'…these next few years would be bright'

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It had been nearly a year and a half since my first meeting with Rasler, and it seemed as if we were already married. We spent almost every moment together. He was so bright and cheery and confident and chivalrous and smart. Oh he was so smart. We talked for hours on end about everything. He joked too. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He liked to hold my hand. I wasn't sure why either. Whenever he could, he'd hold my hand. I was never bothered by it, but, curious.

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Nabradia was a beautiful place. It was not so different from Dalmasca, but I was so easily fascinated by places that were not my home. I waited in my room in the palace of my prince and waited. I smoothed my dress and checked and re-checked myself. Perfect. There was a knock at my door.

"Yes?" I asked.

"It's nearly dusk, we'll miss it if you're not ready," came his teasing voice from the other side of the door.

"Oh stop!" I replied and opened my door. He stood there in his plain, brown laced shirt, slacks and brown leather soft shoes. He had his hand behind his back.

"You look lovely as always," he said, kissing my cheek. I smiled.

"And you're just as dashing," I said. He chuckled.

"These are for you," he said, giving me red and orange orchids. I was about to thank him when he hushed me with his finger.

"No need for thank yous; I know you mean it, now come," he said, taking my hand and leading me to the garden terrace. We broke into a ran as the sun fell lower in the sky. Finally, we reached our destination. A bench sat in the middle of the garden, in direct view of the horizon.

"Sit, it's almost time," he said. We sat on the bench and watched. The sun sank from the sky and deep under the horizon. It cast orange and red shadows everywhere and gave the whole place a heavenly look. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I rested my head on Rasler's shoulder and he wrapped his arms around me. We sat there, even after the sun had set and watched the stars.

"Are you happy?" he asked me suddenly. I looked up at my fiancée.

"Yes, of course. Why do you ask?" I said. He shook his head and smiled. Looking me in the eye he said,

"Because I want you to have everything you want. I don't want you to feel like you are obligated to marry me, even if you do not wish it. I love you Ashe, and the most important thing to me is your happiness," he said. I watched him; the unsure ness and love in his eyes.

"Rasler, I am the happiest I have ever been. I wouldn't want this any other way. I love you too," I said. He leaned down and kissed me gently, almost timidly on the lips. I returned it. We were so innocent, so helplessly in love. We had no idea, that in a half a year's time, war would put our innocence and naivety to rest.

I know, I know, so sappy, but that's what makes it all the more tragic