Ashlin felt bad for making Lancer worry. After finding her crying in the shed the man hadn't left her side for the rest of the day, and he kept looking at her like she might blow up into a fit of tears at any second. He even stopped teasing her, which was completely bizarre. Finally, Ashlin insisted that she was fine and demanded that he let her get some sleep. It took some convincing but begrudgingly Lancer agreed that he didn't need to share a bedroom with her. As she felt his presence retreat to the front of the house, Ashlin crept quietly to the window and dropped silently onto the grass outside. She left a large amount of mana behind as a distraction while she cloaked her presence to sneak out the compound. Archer was currently inside speaking with Rin so the timing was perfect.
"I'm sorry, Lancer," she whispered as she leaped from house to house toward Ryuudou Temple. "But this is something I need to handle on my own." The temple was surrounded by a powerful barrier that greatly reduced the power of any heroic spirits who passed through it. Its only weak point was currently being guarded by Assassin, an A-rank spirit summoned by Caster. Should Lancer accompany her, he would either have to face Assassin or be crippled by the barrier. Both options were not acceptable. Plus I doubt Lancer is going to like my plan…
Despite the guilt gnawing at her stomach Ashlin kept moving forward, only stopping once the barrier was in sight. She landed silently on a tree branch and paused to scan to area. Everything seemed quiet for now. Suddenly, she felt her back smash into the trunk and a hand covered her mouth, muffling her gasp of surprise.
"Where do you think you're going, missy?" Lancer growled, clearly not happy as he removed his hand from her mouth and stared down at her. His eyes glowed dangerously.
"I'm going to face Caster," Ashlin replied, staring right back at him unwaveringly.
"Not by yourself you're not."
"Yes, I am. This is my fight, Lancer."
"Why?"
"Because Caster is a Fairy Tail wizard and so I will handle this matter personally."
"I don't give a damn if she's a Fairy Tail wizard. I'm going with you," he stated firmly, glaring at her, daring her to refuse him.
"Lancer, this is ridiculous! If you go through that barrier or fight Assassin there is a high likelihood that you could get hurt or even killed."
"So?"
"What do you mean, so?! I won't let you do that. I can't." Her words hit him in the chest like an anvil. She left me behind because she was worried about me? Stupid woman.
"You trust me, don't you?" He asked suddenly, catching her off guard.
"Yes," Ashlin replied.
"Then trust me now." She stared at him for a moment, considering his words carefully.
"Fine, but only on one condition."
"And what's that?" Lancer inquired.
"You do not interfere unless I say so," Ashlin stated firmly, deathly serious as she stared at him. Lancer immediately knew he wasn't going to like where this was headed but, finding no other choice, he agreed. "Alright, then let's go get Caster." As they leaped through the barrier together, Ashlin heard Lancer grunt.
"You ok?" She asked, concerned evident in her voice as she moved to his side.
"Yes, but this barrier certainly is heavy. If you need me to fight I'm going to use the black armor." Ashlin nodded in understanding before turning to enter the temple.
"Let's hope I don't need you to."
It was eerily quiet as the pair made their way down the winding halls to the heart of the temple. Several skeletal creatures stalked them and snarled into the darkness but none attacked. Finally, the narrow hallway opened up into a large room that glowed from the moonlight spilling through the glass ceiling. Caster and her master were waiting for them.
"My, my, aren't you bold. You bypassed my servant and chose to enter through the barrier. How interesting." The cloaked woman paused as she looked at them, sizing them up. "Well, your new master certainly is prettier, Lancer."
"Silence," he growled, reaching for his cursed spear to commence the battle. He gripped at Ashlin's magic to requip the black armor but stopped when the magic refused to answer his call. He glanced at her questioningly.
"Lancer, you are not to interfere with this battle," Ashlin ordered sharply, keeping her gaze locked on Caster.
"You mean to take me on by yourself?" Caster inquired, amusement evident in her voice. Lancer shot Ashlin an apprehensive look but lowered his spear.
