She sat at her vanity tonight. Alone. Afraid. Lady Ashley of Guadosalam could hide her tears of despair from her people, but from herself... she could not. It was selfish of her to cry. To feel this way. Lord Jyscal had passed on earlier than anyone expected. Seymour, now king, had to take his place with haste. This left him little to no time for his wife. They were united for four years now. Their son, Lestat, lay sleeping in his bed. Ashley glided across the floor of her elegant room in the palace, and across the hall. She peered in at the sleeping Lestat. Bending over, she kissed his forehead and pulled the blankets up and around his neck. The young prince tossed in his sleep. He'd only seen his father on days when Seymour was home to greet visitors to the palace. Lestat knew of his father, a great warrior and a very wise king. Ashley smiled softly as Lestat clutched his moogle plush tighter and drifted into pleasant dreams.
At least one of them would sleep well tonight...
Ashley returned to her vanity where she gazed into her reflection for quite some time. She brushed her hair back and gazed out onto the balcony where her and Seymour had danced time after time. She brushed her fingers across the smooth case of the CD that Bryce had given her for her birthday. Lady Ashley was now turning 22. Bryce went with the CD because the princess had everything she needed. One night she wept in his lap, destroyed that Seymour would miss her birthday. Bryce bought her the song, hoping it would bring her a bit of ease in her troubled times.
Ashley tossed the remote on the bed as she lay back and let the beautiful song play.
~*There's a song that's inside of my soul.
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again.
I'm awake in the infinite cold.
But you sing to me over and over again. *~
She let her eyes close. The day after her birthday. She was another year older, another year wiser and another year deeply in love with a man she was fearing didn't love her back the same way. The wind's soft summer breeze was comforting on her skin. It did little to dry her continuous tears but she didn't mind it as the song brought ease to her troubled soul.
**Ashley, come to me.**
Ashley lay her nude form beside Seymour's. He gazed into her green eyes and brushed her hair out of her face. Gently kissing her lips, he promised to love her forever. It was the last time they made love for a while. This void was growing inside of her. A deep feeling of loss. She'd only hope that it was the lack of Seymour and not the loss of him completely.
~*So I lay my head back down.
And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours,
I pray to be only yours.
I know now you're my only hope.*~
**Ashley, I'm always here for you**
A breath of fresh air was all she needed to bring the thoughts flooding back into her head. Would he return home to her tonight? She turned to the skies and prayed silently. The heavens twinkled, but gave no response. It was a long shot. She closed her eyes as the breeze continued to soothe the pain inside of her. Her nightgown clung to her because of a light layer of sweat on her body. The moon bounced off her figure causing her to glow. In the solitude of the night, she was the most beautiful angel that ever existed.
The queen rested her hands on the ledge of the balcony and gazed out into the infinite nothing that existed between Guadosalam and the Thunder Plains. Then she saw it. It was a faint movement in the night. But what was it? Who was it? The being moved in closer, faster. Should she be afraid? She drew back a bit and rested her hand against her heart. Narrowing her eyes, she could barely make out the outline of Valefor. Someone sitting on the Fayth's back.
A gentle smile crept across her face as she locked eyes with Seymour. His lavender eyes twinkled in the moonlight. Twinkled with joy. He could hold his beloved in his arms. Ashley stood on the balcony and jumped off...
Valefor swooped down, catching the queen and changing his destination. Instead of the palace of Guadosalam, he was now headed to a familiar place. They said nothing to each other. Seymour took Ashley into his arms and smiled as he took in the sweet scent of Jasmine that Ashley washed her hair with.
~~~
The king of Guadosalam extended his hand to take Ashley's. As her feet touched the ground, she fell into Seymour's arms and held him tighter than ever.
~*Sing to me of the song of the stars.
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again.
When it feels like my dreams are so far,
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again.*~
Seymour drew Ashley into a passionate kiss. Sort of his silent apology for missing her birthday. Little did he know, she had already more than forgave him. He came all the way back for her. As they embraced each other in a loving hug, Seymour whispered into her ear.
"Happy belated birthday, my perfect love."
Ashley placed a finger to his lips. She didn't want the night to be wasted on words. She needed his touch badly. Seymour placed his hand against Ashley's face. She gently guided his hand downwards towards her heaving bosom. He lay his hand there, feeling her racing heart. He would give her the most perfect gift - even if it was a bit late...
~*So I lay my head back down
And I life my hands and pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now, you're my only hope*~
As two entities became one, Ashley could hear the song in her head. For the first time in months, tears of joy flowed from her eyes as she lay back on the cool grass. Their motions became rapid as Ashley arched her back and allowed herself to give into Seymour's act of love. She collapsed onto the grass and stared up at the sky.
