Part 9

A soft glowing light met her eyes when Nasuada ducked into the tent, her eyes quickly adjusting and then taking in her surroundings. It was still early, so she was not surprised when she found Murtagh asleep. He lay on his side, his hand resting on his sword and the other beneath the thin pillow. Although he had the facial features of a warrior – strong, set jaw and hard lines across his forehead and brows – he still looked peaceful in his sleep.

Taking the time to study him a moment, she let herself feel everything that she felt for the man. She could easily recognize him for the strong man that he was, but she also saw his tender heart. He had changed a lot during the past ten years, his face hardened compared to the one she remembered. Still his softness shone through.

Gently she knelt beside him and whispered his name.

Murtagh opened his eyes, then blinked in surprise. For a moment he didn't speak, and Nasuada had to smile at his shocked expression. He sat up and could do nothing but stare at her.

"My lady," he began, but Nasuada shook her head.

"No love," she told him. She moved closer to him, wanting to feel his warmth, and met his eyes. The tenderness and love in them gave her strength and courage enough to finally tell him everything that was in her heart. "From now on," she began, taking his hand in hers, "we are equals."

Murtagh stared at her for a moment, saying nothing.

Nasuada swallowed, then moved his hand and placed it across her heart. "This is yours," she said simply, emotions clogging her throat. She'd forgotten her pre-planned speech and didn't know what else to say in order to make him understand. Her eyes started overflowing with tears, and suddenly she started to cry.

In one swift movement Murtagh gathered her in his arms and held her tightly against his chest, rocking her back and forth and whispering words of comfort in her ears.

"Why are you crying?" he asked her, drawing back in order to study her face. Not able to resist the urge, he cupped her lovely features between his hands.

"I missed you," she told him, angrily wiping at the tears. "And I had this speech planned for you, but now I can't say it, and…"

He began to laugh. "Only you would get frustrated and cry in a moment like this. Is it not a happy one? Or have you come to give me bad news after all?"

She shook her head no, smiling slightly at him. "I told you already, my heart is yours. If you still want it," she added, biting her lip nervously as she awaited his response.

Murtagh shook his head in disbelief. "Before we have seen the end of our days, you're going to drive me mad. Of course I still want you! How can you believe otherwise? I love you, Nasuada."

At that she started crying again, soft tears ran down her cheeks as she smiled at him. "Truly?"

"Truly," he answered, his voice shining with honesty. He kissed her cheeks and her tears, before finally meeting her lips. He kissed her until she no longer remembered the tears already drying on her cheeks.

She sighed happily against him as they ended the kiss and let herself be gathered up in his arms, finally surrendering completely to someone. She let him see this when he probed her mind, showing no resistance towards the man she would spend the rest of her days with.

Murtagh sighed against her cheek. "You are strong, my love. Sometimes our greatest strength must be used to show someone else our weakness. I will never think less of you for it."

She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Murtagh shook his head slightly. "No, thank you."

"Whatever for?"

"For letting me love you."

Nasuada tilted her head to meet his gaze, and saw eternity there. "Always."