"I do."
"Unwise. But very well, I shall humor you. So what may I call you, little mage?"
"I am Ashlin of Fairy Tail, the Wizard in Armor and the Keeper of Grand Fairy Magic." Caster visibly took a step back at her revelation.
"What did you say?" She croaked in disbelief. Ashlin removed her blouse and let it fall to the ground, exposing the tattoos on her right arm.
"I offer you this as proof of my allegiance to the Fairy Tail Guild," Ashlin stated while holding her arm up to the light for Caster's inspection. In an instant, erratic blasts of magical energy shot from Caster straight at her. Resisting the urge to requip or run, Ashlin simply covered her face and took the hits.
"Liar! How dare you mock me," Caster screamed as a barrage of magic was unleashed. Stunned that Ashlin didn't move to avoid the attack Lancer dove into the hail of fire without hesitation. As the dust cleared, he could be seen cradling his small master in his arms after shielding her with his body. He sustained some minor burns and other injuries from the blasts.
"Lancer!" Ashlin shouted in alarm as she moved to look at him. Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach upon spotting the burns on his back.
"I'm fine. What the hell were you doing?!"
"Please don't do that again."
"I don't know, are you gonna stand there and let her hit you again?!"
"Lancer," she spoke his name, getting his attention. "I need you to trust me. Please, no matter what happens, stay out of the fight." Ashlin watched his jaw clench but he nodded his head. Caster seemed taken aback by the scene in front of her. The girl stood right in the middle of her attack without trying to fight or move or anything!
"Caster, as a Fairy Tail mage, I will never harm a fellow guild mate. I want to help you!"
"I don't need help!" She roared before taking to the air and opening her cloak, sending another barrage of spells at Ashlin. Kuzuki, seeing Caster's rage, joined the battle as well and struck Ashlin hard in the chest. Ashlin felt all the air leave her lungs as she smashed into the ground. Shit that hurt. Way more than it should have. She rolled to her feet and blocked a kick that would have shattered her ribs. Her arms burned after the impact.
Lancer grew very tense while he watched Kuzuki attack. His blows were crushing; they were something beyond human. Rage began to build inside him as he watched Ashlin make no move attack or run. She simply defended herself the best she could without a weapon or armor. Lancer flinched when she smashed into the temple wall, letting out a pained cry. He moved to assist but stopped when Ashlin shot him a look.
Lancer's body shook with fury. Every blow Kuzuki landed split the air with a sickening crunch and there was nothing he could do to stop it short of disobeying a direct order. As the fight progressed, Ashlin let out a variety of agonizing shrieks, screams, and groans; none of which were pleasant to Lancer's ears. Rage burned at his insides and his knuckles turned white from grasping Gae Bolg so tightly. Caster seemed completely shocked at Ashlin's behavior as well. She hovered over the battlefield and simply observed as her master tore the alleged Fairy Tail wizard apart.
"Why don't you fight back?" Kuzuki questioned, stopping his onslaught for a brief moment. Ashlin coughed and wiped some blood from her lips before answering.
"Because Caster and I are nakama. We're comrades! And I'm going to make her see that even if it kills me," Ashlin replied with determination. Lancer could have sworn he felt his heart stop. Even if it kills her?!
"Then I guess this is goodbye, Fairy Tail wizard," Kuzuki replied, his voice seemingly disinterested as he shifted his stance. Ashlin stared up at Caster sadly before closing her eyes and dropping her guard. She could feel the wind shift around her as Kuzuki began his attack. However, a loud clang brought her eyes shooting open. There, held directly in front of her deflecting Kuzuki's fist was Lancer's spear, Gae Bolg. Her stomach fluttered upon realizing she was encased in Lancer's grasp. Her back was pressed against his chest and his arms came around either side of her to grip his spear. As Kuzuki wound up again, she felt Lancer grab her waist and yank her behind him as he deflect another blow.
"That is enough," Lancer growled dangerously, much like an animal. "If you touch my master again, I will kill you."
