Chapter 9- In the embrace of the sun.

Warning: Blood and injury, graphic violence and strong language .

P.S. This time we have a little jump in action. There will be no underwater city or Underdark. Thank you for your support. Only two more chapters to go! Enjoy.

The fire of the burning candle on the table cast a soft light and lit up a dark room. It was already quite late, but muffled conversation and laughter were still coming from the corridor. The guests of the Copper Coronet were not going to go to bed yet, having fun and drinking. Esme did not sleep that night as well. Half-sitting on the bed, with her back against its back, she finished off the last of the wine she had taken from Bernard earlier. She hoped the alcohol would help her relax her muscles and make her sleepy blissfully. Sleep did not come however and Esme, slowly sipping ruby liquid, stared at the shadows dancing on the walls. She wasn't nervous for the upcoming fight tomorrow. She was stoically calm, nerves and excitement had not been with her for a long time after she lost her soul and now she spent her sleepless nights processing tomorrow's plan over and over again rather than stress. Tomorrow, the final assault on Bodhi's lair was to take place to retrieve Imoen's soul and The Rhynn Lanthorn. Later, they would go to Suldanessellar and face Irenicus. Esme was pleased with the allies they managed to gather to aid them in their battle against the vampires.

Viconia, dark elf, they had previously rescued agreed to assist them with her abilities, Aran Linvail was to send his best assassins, Sir Keldorn promised to assist them with his strong arm, and Drizzt, happily met on the way to Athkatla, also offered his and his comrades' services. Anomen returned from his visit to the headquarters of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart, also bringing the good news that they can count on the support of several battle-experienced paladins. So Esme wasn't anxious at all. She received more support than she had hoped for and their chances of winning increased. She lifted the mug to her lips one last time and finished the rest of the wine, extinguished the candle and wrapped herself tightly in a thick woolen blanket hoping to fall asleep quickly. Her eyelids finally began to weigh heavily and she fell asleep, mentally asking gods for success and victory for tomorrow.

Kensai wasn't sure if she slept for a few minutes or a few hours. She woke up suddenly to a noise coming from somewhere outside the door. Something heavy fell to the floor and broke with a loud crash. Esme rolled her eyes and, muttering dissatisfied, turned to the other side putting a pillow over her head. The Copper Coronet was not a high standard inn and it was often the place of arguments caused by drunken customers. There was nothing strange and unusual about it, and if you wanted to save a few gold pieces for the night, you had to take it into account. Unfortunately, despite the tightly clenched eyelids, strenuous efforts and rolling from side to side, the dream, once distracted, did not want to return to Esme. After about 30 minutes kensai, a bit irritated sat down on the bed, giving up she tossed the blanket aside and stretched. Cool wooden floor awakened her even more when she stepped on it with her bare feet. Esme walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains to peer out. Pleasantly surprised, she noticed that her sleep lasted longer than she thought, the hour was early and soon a bright glow would appear in the sky, announcing the dawn. Esme and her team were to meet the rest of the allies at the site of the attack in The Graveyard an hour after sunrise, preventing the vampires from escaping outside.

Esme opened a window to get some fresh morning air. Streets in the Slums were still empty and quiet, and only in few windows could see light. In one of the windows of the building near the Copper Coronet, Esme noticed a woman walking with a baby in her arms. Woman rocked little baby gently and stroked its tiny head. Esme felt a bit weird and frowned. Children were something exceptionally pure and innocent and childhood should be the most carefree and enjoyable time in a baby's life in her opinion. She, however, never fully experienced it. When she was little and didn't understand things, she spent a lot of time playing with Imoen, but Gorion always chased them both to study and other duties, demanding seriousness and concentration. Gorion was a father to her, but there was no warmth or closeness to it. Esme wondered more than once how her life would have turned out if she had been someone completely ordinary and not the daughter of the Lord of Murder. But now was not a time to rethink things that were not relevant. Her life was as it was and she was unable to change the past. Esme decided to chase away unpleasant thoughts and focus on the present moment. She looked one last time at mother and baby, turned and walked over to the chair where her things were lying, and started getting dressed. Prospect of getting up ealier than everyone and drinking a cup of hot coffee without rushing and having breakfast without fighting over scrambled eggs or pancakes with Imoen was a very good start of the day. Esme took one last look at herself in the mirror, straightening her hair, which she probably never was going to have to style in any decent way and left the room locking the door. Still empty corridor greeted her with smells already flowing from kitchen below and she walked towards the stairs leading to main hall. But after only a few steps, something caught her attention and Esme turned away. Frowning, she looked at the door to Anomen's room. There was a wet stain on the floor under the door, most likely water, and a piece of parchment sticking out. Esme walked over, carefully prancing her ears to catch a sound. There was no noise coming from behind the closed door so carefully, just in case, clutching a dagger in her hand, she knocked lightly on the door. Getting no answer, kensai opened the door and looked around in shock. Room was a mess. Anomen was nowhere to be found and his backpack and things were lying in the corner. An overturned table and chair, sheets thrown disheveledly on the floor and the remains of a shattered water jug from which water spilled all the way to the door caught Esme's attention ealier. There was also a note beside the water, which Esme picked up with a trembling hand more out of rage than fear. In an energetic and beautiful handwriting following message was written:

