Without you, the ground thaws, the rain falls, the grass grows.
Without you, the seeds root, the flowers bloom, the children play.
The stars gleam, the poets dream, the eagles fly, without you.
The earth turns, the sun burns,

But I die, without you.

-Rent

Fog circled around Tavon and Rain as they trenched up the muddy slopes of Mt. Mjolner. Though they had certainly traveled here many times, Rain was certain that she had never been this high up before. Tavon had always warned her about traveling too high up the mountain alone, as powerful monsters lurked in the shaded areas around the path. Perhaps, she wondered, he thinks I'm finally strong enough if we encountered danger.

Tavon finally stopped hiking, pulling Rain up to a protruding ledge on the mountain. "Look, Rain. Isn't it breathtaking?", he gestured at the view. Rain nodded. It was beautiful, but Rain couldn't focus. A question she had been meaning to ask for quite some time was slowly forming on it's own accord inside her mouth.

Tavon continued, "I discovered this place long before I met you. After I had been pronounced a sage, I decided to explore the heights of Mt. Mjolner. When I first saw how glorious Rune Migard looked from such a height, I knew I had found a real treasure. I often came here to meditate or practice new abilities I had been mastering, and had never shown it to anyone. However, since you have finally been christened a priest, I felt you were worthy of sharing this place with me." He smiled.

Rain turned towards him. Her palms were sweating terribly, and she felt her cheeks get hot. I better get this over with now, before I blush so bad I look like a tomato. She gulped, "Tavon, I…well, there's been something I've been meaning to ask you. Um…will you…will you hear me out?"

"Of course, Rain. Why wouldn't I hear you out?" Tavon smiled again.

Rain swallowed again and continued, "Tavon…this isn't an easy thing to ask, and I fully understand if you refuse, but please, please don't hate me for it." She trembled and looked at the ground.

"What is it? I can't resent you until you ask, and I only will if it's something truly terrible. I couldn't' resent you, Rain." Tavon brushed Rain's cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I…I mean you…Tavon…Tavon, will you marry me?", the last words came out in a rushed garble, and by this time Rain was so embarrassed she did a face-plant into the ledge.

"Will I…marry you? That's a rather large question to ask, Rain. Though it feels like it's been much longer, I only have really known you for 2 months. Don't you feel like you're rushing into this a little too fast?"

Rain shook her head. "No, Tavon, I don't feel like I'm rushing anything at all. You've been so dear to me…I couldn't think of anything more wonderful than if—"

Tavon put a hand over Rain's mouth and drew her into an embrace. "If you feel you're ready for that large of a commitment, then I'm more than ready." He stroked her hair. Rain started to cry on his shoulder.

The wedding was simple, held by a local priest at the Prontera church. Not many people attended, yet it felt to Rain that she was partaking in one of the most magnificent weddings ever to be held. She turned and smiled at Tavon.

"…and Tavon, do you promise to take Rain as your beloved wife, love and care for her always, in both sickness and in health, and to remain with her until her dying day?" The priest droned onto Tavon's vows.

"Yes, I promise to be her loving husband, to catch her when she falls, and never to stray from the journey we set out on today." He grinned at Rain.

"Very well then. Assuming there will be no objections, I formally pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations." The priest closed his Book and started to head down the aisle.

Tavon laughed and swooped her up into a jubilant kiss. Rain would come to remember this moment as the happiest one in her life…

I awoke, covered in rough sheets that were emblazoned with the local Inn's crest. It had begun to pour while I rested. I listened to the strong, steady rhythm of the rain's pounding.

"…to catch her when she falls…"

I lept from the bed, pacing back and forth as the memory slowly swirled around my thoughts…

"…to catch her when she falls…"

I thrust the door open and dashed down the stairs, practically hurtling myself out beyond the Inn's welcoming atmosphere. I started to run, as far as I could into the rainy night, so long as I could get away from the memories.

"...to catch her when she falls…"

I ran faster, trying to shield my eyes against the pelting rain.

"…to catch her…"

I screamed as loud as I could, trying to use puddles of rain water to wash away the memory. I pressed the raindrops against my face, letting them run down my cheeks. I curled up into a ball and wept on the streets, a dirty mess and a shadow of the priest I used to be.

"I'M FALLING!", I shouted, "I'M FALLING! WHERE ARE YOU, YOU PHONY! YOU SAID YOU'D CATCH ME! I'M FALLING! WHERE ARE YOU TO CATCH ME!"

"...when she falls."