"Lancer, stop-"
"No," he snapped harshly, keeping himself between Ashlin and Kuzuki. "I'm done watching this. If you want to throw your life away then you better use a command seal. Otherwise, shut the hell up and let me protect you." A lump formed in her throat at his words. Tears prickled the corners of her eyes as she gripped the back of his blue armor. Thank you, Lancer.
"I must agree with Cú Chulainn," Caster's voice suddenly spoke. "That is quite enough. Master, please stop." By her command, Kuzuki immediately lowered his fists and retreated back to Medea's side as she floated to the ground. Using the last of her strength, Ashlin re-opened the magical channel and requipped Lancer into black armor. She subsequently collapsed after that.
"Ash!" She heard him shout as he spun to grab her before she hit the ground. Lancer carefully lowered her into a kneeling position, keeping one arm around her and the other keeping his spear raised.
"I won't let them hurt you," she gasped, gesturing to the armor.
"I swear, woman," she heard him grumble under his breath before his spear began to glow red. Her eyes widened as the demonic spear reverberated with a malevolent aura. Ashlin readied a command seal, fully prepared to use it if necessary to stop his noble phantasm.
"That won't be necessary, Lancer," Caster called out, causing her servant to still his actions. Ashlin breathed a sigh of relief at that. "The battle is over, Ashlin of Fairy Tail. I surrender," Caster spoke softly, removing her hood and cloak and letting them fall to the floor. Ashlin found her gaze drawn to the familiar Fairy Tail emblem painted in violet over Caster's collarbone. Her gaze then travelled up to the woman's face where tears now streamed freely. Ashlin felt her heart break a little for the fairy who was so far from home.
Wincing as she stood, Ashlin freed herself from Lancer's grasp and slowly approached the caster class servant, not stopping until she was immediately in front of the older sorceress. Reaching out Ashlin pulled Caster into an embrace.
"I'm sorry," she heard Caster sob as she wrapped her arms tightly around Ashlin. "All I wanted was to go home!"
"I know," Ashlin replied softly. "I know you missed your nakama, your family."
"I did things, terrible things," Caster continued to cry as she slumped to the ground. Ashlin kneeled with her. "I hurt all those people. You were almost killed! Even if I make it back home how can I face everyone?"
"We all love you." Caster stiffened for a moment and raised her head slowly as the soft voice of Mavis Vermilion echoed around the temple. Slowly, the petite fairy master materialized in a warm array of golden light. She smiled at Caster softly.
"Hello, Medea," she greeted.
"Master Mavis?" Caster choked, her eyes wide.
"We missed you. Won't you come home now?" Mavis asked as she extended a hand toward her old friend. Still shocked, Medea slowly stood and hesitantly accepted her hand.
"We always stand together," Ashlin spoke as her Fairy Glitter tattoo shimmered in the darkness of the temple. "We will never abandon you." Medea nodded her head once as a smile spread across her features through the tears.
"Thank you, Ashlin of Fairy Tail. I shall never forget you," Medea spoke before she and Mavis slowly vanished. As they faded, Ashlin felt a weight settle on her knees. Glancing down she spotted Caster's noble phantasm, Rule Breaker. The curved dagger gleamed in the moonlight as Ashlin lifted it to be examined. Closing her eyes and smiling, she allowed the dagger to dematerialize, storing it with her assortment of other weapons.
"You have done well, child. Be proud, for you have found the lost and shown them the light," Mavis voice echoed through the large room, causing a new wave of tears to pour down Ashlin's face. I couldn't have done it without you, Master. Ashlin jumped when she felt Lancer's hand settle on her shoulder. Her servant looked at her with something akin to astonishment. She grinned up at him. He simply shook his head and smirked.
"You really are something, you know that?" He spoke as he moved slightly closer to kneel behind her.
"Indeed, you are," Kuzuki agreed, his face remaining an emotionless mask. Ashlin felt Lancer's grip on her shoulder tighten.
