Moving to Wyvern Valley was something Gerome had always considered, even in the ruined future he had abandoned in favor of trying to correct the past. In the future the fields had been blackened by fire and the earth torn from the battles waged on the grounds. But now, the land was fair and green, the world almost too lush for him to believe was real.

Minerva nudged his hand with her snout, bringing him out of his musings. Patting his steed's head, he gazed over the valley, the green dotted with darker shapes, showing the growing population of wyvern in the area.

Since the war had ended the army had split, some staying in Ylisse, others seeking their call to fame, still others simply wandering the world.

He'd decided to settle, removing himself from any excitement. Though, he hadn't expected to share his solitude with another. When he'd first set out, Noire had asked to join him, and the pair wondered the lands, admiring the peace and enjoying each other's company. When they finally reached the valley, they'd found themselves entirely comfortable with being together.

After spending too many years of their lives locked in a constant struggle to stay alive, it was natural to be a bit uneasy with the calm they found themselves in. It took many a month before Gerome realized that what he felt for Noire wasn't mere companionship but a deeper bond.

Love. A concept and a feeling that he'd never invested much time into. Something he found trivial in the lifestyle he lead. With death and battles the only thing marking the passing time he found it useless to become too attached to someone that could disappear as easily as the flame of a candle was blown out.

But times were different now. The prospect of any major conflict were now few and far between. Was it possible to devote himself to someone that wasn't himself?

The answer was clear. And when he confessed his feelings to Noire he was relieved to find that his affections weren't one sided.

However, Noire did have her concerns. Would her volatile temperament be too much to handle, a possible wedge that would drive them apart? Gerome had simply kissed her fears away, pressing his lips against her temple when she brought her fears up. "No matter what befalls us, these feelings will not change."

And now years later, they had managed to stay together, the rings resting against their fingers a testament to their bond. And with a child due, their love would only be solidified.

Minerva nudged Gerome a second time, hard enough to knock him over. Sprawled on the grass, Gerome lay, finding no real reason to get back up. Gazing at the sky, he noted the vivid blue of the sky. Engrossed in the clouds drifting across the sky, he didn't notice that someone had joined his side.

The sound of grass folding beneath another figure finally drew his attention, and he felt a hand twine against his own.

"You've been out for a while." Noire lay beside him, the sun playing against her pale hair. He turned towards him, offering a soft smile.

"I thought you were resting at home." Running a thumb over her knuckles, he took a moment to twist the band across her finger.

"The weather was too nice for me to stay indoors." She laid her other hand on her stomach, the slight bump just barely visible.

Rolling over, Gerome wrapped his arm against Noire, his nose brushing her cheek. "Peace well deserved."

Noire hummed in agreement, and quite fell, the swish of the fields the soon becoming the most noteworthy noise.

AN: Breaking the streak of tacticians haha.