I am in love.

No matter how many times she thought the words, or spoke them out loud, Presea still found herself confused at the prospect of feeling such an emotion. Lying on the soft bed inside the house she was staying at in Heimdall, she watched the moonlight spill under the curtains at the window and exhaled slowly.

I am in love.

It was no good, she decided. There was no way she could sleep the way she felt at the moment. She still felt giddy from earlier in the night, but – even more than that – there was an exhilarating thrill running through her. A burning anticipation that warmed her all over, despite the fact that the chill night air was easily penetrating her night-clothes. She climbed out of bed and, drawing aside the curtains, looked out at the quiet village. With only a few hours remaining till sunrise, there was not a single person out yet, but Presea found plenty of other sights to keep her attention occupied, albeit briefly.

From her position, she could just make out the curve of the stream, where it crossed in front of the bench Lloyd and herself had discussed their feelings on. Presea wondered if she would ever see this village in the same light again, how she should now feel, and only when she caught sight of her reflection did she notice the bright smile on her face. Her heart was pounding as she returned to sit on the edge of the bed.

I am in love with Lloyd, she reflected, a warm shudder passing through her body as she thought his name. The sensation she felt seemed like it was expanding inside of her, as if she needed to do something to expel it. It was almost like frustration, only the sorrow or anger had been replaced with a raw joy. Presea felt like shouting as loud as she could, the sentence she had been repeating to herself. She had never before encountered a feeling like this before, and she was as confused as she was happy.

Falling backwards onto the bed, Presea lay there for a while with her eyes closed, reflecting on the night's events. She remembered waking up as Lloyd had placed her gently on the bed, blushing as she realised he must have carried her there. He had remained there for a while; talking to her about all kinds of things and holding her hand until she had fallen asleep again.

Thinking about it now, she wished she had remained awake for longer – suddenly finding the time she had spent with Lloyd precious. Opening her eyes, Presea felt her eyes were again damp with joyful tears. From the window, the sounds of early morning came tumbling in with the first pale rays of sunlight. Presea blinked in the direction of the window, frowning. Had she fallen asleep? Or just been lost in her thoughts for so long? No, this was no good, she decided. She wouldn't be able to sleep right now with so much going on in her head. Stirring, she went to where she had stored her clothes, and pulled out some clean travelling items, getting changed hastily.

There were only a handful of Elves going about their business in the village as Presea stepped out into the pale light, only the tip of the shimmering sun visible as it hung, framed between the tree lined horizon and a burning sky. Presea sat on the soft grass outside the house, leaning her back against the structure and watching the small number of Elves tend to the numerous patches of crops spread over the village.

"You're up early Presea," remarked a voice. "Couldn't sleep?"

The small girl turned her head to see Professor Raine approaching her position, and felt elated that there was somebody else here to talk to.

"Yes, I was finding it hard to sleep," she conceded. "I think today is going to be tense for all of us."

Raine sat herself down beside the small girl and stretched. "Agreed. Today is the big day after all. As for myself, I couldn't sleep at all last night so I took a stroll around the village." She paused for a second, closing her eyes and leaning her head back against the wall of the building. "It is a beautiful place, especially at night…historically speaking that is. Wouldn't you say?"

Presea studied the Professor's smile, puzzled "My apologies, I am…not overly familiar with the history of this region."

Raine opened her eyes, and looked sideways at Presea. "Oh, and there was me thinking you and Lloyd were out so late studying the fine Elven architecture.

Presea coloured and looked at the ground. "You…observed us then."

The Professor's laugh carried nothing but gentle humour. "Not really, I only saw him carrying you back to the house. But thank you for confirming my suspicions anyway."

"Ah…um…" Even embarrassed, the exhilarating giddiness wouldn't go away, and Presea found herself smiling brightly. "Raine…I am in love," she said loudly, her eyes glittering. "And it…it feels strange – in a good way – but still, strange…I've never felt this before. Part of me is so happy, yet I also feel…scared?"

Raine smiled fondly at the small girl. "That is only natural Presea, I shouldn't concern yourself too much with it. Just take it one step at a time and you will both be fine."

"You speak as though you were…expecting this."

"Well," the Professor stared at the sun, now rising above the line of trees that marked Torent forest. "Like I said, I had my suspicions. Flanoir made it kind of obvious to me though."

"It did?" Presea frowned, thinking back to the snowy city. "But how could you have been so sure when I myself was not…"

"It's always easier to spot when other people are concerned." Raine answered, looking up at the sky and stretching. "My, I can't believe it's morning already."

Presea looked about the sunlit village, more and more inhabitants were now leaving their homes to go about their business. She nodded; suddenly feeling tired, and suppressed a yawn. "Yes…it will not be long now until Lloyd must face Kratos."

"Yes…"

Presea looked across at the Professor. "I…I feel that I shouldn't ask this, but…do you think he will be victorious?"

Raine paused for a second and nodded. "Yes. He has changed so much since this journey began, maturing mentally as much as he has strengthened physically. I believe he will come through today triumphant."

Presea found herself nodding as the Professor spoke. "I know. I have faith that he will not lose…but…I still find myself concerned. Even given what is at stake here today, I value his health above it. Is that…wrong?"

"Not at all." Raine rose to her feet. "Lloyd knows what is at stake here. What we need to do is give him our strength and support," she paused, "And build up our own too, let us find something to eat – I'm starving."

"You are right…" Presea got up as well, "We should be there to lend him our strength and will." Her eyes moved to accommodate the sun, which burned in the blue cloudless sky. I know you can do it Lloyd.