Somehow I'll show you That you are my night sky I've always been right behind you Now I'll always be right beside you

You - Evanescence

My pen hovers over paper in this empty apartment. Long gone is the futon, the pillows, the bookcase, and revealing is the browning paper, peeling off the walls in this damp Paris night. The oil lamp glows softly as I seal my letter with my wax stamp and tie the black ribbon around it.

I remember in detail my words, though if I speak them out loud, it would confirm my fears. A battle is in the air and poor Paris is going to be caught in the fray. I fear the worst in mankind.

And these words seal my destiny.

(3 months earlier)

Rafe is protector and guardian. Erik has secured that for him. I keep wondering why but I suppose it cannot be helped.

My long dress fills the corridor, dragging behind me, white and grey. My very dress that I have become known for. Noemi the silent, I am called, though if they truly knew me,

they'd find I'm not. MY voice is loud and clear if you'll get on my wavelength.

"Noemi, where are you going?" Erik's voice rang out from the vents.

"Wherever I please." I replied curtly and made a sprint for the door.

"Ah, ha ha." The door shut and locked, "Not without Rafe. Let me fetch him."

"He's busy!" I hissed and pulled at the knob, hoping to break it. No dice.

"But never busy enough to not care for you." His smirk was evident, even five stories below ground.

"Erik! Like you do! You're too busy caring for Brittany's immense 'womanly' needs!"

Complete silence. I win.

I pulled the door open and slipped into the rain, only to come face to chest with Rafe.

His eyes, strangely clouded, caressed mine, pulling me into a trance. I felt this cord being tied around my heart and connected to his. This incredible...Happiness.

His arms gently wrapped around me and I could only see, feel, smell him. Nothing else matters. Just him.

Why? Why am I so comforted by his touch that I lose control of everything? But I stayed in his warm embrace, hearing the rain around us.

Softly he lifted my head to his, his eyes piercing mine. Seeming to go straight to my soul. And gently, ever so gently, he pressed his lips to mine in a kiss so loving, that my being flew into the night, above the clouds and laid on the atmosphere in awe at the heavens.

Too soon his embrace over, the kiss filed away and my soul giving me one, sole truth.

Rafe loves me, and I love him.

The accusing looks and "Tsk, tsk"'s Brittany gave me were unnerving. As were my brothers chuckles every time he caught one of us staring at the other. But I can only assume this was their deliciously evil plot from the beginning.

My days filled with rehearsal, my nights on the roof with Rafe, looking at the Paris night before retiring to the cellar or his apartment to rest. I must admit that each day filled me more and more with love for the one person who had saved my life.

Rafe was easily becoming my everything and for once I did not fear this complete take over. I welcomed it with open arms. Until that night.

"Noemi," he spoke softly as he looked into my eyes as we laid on the rooftop. "A war is rising."

"And?" I could feel my voice quake, "They don't need you."

His sad gaze punctured me. "Yes, they do."

I struggled to stand. "No! The Gods have given me love and they WILL NOT TAKE IT AWAY!"

His hands locked around my arm. "But Noemi. They are. I must fight."

Tears welled up in my eyes and I shut them, trying to close out the pain like a poison I didn't want. But it was there, corroding my soul. "Why..."

"I must."

"But what if you die?" I couldn't bear this pain. Couldn't take losing him.

"I will leave you with life."

"You mean..." My mind was confused, befuddled by this knowledge.

"You must become pregnant. Give me another reason besides your beauty to come home." His smile made me cry harder and in the darkness of the night, we set on our journey to life and death.

The morning was filled with grief and sadness. He asked me to write him when I knew. And although it took three months from his departure, I soon knew. Nadir took care of me, closely guarding the precious little one inside. Brittany was also expecting a child. And while he pregnancy was happy and joyous, my own was hell. Her once concern was "Will my child carry a deformity?". My many concerns were so much greater. Like would my child even have a father? How long would this war last?

The military had taken away his belongings to burn. I only remained at night to write. A soldier by the name of Paul was to meet me in the morrow to carry my letter to Rafe.

Carefully with my fountain pen, I wrote.

Dearest,

For the nights are cold, I am sure they are colder where you are. The child within yearns for you. Nadir's care has helped ease the pain. Please my love, I beg of you. Come home soon.

Love,

Noemi Allette Destler.

And sealed away my heart.