She's So High

By: Midnight Maiden

Disclaimer: T.P. owns all characters

A message came from the Duke that Briar and Rosethorn were needed in Hajra. Sandry couldn't come. He'd begged and pleaded, but she was needed elsewhere. They would be leaving first thing in the morning. He'd thought to tell them they needed to be together, but for some reason they seemed to want to keep it a secret. It was a personal thing between the two, and not everyone needed to know.

That night, when everyone was asleep Sandry snuck up to his room. He pulled her into his arms, like if he held her tight enough they couldn't be separated. He couldn't help but notice how well she was taking this. The trip wouldn't be just a couple of days; it would be at least a few months. ~But,~ he thought, ~She's always been brave.~

*Go on and close the curtains

Cause all we need is candlelight

You and me and the bottle of wine

And I'll hold you tonight*

*Well we know,

I'm going away

And how I wish

I wish it weren't so

So take this wine

And drink with me

And let's delay our misery.*

Briar had brought Champagne, but neither really seemed to want any. They seemed perfectly content to just stay where they were, in each other's arms. Briar kissed her softly, trying to keep her taste in his mouth so he wouldn't miss it. She kissed him back, clinging to him desperately. They tried to forget the morning, but the thought kept pushing at their minds.

Briar continued to kiss her, drown away all her fears and doubts. He tried to tell her it would be okay and he would be back soon, but he couldn't find any words. He lay down and pulled her against him, listening to her breath.

*Save tonight

Fight the break of dawn

Come tomorrow

Tomorrow I'll be gone.*

*There's a log on the fire

And it burns like me for you

Tomorrow comes

With one desire

To take me away*

The sun slowly started to shine outside the window. Sandry saw it and started to cry. He would have to leave soon. He whispered in her ear and stroked her back. They still had a few hours. The day was not here yet.

"Briar, I'm scared," she whispered.

"Why?"

"What if you find some one that you love more? Someone who's pretty than me."

He shook his head. "It would never happen. Not ever."

*It ain't easy to say goodbye

Now darling please

Don't start to cry

Cause girl you know I've got to go

And Lord I wish it wasn't so.*

*Save tonight

And fight the break of dawn

Come tomorrow

Tomorrow I'll be gone

Save tonight

And fight the break of dawn

Come tomorrow

Tomorrow I'll be gone.*

When the sun was up he took her hand and walked out to the hallway. Rosethorn was waiting and he raised an eyebrow when he saw the two come out together, but didn't question it. Sandry's eyes were slightly red and her cheeks were tear-stained.

Their packs were already loaded and outside. The other girls said goodbye to Briar and went inside, not able to watch him leave without being upset. Rosethorn stood waiting.

"I'll catch up to you," he told her.

She nodded and trotted away on her mount.

Briar looked at Sandry and tried to smile. "I'll be back soon, I swear."

She nodded. "Okay."

He lifted her chin up and kissed her one last time before he left. It was a long kiss. She kissed him back, just as passionately. Briar broke away reluctantly and mounted up. From his horse he kissed her once more and cantered off to catch Rosethorn.

*Tomorrow comes to take me away

I wish that I, that I could stay

But girl you know I've got to go

Oh, and Lord I wish it wasn't so.*

*Save tonight

And fight the break of dawn

Come tomorrow

Tomorrow I'll be gone

Save tonight

And fight the break of dawn

Come tomorrow

Tomorrow I'll be gone.*