AN: Chapter by MinaBR.
Thank you to SunflowerFran3759 for betaing this chapter.
The wheels of fate have turned, and as a gust of wind brought by the flight of a harpy, the holder of my heart has materialized before me. Her beauty has faded some, her eyes no longer sparkle with kindness and joy, the grim lines of her lips betray how little she smiles these days ... but she still is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
And here she stands, in the shrine I've built in honor of our love. Seeing her entering the house that should have been ours, gives me the clarity to realize that I've always hoped for her return. The fog of grief and anger has finally been lifted from my heart and mind ... the sun is shining again.
Past and present combine into an amalgam of joy and hope. Looking inside my heart, I discover that all is forgiven and that no matter what she tells me, she is my soulmate, therefore as essential as air. I love her as the spring loves the flowers, steadily and thoroughly.
Watching the apprehension marring her lovely face, I make a vow to the benevolent deities that brought her back into my life. This time around I won't let pride and anger get in the way of true love.
But it will have to be her choice ...
Today, all my dreams will come true, or be irrevocably crushed.