"My little mouse!

As you have probably noticed, one of your companions is missing from your party. I took your lovely knight with me to protect myself a bit, but I'm sure he will have a great time in my company. Don't try anything foolish. Attacking me, my children or my lair is not a very wise decision if you ever want to see your loved one again. You are not able to win.

Yours for eternity,

B. "

Esme gritted her teeth in anger and she crumpled Bodhi's message into her hand. Was the noise that woke her up earlier because of the fight during the capture of Anomen? Esme was furious with herself that something like this had happened to someone so close to her, right behind a wall of her room and she didn't react. Bodhi was smart and wanted to hit Esme where it hurt the most and she managed to hit the point. Kensai was afraid for the safety and life of a cleric, she had already met the vampire leader and she knew perfectly well that her word and promises meant nothing. She certainly intended to harm Anomen, or had already done so, whether or not Esme and her team would comply with her demands and attack her quarters. Kensai looked up and pressing her lips tightly into a thin line, thought, "Please, Helm and all the gods, protect him. Protect him until I get there." She left the room quickly, slamming the door loudly, moving down the corridor to wake up her sleeping companions.

Storming of the Vampire Tombs led by Esme did not give bloodsuckers time to react. They all carried out their orders and tasks perfectly, although their skill in combat did not require much direction. Everyone knew the priority was to free Anomen, annihilate Bodhi and reclaim Rhynn Lanthorn. Despite a lack of Anomen and his abilities, team managed well with Viconia's spells and Sir Keldorn's skills and the Order's paladins, nevertheless trying to keep the most powerful spells especially for Bodhi and her strongest children. Esme, despite the enormous anger that was boiling her blood in her veins, tried to keep her nerves in check and think soberly, not wanting to put anyone in unnecessary danger. She wanted nothing more than to save Anomen and murder Bodhi, who had slipped from kensai hands too many times, but there was no room for error. Everything had to go right today. One of Aran Linvail's assassins stabbed another vampire and Minsc efficiently ended his miserable life with his huge sword. Imoen stopped suddenly and taking a deep breath looked at Esme.

-I can feel it- said the pink-haired girl with a gleam in her eyes.

-What? - kensai asked surprised looking at her closely.

-My soul. It's close, I can feel it pull me in and call me- Imoen whispered.

Esme nodded.

-Let's hurry up. This is a sign that Bodhi is close too.

Carefully, step by step, everyone moved forward, killing vampires standing in their way again and again. Finally they stood in the center of the main chamber. Esme paused, though she felt like lunging straight ahead. Beside her, Jaheira took a deep breath and covered her mouth. Surrounded by her dark servants, standing in the middle of the room and smiling maliciously, Bodhi cuddled up to Anomen, who stared blankly ahead. Bodhi almost caressingly ran her long finger along his jaw and then along his neck, which was marked with two red bite marks, and giggled slightly. Anomen's skin, usually tanned from long hours outdoors, was now a pale gray shade and Esme felt her stomach turn. She came too late. Bodhi looked at Esme, raising her lips mockingly, showing her long fangs and sighed.

-Ah, my little mouse. You were stupid enough to show up. What a pity your life ends here. Maybe you'll even be lucky enough to die from hands of your loved one.

Esme gritted her teeth.

- It is you who will be dying today, you dark bitch. I have already promised you twice that I will tear this black heart out. Three times lucky. How dare you do something like this to Anomen?!

Bodhi chuckled again.

