She always came to him at night. Not once was he able to tell if the guard at his door was deliberately letting her to or if she was using one of her magic tricks. Not that he actually cared. What he cared about was that more frequently than not he found himself waiting for her. It was purely physical, he reasoned. She was attractive after all. Even he couldn't deny that. And if she offered herself to him, why refuse? At first it was indeed about accepting her offer. When had it turned into something more he was unable to tell. Unwilling to tell, to accept. Black Knight had – had to have – no emotions, no feelings, no attachments. For the conquest of Lodoss. That was sole reason for him being here. This meant that nothing – nothing – was to stand at his path. And still, every night he waited. And every morning he feared to fully wake up, for he always found his bed empty.
It was well past midnight, he suddenly realized. She should have been here long ago. It was an unspoken agreement. Just like her nightly visits themselves, just like their daily silence. She never was that late. Probably some unfinished business, he tried to convince himself. Something she just had to take care of. Not that he cared anyway. Humorless smirk found its way to his lips. Ironically enough he did care. And it took all of his famous discipline and self-control not to run out and search for her. That would be an unthinkable thing to do for the Black Knight. The problem was it was the only thing Ashram was able to think about. And Black Knight had no choice but to surrender.
He never made it to the door before it opened. He couldn't remember moving, couldn't remember thinking. He just knew that one moment they were standing in the opposite corners of the room and next moment he was holding her, afraid to let go, afraid she might disappear any moment. Holding her like his life depended on it.
-Pirotess…
More a sigh than a word. Something that came out instinctively and naturally. So he repeated her name again, unconsciously tightening the embrace, trying to bring her even closer, reassuring himself that she was indeed here.
-Ashram, I…
He couldn't help but smile, as she left his title out. And then he silenced her with the kiss. They will have time to talk later. For he planned to never wake up alone again.