would have frightened anyone else, he spoke at length of many things.
She simply smiled. She knew what he was trying to do, but she would not be deterred. She knew the truth. But even knowing the truth, and him, she did not interrupt his speech. Instead she focused on her prayer.
He knew she was listening to him, but knowing her as well as he did, she wouldn't be stopped now. No, she was stubborn. He'd tried many tactics since learning of her mission, which was to end here shortly. He knew what Mother wanted him to do, which was the exact same thing the woman kneeling in front of him wanted.
But each wanted it for different reasons.
He yelled at her then. He screamed that she wasn't meant to do this, that she wasn't supposed to be here.
She countered him. It wouldn't end like this if he would simply stop. But they both knew that he couldn't. If he could stop, then things would be different. But there was no point in trying to think of the could and would-bes. They weren't going to happen.
He fell to his knees before her as she finished her prayer.
She looked into his eyes and took his hands in hers.
And because he knew she would never give up her mission, he held her close.
And because she knew he was trying to save her, she cried the tears for both of them.
And because Gaia knew how it would be in the end, she prepared herself for the coming future.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Been a while since an A/S popped into my head. But this is what became of it. Reviews always welcome. ^_^