Comfort

Aideen POV - Gran 757

When we got word that Genoa was 'officially' captured, everyone moved. Lady Lachesis returned to Nordion, and the rest of us arranged for the wounded and their safe passage to Genoa. Once that was settled, Midir, Azel, Sir Finn, Dew, and myself all rode for Genoa. Dew rode with Azel, babbling about this and that, while I rode with Midir. Officially, it was because he was my guard, and we were not certain if the road was safe. Truly, it was because I liked having the excuse to lean against him, and hear his heartbeat. I still couldn't believe he was alive. I knew I would have to say a prayer of thanks as soon as things were a little calmer, and I half-wondered if my 'Ullur Luck' protected him as it seemed to have protected me. I mean; I considered myself very lucky to have not lost him.

As soon as we arrived, and Midir helped me down, Oifeye led me inside and through the winding hallways with startling ease. I followed him as quickly as I could, and tried to not lose the shoes Dew got for me. They were a bit big, but they were certainly better than being barefoot, especially since my feet were still recovering. But I did wish Oifeye wouldn't walk so quickly. I knew it was a sign of his eagerness and nervousness, but he often forgot not everyone could keep up! Still, I managed to at least keep him within sight until he showed me into the study where Sigurd was working on something no doubt important.

"Aideen!" However, he promptly threw whatever it was to the side to greet me with that ever-bright smile of his, as well as his warm, secure hug. "I'm so glad you're okay," he whispered, sweeping me off my feet in his enthusiasm. But he quickly put me back down because he knew I didn't like that and then he studied my face. "You are okay, right? The message said you were."

"Yes, I'm fine, Sigurd," I reassured him, smiling as warmly as I could. He smiled back again, relieved. "I'm so sorry, though."

"For…?" He frowned, clearly trying to think of what I could be apologizing for. "Did I miss an important date?"

"No, no, it's not like when you forgot your birthday. Again." It was amusing, really. Sigurd could remember everyone's birthdays with ease, but always forgot his. "No, I'm apologizing for all of this. I've put you and the people of Chalphy through nothing but trouble."

"With me as their heir, my people are used to trouble." He waved the apology away, just as I I knew he would. "And it's about time you paid me back for all the trouble I've caused you over the years." He grinned, making it all a joke to make me feel better. It worked, of course. It typically did. I just wished he'd stop downplaying the risks he took to keep people safe. "The road back to Jungby is secure, though. So, I'm surprised you're here."

"I wish to stay and help." I put on my best 'stubborn' look. "Injuries are inevitable in a war, and more healers are better." I also wanted to help him, for once.

"Well, I certainly can't deny that." He pretended to mull it over before shrugging. "Ring is going to give me a lecture from hell, but I know better than to argue with you. You win more arguments than Ethlyn!" That was because Sigurd gave up arguments fairly quickly, either going along with the other person or doing what he wanted, damn the consequences. "So, instead, I'm going to rejoice in having plenty of opportunities to tease you about Midir." He laughed and I made a face. "It's been days since I've teased you. Days!"

"Some days, Sigurd, I'm certain the only way you won't tease me about anything is if you were dead." The word reminded me of my earlier fears and worries and I lightly hit his shoulder, ducking my head. "Honestly, though, what were you thinking? Going up against an army with a handful of knights? Do you know how reckless that was? You could've died."

"I didn't exactly charge them, Aideen."

"You still could've died. You…" My voice cracked and all those fears I'd had bubbled up to the surface. All the terror I felt during the attack, during my capture… all my sorrow and guilt over the wounds inflicted and the dead strewn about… "Why must you be so reckless? Don't you know how many people would be hurt if you died? If you had died because of my stupidity, I…"

"I'm right here, Aideen." Sigurd hugged me, gentler than before, and though I tried to hold strong, I couldn't help but cry. "I'm right here. I'm sorry for worrying you, but I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

"You better not." I leaned into him, still crying. "That was so… I need to say a prayer thanking the gods for protecting you."

"I'll come with you, since they kept you safe too." He stroked my hair. "It's okay, Aideen. We are all safe and, with luck, we'll be back home soon."

I simply nodded, and kept on crying. He let me, of course, because that was just how he was. He was the one who teased me relentlessly, made me laugh with a few words, and let me cry on his shoulder. That's how we had been since we were toddlers exploring the world, and that's how we would be until our dying days. Always.

Author's notes: The conversation between Aideen and Sigurd takes some nods from their in-game conversation, though it's a bit more playful. It's fun developing their relationship, especially since it wasn't common (and, honestly, probably still isn't common) for the hero to go rushing off to save his female best friend… and then she's not the love interest. Pretty nifty, imo.