-Oh, that's just a simple example of how I am able to gain more loyalty with gentle hypnosis and a bite. But I guess your sweatheart doesn't mind. Right, Anomen?

Anomen nodded like a puppet and replied in an expressionless voice:

-Yes, my mistress.

-You see? - Bodhi purred pleased with herself, but after few seconds she looked a bit more seriously at Esme - Immortality is beautiful and has many advantages. Unfortunately, it also has many disadvantages. One of them is that you get bored very quickly. Just like now. Kill them mercilessly, my sweet! – she whispered into Anomen's ear.

Cleric instantly regained a gleam in his eyes and lunged at those standing in front of him.

-Don't hurt him! - Esme shouted to her companions, jumping to the side.

Bodhi, laughing mockingly, threw herself at her and kensai only managed to see from the corner of her eye how Minsc was fending off Anomen's attacks before all her attention was focused on fighting undead. Bodhi attacked fiercely with long sharp claws, which Esme blocked efficiently with her swords. Thanks to spells and options, girl's speed and strength equaled her opponent and she also attacked fiercely, trying to find a loophole in the vampire's defense. Bodhi, as an undead with several hundred years of experience, was an excellent warrior. They both danced around each other, never taking their eyes off of each other. At one point, long claws reached Esme's shoulder, girl hissed in pain and seeing her chance to break through closer, she waved the sword held in her other hand and pointed it at pale neck. Only thanks to her unnatural reflexes, Bodhi managed to grasp the blade with her bare hand. Dark, almost black blood ran down her pale fingers. Esme delivered another blow with her other sword which Bodhi had no time to block. Sword pierced her neck and same dark blood spilled out, more this time, but pale hand gripped the blade hard, trying desperately to hold it back. Blades blessed before the fight and poured with holy water painfully burned vampire's skin and effectively slowed down regeneration of wounds.

-I was the one who turned the Anomen! I am connected to him through the blood! - Bodhi hissed - Kill me and he too will die! You'll kill him you fool!

Esme clenched her hands even tighter on the hilts of swords, trying to drive them deeper, but Bodhi with her strength still resisted despite the already deep wound in her neck.

-Shut up! If he dies it's only because you put your black hands on him you bitch! Die at last ‼‼- Esme shouted.

With fury in her eyes vampire roared and ignoring the blades, she charged forward and pressed kensai against a wall. The momentum of the blow made Esme lost her breath for a moment and she droped one of her swords. Bodhi grabbed her tightly by the braided hair and pulled it hard.

-You will die first! I'll break your pretty neck and drink your sweet blood! - She hissed showing sharp fangs.

Esme reached down to her belt for a dagger with her free hand and pivoted in place, slashing fast. With a dagger, she cut off her braid to free herself from Bodhi's grip and with the other hand she delivered a sword blow to vampire's body. Blade stuck to the hilt between Bodhi's ribs and she let the girl go with a hiss, in the next moment long arrow stabbed her in the chest. Esme turned in the direction the arrow was coming from and saw Imoen smiling at her and already pulling the bowstring to fire another arrow. Bodhi, having no more energy or time to regenerate, began to panic. Esme grabbed her sword she had dropped earlier and set off to deliver the final blow, but Bodhi, seeing how she was in a hopeless position, turned into a bat. With a shaky flight, she began to move away, trying to escape to safety. Imoen tried to shoot her but bat was to little and it flight was too chaotic and arrow missed.

-After her! - Esme called to her sister and they both followed the bat before it was out of sight. They quickly ran into the side corridor, in which they saw Bodhi last time. Eventually a corridor led them to a room that contained stone sarcophags and several large locked chests.

Sisters looked around carefully and, nodding their heads, grasped wooden stakes. Bodhi seemed to have to hide in one of the sarcophags in the hope of survival. Imoen and Esme, panting heavily, have already opened two of them, which turned out to be empty.

-Third time Lucky, right? - Imoen said, and she and Esme pushed the heavy, thick stone lid to a side. Kensai inhaled loudly as she saw pale form of Bodhi lying there. She looked at Imoen, who was nodding furiously, signaling to hurry up. Esme gripped wooden stake firmly in her hand and lifted it up. Bodhi's words were still echoing in her mind, "You will kill me and he will die too!" and she hesitated. She gritted her teeth in anger so hard her jaw ached. "There is no escape from vampirism. There is no turning back. She already killed him. There is no cure", she thought. Esme sucked in a breath and pierced Bodhi's heart, who opened her eyes and screamed shrilly and her body began to dry out. Esme pulled out the stake and hammered it in furiously again and again and again. For everything Bodhi ever did. For Anomen, for Spellhold, for Immy. Bodhi did not move anymore, but the wooden stake continued to dig into her chest over and over again.