Seymour lay his head on her chest and closed his eyes. He ran his hands over the blades of cool grass as the two enjoyed each other's silence. The young queen ran her fingers through his hair, stopping often to embrace him once more. It was a feeling she longed for, and now that she had it, she was afraid of losing it.
~*I give you my apathy
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs, I'm giving it back*~
She knew the next thing he would say would be something she didn't want to hear.
"I'll be leaving again soon, Ashley" Seymour whispered in her ear.
"I know..." Ashley felt the tears welling up in her eyes again.
"I promise I'll come back to you." He held her close.
Ashley said nothing, but removed the locket from around her neck. She clasped it around his neck and gently kissed him. "Bring this back to me."
Seymour stood to his feet and gently pulled Ashley to hers. They turned to face the rising sun. They had spent more time than they actually anticipated spending there. Lestat would awaken soon.
"Seymour..." Ashley began
The king pressed a finger against his lover's lips and silenced her. He then brought his finger down and slowly kissed her.
"I'll come home soon. I promise you." He brushed her tears away.
"If you don't, I'll come after you." Ashley smiled softly.
Valefor perched on the balcony as Seymour kissed his only love goodbye once more. He promised to return that night. It wouldn't make up for future absences that would occur but at least he could be there for her that night. He kissed the back of her hand and lept off the balcony onto Valefor's back. The two flew off as quickly as they came to her last night.
As the sun rose over the higher pillars of Guadosalam, Ashley felt better. The void was completely gone. Seymour was hers and only hers. She wouldn't feel so empty inside anymore.
~*So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now, you're my only hope*~
Lestat joined Ashley on the balcony and looked up at his mother. She smiled down at him.
"Good morning, my darling prince." Ashley gazed down at her son who bore a striking resemblance to Seymour.
"Where is daddy? I thought I heard him last night?" The young boy rubbed his green eyes.
Ashley picked Lestat up and held him close to her. "He's in our hearts, honey. Whenever he's not here... he's in our hearts."
~~~~~~
Seymour opened the locket. Inside were two pictures that weren't there before. A picture of Lestat and a picture of Ashley. He smiled to himself and tucked the locket into his shirt where it would be safe. He would return to her tonight. It was a promise. He knew it then...
Her love was his only hope.
A/N: I almost cried writing this thing! ;_;. Forgive the name Lestat, it's for someone special *-* (Ashley) Feel better, honey! I love you! *kicks Saddam*
I DO NOT own Final Fantasy X... (sept for the game...) but I DO NOT own it's characters, blah blah blah, ummm ya.
I DO NOT own Mandy Moore (nor do I want to own her o.O) or her rendition of "Only Hope" Thanks for letting me borrow the song, though!
At least one of them would sleep well tonight...
Ashley returned to her vanity where she gazed into her reflection for quite some time. She brushed her hair back and gazed out onto the balcony where her and Seymour had danced time after time. She brushed her fingers across the smooth case of the CD that Bryce had given her for her birthday. Lady Ashley was now turning 22. Bryce went with the CD because the princess had everything she needed. One night she wept in his lap, destroyed that Seymour would miss her birthday. Bryce bought her the song, hoping it would bring her a bit of ease in her troubled times.
Ashley tossed the remote on the bed as she lay back and let the beautiful song play.
~*There's a song that's inside of my soul.
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again.
I'm awake in the infinite cold.
But you sing to me over and over again. *~
She let her eyes close. The day after her birthday. She was another year older, another year wiser and another year deeply in love with a man she was fearing didn't love her back the same way. The wind's soft summer breeze was comforting on her skin. It did little to dry her continuous tears but she didn't mind it as the song brought ease to her troubled soul.
**Ashley, come to me.**
Ashley lay her nude form beside Seymour's. He gazed into her green eyes and brushed her hair out of her face. Gently kissing her lips, he promised to love her forever. It was the last time they made love for a while. This void was growing inside of her. A deep feeling of loss. She'd only hope that it was the lack of Seymour and not the loss of him completely.
~*So I lay my head back down.
And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours,
I pray to be only yours.
I know now you're my only hope.*~
**Ashley, I'm always here for you**
A breath of fresh air was all she needed to bring the thoughts flooding back into her head. Would he return home to her tonight? She turned to the skies and prayed silently. The heavens twinkled, but gave no response. It was a long shot. She closed her eyes as the breeze continued to soothe the pain inside of her. Her nightgown clung to her because of a light layer of sweat on her body. The moon bounced off her figure causing her to glow. In the solitude of the night, she was the most beautiful angel that ever existed.
