Chapter 12 Tryst

He didn't know what he was thinking when he did that. It wasn't like him and even Chrom had shared the same surprised expression when Lon'qu had asked Chrom to take over Severa's sword practice.

But now that he had done it there was no backing away from it now. He looked at the forest and slowly started to make his way through it. There was no path and he was not going to dull his blade simply to carve himself one. He could do it. Or so he thought.

Lon'qu's large frame seemed to burrow through the shrubbery unsuccessfully as each branch and twig would try to cling onto him. He hissed as he snapped a branch from his face and kicked some plants from his feet. But after a long struggle he made it.

He could see the small pond in the distance and Cordelia standing there, facing the small body of water. A small smile slipped into his features as he paused to look at her. She had a small frame for somebody who was so strong, but it added to her charm, Lon'qu thought.

Her red hair shown and her armor glistened from the sun. It gave her a look of some mythical goddess for a moment before she turned around, a blade in her hand.

Lon'qu stumbled, before he caught himself on a root and fell face flat on the ground. He cursed himself for being so clumsy and as he slowly got up, he heard Cordelia's musical laughter.

"Having a little trouble are we?" She smiled as she helped him through the rest of the way. He grumbled before he freed himself from the trees.

"I never want to do that again." He grunted as he dusted himself off. Cordelia laughed again, helping him pick off the stray leaves and twigs that had stuck to his clothing and hair. It seemed as though he had left the trees but still had managed to bring the whole forest to her. "I apologize."

Cordelia picked out the last of the leaves and smiled. "No need, you reminded me of a small boy back at home. He would drag all sorts of twigs, leaves and mud into his house. His mother would never let him hear the end of it."

Lon'qu frowned again at the comparison but he could see the laughter dancing in her eyes as she looked at him. They stood there in a moment of silence before Cordelia broke it.

"Did you need me for something?" She asked softly.

"I, well…" His voice started to stick to his throat and his mind scrambled as if had set off some kind of alarm. Lon'qu looked away for a moment before he glanced back up. "I wanted to see you."

Cordelia smiled. "Well I am here."

Lon'qu struggled to find words. He was never great at romance, it had been a miracle for Cordelia to have said 'yes' to his proposal. But now that she did, all he wanted to do was see her and talk to her which was near impossible because of their mission. He was always doing one thing on one side of the camp when she was always on the other.

And even at night, they would fall asleep so fast neither of them had even a second for a greeting.

"I thought it would be best if I told you why I have this… inclination." Lon'qu furrowed his brow instantly wanting nothing more than to take back what he had just said. He wanted to be with her, not bore her with his stupid life.

Cordelia smiled gently and took his hands into hers. Lon'qu tensed as if a shock had run through his arms.

"You know you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"I should." He answered. "I think it would be best." Cordelia looked at him, concern in her eyes before she nodded. Lon'qu swallowed hard, gripping her hands in his as if she could somehow know simply by holding his hand.

He paused for a moment, trying to gather his wit. He could already find that his courage was starting to leave him and even his legs had started to wobble. He sat and motioned Cordelia to do the same.

"It started with Ke'ri…"

xxx

Cordelia looked at him before she moved her hand onto his face. He didn't move and let her lay it there. Her hand was warm and gentle against his skin and instinctively he leaned in. He wanted her to say something, to promise that she wouldn't die like Ke'ri had but they were in a war, no one could afford such promises.

"I don't want to lose you too." He paused for what seemed like eternity, studying his wife's face before he stood up and looked away. He gripped his hands into tight fists. "I am afraid." Lon'qu admitted quietly through gritted teeth.

He hadn't heard Cordelia get up, but her hand was on his, easing his fists before she moved in front of him. She cupped his face, determination sparking in her eyes.

"I can't promise I'll live," Cordelia started. "But I promise I will do anything in my power to stay alive. I will not leave you behind."

Lon'qu looked at her, searching her face, searching her features as if somehow they could tell the future for the two of them. Lon'qu could only see the fire in her eyes burning, melting away any of his insecurities.

His hands shook as he raised them but it seemed to cease when he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his chest.

"Then I promise the same," he murmured, squeezing tightly as if she could somehow disappear. "I will never leave you."

Author's notes

Cordelia and Lon'qu's ship must sail!

Special thanks to my awesome floormate who had time to edit this! And thanks for reading!

Remember to review! and favourite and all of that if you're up for it :) Till next time!