-Hey, hey, that's enough- Imoen said, grabbing her hand.

Esme came to her senses and looked at her, panting heavily, then looked at Bodhi one last time and tossed wooden stake on the floor.

-Is ... Has your soul come back to you?- Esme asked, looking carefully at Imoen, who already looked better at first glance. Her face and eyes turned bright and she took a deep breath as if she was breathing for the first time in a long time.

-Oh yes. I feel much better- Imoen said putting her hand on sister shoulder- We'll get your soul back too, don't worry.

Esme just nodded.

-Let's get back to the others. They may still need help.

Fight was over when they returned to the main chamber. Some of people finished off single vampires, but Esme's teammates were already hiding their weapons. Kensai paused to see the body lying on the stone floor, covered with Minsc's coat. She didn't have to guess, she knew perfectly well who was underneath it. Seeing her, Jaheira moved closer.

-I'm so sorry- elf said, pain and sadness written on her face - We tried to hold him in place and not hurt him. He just fell to the floor at some point. There was nothing we could do.

Esme stared at coat and refused to look at Jaheira.

-He was connected to Bodhi. I killed her and ... And he too died.

-Esme ..- druid started but kensai shook her head.

-Let's search this damn place, get the Rhynn Lanthorn and Anomen's body, and just get out of here.

Despite their victory, after their return to the Copper Coronet, there was a grave atmosphere between members of the team. Hendak and Bernard, hearing what had happened, offered drinks and dinner for free. Food had no flavor to Esme, and probably for the first time in her life, she didn't finish her portion. The rest were also picking their plates with forks without any appetite. Unable to take it any longer, Esme decided to break terrible silence.

-Jay, I wish you and Minsc would go over what we got after dinner. We will sell as much as possible. We will give Viconia some money for her help and some to the Church.

-Of course- elf answered.

-Edwin - Esme turned now to wizard - Could you look at the books that we found in Bodhi's chest as soon as possible? Maybe one is useful and you want to keep it. We'll take the rest to the temple.

-I'll go, even right away(I can't stand the atmosphere and the grave faces anymore. It's too much even for me) - replied red wizard and got up from the table.

Esme sighed and got to her feet as well.

-I'm going too- she said softly, but she felt someone's touch on her hand. She turned to see Jaheira looking sympathetically at her.

-Esme ...- elf started slowly. - If you need something, you know where to find me.

Esme nodded and curled her mouth in what was supposed to be a smile. Ever since they left Spellhold, her smile was always forced and never reached her eyes. It was same now, but she wanted to show somehow to her friend that she was grateful for support. Minsc, who was sitting close, couldn't stand it and suddenly got up from his seat. He gripped Esme in his bear hug so tightly that he lifted her off the ground.

-Boo says Anomen was a great warrior. Boo and Minsc will mourn him, little Esme. We'll avenge him- ranger said in a trembling voice.

-Thank you- Esme said softly as he finally set her back down. She did not wanted to start unnecessary conversations, looked at those present one last time and hurried off to her room upstairs. Simple interior greeted her with pleasant silence and blissful solitude. She lit a candle on the table and grabbed jug of wine she brought ealier. That was her plan for tonight - to get terribly drunk and somehow fall asleep. After a few sips, her little plan was disturbed by a knock on the door. Reluctantly, she put her cup down and opened the door, guessing who she would see.

-What do you want, Immy?- She asked, but the pink-haired girl only smiled and unceremoniously entered the room. Imoen turned to show her scissors.

-You need to fix your new hairstyle. You look like a goblin ass now.

-Thank you for the compliment- Esme replied, but she looked at herself in the mirror and at her crooked hair. Maybe Imoen was actually right about that and she indeed looked like an ass.

-Alright- Esme said, sat down in the chair and Imoen gently combed her hair. After a while, the only sound in the room was the rhythmic sound of the scissors.

-I thought you came here to cheer me up- kensai said.

-Naaah, I know you. You'll want to, you'll start talking yourself. There is no point to ask. First you will try to hide everything inside you and then it will all come out of you and you will want to cry out. Always been like that.