The queen rested her hands on the ledge of the balcony and gazed out into the infinite nothing that existed between Guadosalam and the Thunder Plains. Then she saw it. It was a faint movement in the night. But what was it? Who was it? The being moved in closer, faster. Should she be afraid? She drew back a bit and rested her hand against her heart. Narrowing her eyes, she could barely make out the outline of Valefor. Someone sitting on the Fayth's back.
A gentle smile crept across her face as she locked eyes with Seymour. His lavender eyes twinkled in the moonlight. Twinkled with joy. He could hold his beloved in his arms. Ashley stood on the balcony and jumped off...
Valefor swooped down, catching the queen and changing his destination. Instead of the palace of Guadosalam, he was now headed to a familiar place. They said nothing to each other. Seymour took Ashley into his arms and smiled as he took in the sweet scent of Jasmine that Ashley washed her hair with.
~~~
The king of Guadosalam extended his hand to take Ashley's. As her feet touched the ground, she fell into Seymour's arms and held him tighter than ever.
~*Sing to me of the song of the stars.
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again.
When it feels like my dreams are so far,
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again.*~
Seymour drew Ashley into a passionate kiss. Sort of his silent apology for missing her birthday. Little did he know, she had already more than forgave him. He came all the way back for her. As they embraced each other in a loving hug, Seymour whispered into her ear.
"Happy belated birthday, my perfect love."
Ashley placed a finger to his lips. She didn't want the night to be wasted on words. She needed his touch badly. Seymour placed his hand against Ashley's face. She gently guided his hand downwards towards her heaving bosom. He lay his hand there, feeling her racing heart. He would give her the most perfect gift - even if it was a bit late...
~*So I lay my head back down
And I life my hands and pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now, you're my only hope*~
As two entities became one, Ashley could hear the song in her head. For the first time in months, tears of joy flowed from her eyes as she lay back on the cool grass. Their motions became rapid as Ashley arched her back and allowed herself to give into Seymour's act of love. She collapsed onto the grass and stared up at the sky.
Seymour lay his head on her chest and closed his eyes. He ran his hands over the blades of cool grass as the two enjoyed each other's silence. The young queen ran her fingers through his hair, stopping often to embrace him once more. It was a feeling she longed for, and now that she had it, she was afraid of losing it.
~*I give you my apathy
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs, I'm giving it back*~
She knew the next thing he would say would be something she didn't want to hear.
"I'll be leaving again soon, Ashley" Seymour whispered in her ear.
"I know..." Ashley felt the tears welling up in her eyes again.
"I promise I'll come back to you." He held her close.
Ashley said nothing, but removed the locket from around her neck. She clasped it around his neck and gently kissed him. "Bring this back to me."
Seymour stood to his feet and gently pulled Ashley to hers. They turned to face the rising sun. They had spent more time than they actually anticipated spending there. Lestat would awaken soon.
"Seymour..." Ashley began
The king pressed a finger against his lover's lips and silenced her. He then brought his finger down and slowly kissed her.
"I'll come home soon. I promise you." He brushed her tears away.
"If you don't, I'll come after you." Ashley smiled softly.
Valefor perched on the balcony as Seymour kissed his only love goodbye once more. He promised to return that night. It wouldn't make up for future absences that would occur but at least he could be there for her that night. He kissed the back of her hand and lept off the balcony onto Valefor's back. The two flew off as quickly as they came to her last night.
As the sun rose over the higher pillars of Guadosalam, Ashley felt better. The void was completely gone. Seymour was hers and only hers. She wouldn't feel so empty inside anymore.
~*So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now, you're my only hope*~
Lestat joined Ashley on the balcony and looked up at his mother. She smiled down at him.
"Good morning, my darling prince." Ashley gazed down at her son who bore a striking resemblance to Seymour.
"Where is daddy? I thought I heard him last night?" The young boy rubbed his green eyes.
Ashley picked Lestat up and held him close to her. "He's in our hearts, honey. Whenever he's not here... he's in our hearts."
~~~~~~
Seymour opened the locket. Inside were two pictures that weren't there before. A picture of Lestat and a picture of Ashley. He smiled to himself and tucked the locket into his shirt where it would be safe. He would return to her tonight. It was a promise. He knew it then...
Her love was his only hope.
A/N: I almost cried writing this thing! ;_;. Forgive the name Lestat, it's for someone special *-* (Ashley) Feel better, honey! I love you! *kicks Saddam*
I DO NOT own Final Fantasy X... (sept for the game...) but I DO NOT own it's characters, blah blah blah, ummm ya.
I DO NOT own Mandy Moore (nor do I want to own her o.O) or her rendition of "Only Hope" Thanks for letting me borrow the song, though!