Sorry... I'm lazy! I know! Thanks to KaidaHara for reviewing about an update. So here you go KaidaHara!

**The ending is kinda mature so don't read the ending if you don't like mature stuff**

Ashen's POV

The morning breeze drifted around my room waking me. My bird was sleeping in the small chair that was in front of the dwindling fire. Groaning, I roll over in bed and stare at the ceiling. Soon I would have to be brought back to reality. The real world would become all too real. I climbed out of my bed and found the little gown that I had hidden in my bag. The gown was a deep purple and would have been see-through if not for the black slip underneath. I pull the fabric over my head and place my fabric shoes on. I leave my long hair down. I glance out the window; it will rain soon.

There was a soft knock on the door. I know who it is before I answer it. The door creaks as I pull it open; Daran stands there in his nicest clothes. His cheeks are puffy and I know he has been crying. I pull him into a soft hug and mumble soft words as he holds on to me.

He takes my hand when we are ready to leave. Downstairs the world is unusually quiet. Slowly we take the stairs, when we touch the last one the whole dining area stand and bow their heads and men who wore hats removed them.

Respect for the dead, I assume. The owner opens the door for us and we step out into the street. Whoever saw us as we walked would stop and bow their head until we passed. I stopped at a small shop where the owner gave us sad looks and picked up blue and green flowers, mother would like that.

When we reach the grounds the rain begins. I stand at the foot of the hole and listen to the holy man say his piece.

Fare died in his sleep early in the morning. The medicine woman came to let us know when we were dancing. Daran fell to his knees and cried. No one saw him any differently for crying in public. I stood with my head high and strong, because I needed to be. If I wasn't strong I would be broken and I'm more useful strong. I can be broken in Lienid. Fare's heart slowly stopped. I would give anything to have awoken minutes earlier and took care of those men instead of letting a sick man deal with it. He died with my secret.

The holy man moved aside to let Daran speak to his father one last time.

"Father, there are so many things I wish I could take back and change so that this would have never have happen." He stops when his breathing becomes labored, "I don't know how to tell mama and the girls. I'll be sure to bring them here so they can say goodbye one last time." He starts to ring his hands, "I couldn't have asked for a better, stronger, more honest father. You are- were the man I wish one day I can be." He places one of the green flowers on top of his fathers chest, "I hate I couldn't protect you from a weak heart, and I would give you my own if it would bring you back." A blue flower goes down, "Please watch over Ashen and I, we are going to need it because we have to finish this journey without you." He stands and places the rest of the flowers on his grave stone, "If there is one thing I regret it is that wasn't able to spend more time with you."

My dress stuck to me, but I didn't care. Tears fell down my face in steady rivers. Daran looked at the holy man and nodded. The holy man began to cover Fare. With every shovel full it felt like that much more air left my lungs to not be returned. When the man, who I could see as another father, was fully covered, Daran and I began to go back to the Inn.

By the time we made it back our rooms, our bodies were shaken and voices hoarse. I opened my door to see Paloma had drawn me a bath. Pulling the skin tight fabric off of me, I sank into the rose scented water with my back towards the door.

There was a soft knock at my room's door.

"Come in!" I yell, thinking it's Paloma.

"Ashen?" I look over my shoulder to see Daran standing at the door, his eyes avoiding me.

"Yes?" I ask, he shakes his head and began to leave. "Wait," I say, "What do you need?" I asked.

"Nothing, sorry to bother you." He mutters.

I shake my head and face forward again, "Get in here." I say, "I am not up for being alone either." I say and I hear him sigh. "You can sit behind me." Say as I turn slightly, pointing at the bed, "Get a sheet and place it on the floor so you don't hurt yourself." I hear him move around the room.

He places the blanket down behind me and sits. I hear him shuffle.

"Daran?"

"Yes?' He replies.

"Close your eyes and sit up on your knees." I say, he complies. I wrap his arm around my upper chest and shoulder as he rests his head on the back of my shoulder.

"Thank you, Ashen." He whispers as if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. After a moment, "We leave tomorrow at noon." He says.

"Alright, I'll be ready."I whisper, closing my eyes.

"I feel horrible for leaving him, but I need to help you finish your journey so that I can get to my mother and sisters." I nod.

"We will send them a letter." I say softly and he nods.

"I hate to break the news to her like that, but there is no other way." He mummers, I nod and his grip on me tightens slightly. I turn my head to plant a kiss on his forehead.

He lifts his face from my skin and looks at me in the eye. "You are so beautiful." He whispers as he closes the distance between our lips. He pulls away briefly to help me form the water and into a towel.

Pulling me close again, he presses his lips to mine again. I wrap my arms around his neck as he wraps his arms around my waist.

His lips start down my neck when he whispers to me, "Make me for get the pain. Just for a little while."

I nod, "I will." whisper before he pulls me closer.

Alright, tell me how it went... I'm kinda nervous because I've spent the last hour writing this and I haven't slept since yesterday morning... SO please review! or pm me!