Esme snorted slightly. Imoen was right. Now it was just a bit different, and she wasn't sure if she would even want to talk to anyone.

-All right. I finished! - Imoen exclaimed triumphantly after a while and smiled broadly - We look more like sisters now, Essie!

Esme looked in the mirror and mentally agreed with Imoen. Her hair was only slightly longer than Imoen's now, and she really liked the effect. With many other worries and tasks, she had not thought of changing her hairstyle for a long time.

-Well done, I like it- thanked kensai – And this time I still have two ears.

Imoen looked at her with her mouth wide open.

-O gods. I forgot about that completely! I cut off almost half of your ear, that day! Good thing they healed you quickly! - Imoen said, shaking her head at the memory.

Esme looked questioningly at her sister, lifting up the cup and jug of wine.

-Of course! It's been a long and lousy day. Pour me some! Although, if I remember correctly, it was the wine that started this story with your ear.

Esme nodded and handed Imoen a cup. They both sat down comfortably on the bed and remembered an event from years ago.

-How old were we then? 15? 14? - Imoen began.

-13 and we thought we were very grown up- Esme said - We were angry because we couldn't attend some important feast.

-I remember! And we stole Gorion's wine from the cupboard. He was furious he turned purple when he noticed, he got it from some important gentleman and kept that bottle for a special occasion.

Imoen laughed and Esme nodded remembering everything.

-We got drunk for the first time in our lives. Aaaannd for my misfortune, I fell asleep first- Esme finished and Imoen covered her mouth with her hand so as not to burst out laughing.

-And then I painted an ugly picture on your forehead with ink!

-Yes, and then you also fell asleep and after waking up and seeing my reflection in the mirror, I painted you big bushy eyebrows on almost entire forehead. Then Gorion found us and we were punished for a whole month and of course ink wouldn't wash off.

Imoen laughed so much that she lay down on the bed.

-We wanted to cover these scribbles and look a little normal and we came up with the idea that we would fix our hair- she said supporting herself on an elbow.

-You rushed to cut my hair so much that you cut off a piece of my ear- Esme said and looked into her wine cup- Against all odds, those were good and carefree times. Not like now.

Imoen looked at her.

-We couldn't have spent our whole lives there, right? We were not meant to stay there.

Esme mood darkened even more.

- So far, we are only forced to fight and kill. Perhaps if we had stayed behind the walls of Candlekeep, Anomen would have been alive. He died because he met me on his way.

Imoen sat down on the bed and looked at her closely.

-It was because of Bodhi he died. Not because of you.

-She kidnapped him because we were close- Esme shook her head. Immy sounded just like Jaheira and it made her tired and angry- He deserved more. I should at least be able to mourn him damn it, and in my present state I can't even shed a single tear. Fuck this! I can't cry, I can't sleep, I can't protect people I care about. What's the point of being a daughter of God if I can't do anything?! This is not right. This is bullshit! Anomen deserved to live, he deserved to be mourn and much more. I should be dead, not him- Esme finished and tilted her cup to finish rest of wine.

Imoen rolled her eyes.

-You're dumber than slime from a sewer, really! Your death or his. There will always be someone unhappy. Such stupid words wi...

Imoen didn't have time to finish her statement. There was a noise in the corridor. Esme looked surprised at Imoen and Imoen looked at her, and they both listened to sounds from outside. There was another noise from the corridor, as if something heavy had fallen on the wooden floor, followed by a loud and impatient voice, "Out of the way, a filthy half-brained ape! It is a matter of life and death! ". Esme got out of bed and walked quickly to the door to see what was happening. When she opened it she saw one of Copper Coronet customers lying on the floor and Edwin who was lying on poor guy, struggling to get up.

-Edwin? What's happening? - kensai asked, surprised. Red wizard finally got up, rubbing his sore knees and cursing under his breath. With a thick book in his hand, he walked over to Esme.

-There is a chance! We can save him! (I give you my word, this arrogant knight will owe me for the rest of my life).

Esme looked at him and then at Imoen, not really understanding what her friend was talking about. After a moment she realized and in disbelief she caught Edwin's face in her hands.

-Edwin, please tell me quickly what you know!

Edwin smiled broadly and said with pride in his voice.

-I, Edwin Odesseiron, will save the day!