"What will you do now?" She asked Kuzuki curiously, leaning against Lancer's frame a bit.
"I do not know. This war is over for me."
"I know a place where you can start over if you want. Find me after the Holy Grail war ends and I will take you there," Ashlin spoke, watching a brief flicker of emotion pass across the man's face.
"Perhaps," he responded shortly before turning and walking away. Though Ashlin couldn't see it, a single tear rolled down his cheek as he exited the temple. Perhaps I will find you, when this is all over. Survive until then.
As Ashlin watched him leave, she was overcome with exhaustion and leaned fully backwards against her servant, her eyes fluttering closed. She was vaguely aware of Lancer slipping his arms under her knees and back to lift her. Her servant paused for a moment before draping something soft and warm across her. Forcing her eyes open, Ashlin recognized the item to be Caster's cloak. The cloak combined with the inviting warmth of Lancer's body quickly lulled her into unconsciousness.
Cú Chulainn couldn't stop his heart from hammering as he carried his small master out of the temple and into the crisp night air. Her body was broken and bruised in so many places he feared he may crush her in his arms. An irrational fear to be sure; the girl was a formidable warrior after all. But still… His stomach churned a bit as he remembered the beating she received by Kuzuki's hand. And all for the sake of saving a comrade who died long before you were even born, you fool. Lancer took a deep breath to quell his anger. Truth be told, he couldn't help but admire her actions a bit. She was willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of a fallen comrade, after all.
His gaze travelled down to the young woman sleeping peacefully in his arms. His chest hurt at the sight. It had been a very long time since he truly cared about anyone. Sure there had been masters and before that there were kings, and he made oaths to them all. He fulfilled his promises for honor's sake; his own will and desires never mattered. But not this time. He felt drawn to this girl like a moth to a flame. Lancer knew he would burn in the end when Ashlin destroyed the Grail, the only object keeping him tethered to her, but he just couldn't bring himself to care. He lifted Ashlin a bit higher and tightened his grip, allowing her head to settle in the crook of his neck as he leaped into the trees. He was aware they were vulnerable and moved quickly in the direction of Shirou's compound.
"Hey, Lancer," Ashlin spoke softly.
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry I made you worry."
"It's alright," he replied quietly, feeling some of his rage subside. He hesitated at first but eventually lowered his head to place a soft kiss in her hair.
"Just don't do that again."
"I will try very hard not to." Satisfied with her reply, Lancer turned his attention back to his surroundings. As they neared the compound, he slowed his pace and landed softly on the ground at the entrance, swiftly carrying her inside the small cottage they shared. Archer watched their progression curiously but decided not to confront them until the blue spearman had calmed down. It was apparent Lancer was not in a good mood. Cú Chulainn likely considered Archer's very presence to be threat to his master right now, and truthfully Archer had no desire to fight the blue warrior on a regular day much less when he was clearly brimming with rage. Electing the safer route, Archer decided he would wait until morning to tell Rin.
Ashlin felt her eyes flutter open briefly as she was lowered onto something soft. However, her return to consciousness was short-lived and she quickly slipped back into comfortable darkness, clutching Medea's cloak close to her body, missing a warmth that was suddenly gone. Ashlin woke again when something abruptly pressed against her cheek. Blinking a few times, Lancer came into view. He was gently cleaning dirt and blood from her face with a washcloth.
"Hey," she greeted sleepily, earning her a smirk from the servant sitting next to her.
"You waking up finally?"
"No," Ashlin mumbled as she closed her eyes again and simply enjoyed the warm feeling ghosting across her cheek and nose. Cracking her eyes open again she inquired, "How bad is it?"
"Not too bad, I expected much worse based on the beating you took."
"My body healed a bit when I summoned Mavis," Ashlin explained. "You should have healed too. How are your burns?"
"Gone," Lancer replied shortly, having forgotten all about the minor injury he received shielding her.
