Admiring the tangled rosebushes before her, Maerad breathed in their heavenly scent as a fresh morning breeze brushed through her flowing hair before crossing the threshold into her chamber. "Springtime," she whispered, sighing with content as she listened to the cheerful calling of cardinals and finches in the nearby forest.

Since defeating Sharma, life had taken on a beautiful calling much like that of the birds, one that Maerad found irresistibly haunting. She considered the treesong to be the explanation, for it flowed lyrically in everything around her, a constant reminder of a renewed world. But her heart truly thumped to the rhythm of finally being just Maerad. After the jubilation and triumph of her victory had dwindled, people had begun to give her the privacy she needed. No longer was she concerned with what others thought of her, for she was content being unnoticed. Well, that was almost true.

Smiling, she turned, adoring Cadvan who slept peacefully beneath the warm blankets pulled half way up his lean body. Since discovering his true feelings for her, the same day he had gathered her up into his arms and kissed her without reserve at the relief she was alive, she had learned much of love. Things she never knew were possible that been revealed to her because of that man.

Prying her eyes from caressing his face, she had to remind herself it was ok to watch him. "This is my life now," she reminded herself. "It's definitely not what it was before. And all these feelings I've shared…the dreams I'd never lived before…." she trailed off.

Hearing Cadvan clear his throat, she was tugged from her reverie as he rolled over, pulling the sheets further up to protect against the open door. Although Maerad wanted him to be comfortable, it was midmorning and Cadvan should have been well out of bed at this point. Giggling, she sat down beside him, stroking his forehead softly with her fingertips until his eyes fluttered open.

"I could have sworn I was dreaming," he mumbled, closing them again. "I was wrong," he smiled brilliantly, pulling her down next to him.

"Cadvan," she scolded playfully, laughing as he held her close. "I never used to smile like this," she realized, taking in the sight of his alluring blue eyes. How she loved him dearly, wishing she could lie here with him forever.

"You shouldn't be sleeping," she noted, bringing her lips mere centimeters from his before stopping. "Our guests might be upset."

Her lips were so tantalizingly close, that he leaned forward slightly, futilely trying to capture her mouth with his own. Maerad accounted for the advance by pushing him back. Searching her face, she could almost make out the silent plea conveyed through his facial expression, one filled with much desire.

"And why should I reward you?" She laughed, sitting back up. She no longer felt embarrassed with Cadvan nor insecure about her past. Instead, she felt nothing but ease when talking to him, as if she had known him for centuries. However, giving in to passion would do nothing but merit another excuse as to why they had the right to laze about, a trait she didn't wish to inherit despite the nagging in her heart that told her to stay.

"I'm going downstairs. Hem will be wondering where I am," she said, playing with his fingers. They fit perfectly with hers as they intertwined.

Nodding, Cadvan rubbed his eyes. "I don't think I've ever been this tired; not even whilst chasing after Hulls and lost siblings!"

"Then rest," she urged, kissing his forehead. "It's alright. I was teasing you."

"I know," he responded, smiling back before closing his eyes.

Grinning brightly, she made to leave before deciding to write him a note for when he did decide to rise from bed. With all the thoughts now racing through her mind, they were dying to be spoken. Scratching it out quickly, she tucked it into his tunic where she was sure he would find it. One last moment to take in his handsome form, Maerad closed the door gently behind her.

Now that we're here, it's so far away- all the struggle we thought were in vain. And all in the mistakes, my one life contained,
they've all finally started to go away. I feel like i can face the day, Cadvan. I can forgive and i'm not ashamed to be the person that i am today.

It is because of you I'm proud of being alive. Of being Maerad of Pellinor.

I love you

-Maerad