-Anomen, Anomen, wake up- he heard a melodious and warm voice. He opened his eyes and saw a black void all around him. He sat up, confused, when he noticed a tiny female figure sitting next to him. Dark, thick brown hair identical to his was falling down woman's back. He opened his mouth in shock, unable to find the right words, which probably would not have been able to escape through the squeezed throat. Woman smiled with the same beautiful smile that greeted him every morning when he was little. She looked exactly as he remembered her and tears filled his eyes.

-It's alright, my boy- woman said and held out her hands to him. Anomen hurriedly, almost desperately, threw himself into her embrace, feeling like a little child again. She was exactly the same as he remembered her, even her scent.

-Mother- he managed to whisper. A gentle hand stroked his head - I'm so sorry. I have failed you and Moira. It should all be different. I'm so sorry, mom- he said quietly.

A gentle hand was still stroking his head to soothe his pain.

-My sweet, dear son. You have nothing to apologize for. You have not let anyone down.

-You died ... You and Moira ... I let you both down. I should have been stronger- said Anomen

-Not true- his mother answered softly- Neither my death nor Moira were your fault. Each of us has free will, each of us decides about our lives. Me, Moira and even your father, we all made decisions that led to further events. It was supposed to be like that. You managed to fight the bitterness and hatred in your heart even after all this. So You are strong enough my dear. I am proud and happy to see how much you have grown and how you are helping others. I am very happy with our meeting, although it should not take place yet.

Anomen wanted to remain in his mother's arms forever. It had been taken from him too soon and he didn't want to lose it again, but there were too many questions in his head. Carefully, fearing that his mother's figure would fade into thin air, he raised his head and looked at her. She smiled at him and stroked his cheek. She was as beautiful as he remembered her.

-How ... How is that possible? - He asked, remembering very little. Vampires in his room, a fight, then a blissful emptiness – Am I dead?

-My dear son - she answered him with a faint smile - We meet definitely too early. You are not dead yet. There is still a chance for you to come back alive.

-I do not understand.

-Your time has not come yet. There is still a lot of work to be done. I'm here to help you get back. You promised to stay by her side and support her to the end, didn't you? She helped you in your darkest hour and now you must help her.

-Esme ...- Anomen whispered softly and looked sadly at his mother and then shook his head- I swore that I would stay by her side and yet I am here. I've already let her down. I am a failure. She deserves better.

-No. It's not true. This is nothing more than an obstacle that you must overcome. You both have to, together. No matter if you won or fell in the battle, the future is still ahead and it is up to you what it will look like. You didn't break your promise. It was out of your control. You both have a future ahead of you. But if you give up, so will she. Your death will break her and even if there will be a victory at the end she will give up.

Anomen pushed his hair back from his forehead with his hands and took a deep breath to collect himself somehow. He looked at his mother sadly.

- I have to go back. You're right. I swore to be by her side. She needs me and I need her. I hope… I hope that I will see you again - he said and she gripped him in her arms and hugged him tightly. Even though he was much taller than she was, he felt like a little defenseless boy.

-I am always close to you and I am always proud of you. Remember that. We will meet again one day- she said. After a moment she pulled away slightly and looked at him seriously- Go to the light, my dear. The sun will warm your heart, embrace it. Keep going until you feel the warmth on your face again.

Anomen merely nodded his head, unable to speak. He looked at his mother one last time to remember her appearance even more closely.

-Go, no time to waste, my dear boy- she said smiling and he turned away. Somewhere on the horizon, he saw a bright light and started walking in that direction. The closer it got, the warmer and brighter it became. He narrowed his eyes, but the light was so bright it almost painful and it blinded him. Light and it's temperature seemed to press through his skin into his body and fill his lungs like liquid. When he felt that he could not stand it any longer, light shone even brighter and he took a deep breath. He felt a touch on his face, and when he finally opened his sore eyes, he saw Esme looking at him.

-It worked ... You're back - she said softly, scanning his face carefuly.

He grabbed her face in his hands and moved aside her hair, which to his surprise was much shorter than he remembered. She looked more beautiful than ever.

-I can't believe it- he whispered - You saved me.

Somewhere in the back, someone cleared his throat loudly and then grunted in pain.

- Shut up, you moron. Do not spoil the moment, you will be proud later - he heard Imoen's chastening tone and he laughed lightly. He gave Esme a firm hug and stayed like that for a long moment afraid to move. He was given a second chance. He could fight again. He will be by her side as he promised.