"Good," Ashlin breathed a sigh of relief before allowing her eyes to close once more. Lancer focused his mind completely on the task at hand, keeping a tight rein on his thoughts as he gently removed the blood and dirt marring her pretty face. Once he was finished he moved to her neck and then paused at her collarbone, debating whether he should continue or not. However, before he had a chance to decide Ashlin pulled at Caster's cloak to grant him access to her upper chest and shoulders. He sucked in a breath silently. She chose to wear a black sports bra under her signature white blouse today, no doubt for the purpose of exposing her tattoos to Caster.
Lancer found his hand moving on its own as he trailed the washcloth from her collarbone downward, stopping before reaching any place intimate. This is not a good idea, he quickly concluded before ripping his hand away and abruptly standing up. Ashlin watched in surprise as her servant spun on his heels and exited the bedroom. She tilted her head bit in confusion, wondering what had gotten into him all of a sudden. Her questions were answered when she heard the sound of bathwater running.
Shit, that was way to close, the blue warrior thought as he settled himself cross-legged on the floor of the bathroom and leaned his forehead against his spear. He promised himself he would not touch her, at least not intimately, without her explicitly asking him to. Body language counts, right? He heard a small voice purr as the memory of Ashlin pulling down Caster's cloak flashed across his mind. Lancer shook his head quickly. No, it does not! He mentally berated, scowling at no one in particular.
Lancer allowed himself a few moments of solitude as the bath filled up before switching off the water and making his way back to Ashlin. He stopped and frowned when he spotted her sitting up with her legs dangling over the side of the bed. She appeared to be in pain. Lancer could see dark bruises forming over her exposed mid-drift and lower thighs. Without a word he strode into the room and scooped her up in his arms.
"Hey, I can walk on my own," she protested, squirming a little in his grasp. Cú Chulainn didn't answer and simply carried her to bathroom. Ashlin shot him a questioning look as he set her down on the edge of the porcelain tub.
"Here, don't take too long," he responded without looking at her. Lancer turned to leave but stopped when the hairs on the back of his neck suddenly stood on end. Images of Kirei killing his first master flashed across his vision, causing him to spread out his mana to search. A quick scan assured him Kirei was nowhere to be found, and with Archer standing watch outside like a guard dog Lancer doubted anything else dangerous could sneak into the compound. But still, she's completely vulnerable right now. In every sense of the word. Cú Chulainn clenched his teeth thinking about the horrible things Kirei would do to his master if he found her like this. His mind made up, Lancer promptly shut the door and settled himself cross-legged on the ground in the bathroom, his back facing Ashlin.
"What are you doing?" She asked, sounding a little nervous.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm protecting you."
"Yeah, but can't you protect me from outside the bathroom?"
"No," he answered flatly, leaving no room for debate. Lancer sighed loudly in frustration when he didn't hear her move. "I promise I won't turn around alright?"
"Fine," she conceded, sensing that he wasn't going to budge on the issue. Ashlin felt a scarlet blush spread across her cheeks as she slowly undressed and carefully lowered herself into the water. The water felt nice and despite her embarrassment she allowed a soft contented hum to leave her throat. Lancer sat like a statue with his back facing her, trying desperately to focus his attention anywhere else. His pulse was racing again and his body seemed to groan as sounds of her sinking into the water met his ears; her soft sigh of contentment about pushing him over the edge. This is torture, he decided. But at least I don't have to touch her. And at least she's safe.
Ashlin felt her body pulse with excitement at having the blue haired lancer so close in her current state. His proximity was driving her crazy and she had to work to keep her breathing even. This is absolutely ridiculous! She shouted in her mind while she took to scrubbing at the dirt and grime covering her body as a distraction. Ashlin, you cannot fall for your SERVANT! That's a bad idea. The worst possible idea! Ok, ok, wait. Calm down. My reaction has nothing to do with him, Ashlin tried to reason. I would feel equally nervous if any other man were in the room with me while I was bathing. It definitely has nothing to do with him, nothing at all- Her inner voice stopped suddenly when she realized every inch of her was now clean. Every inch save for one area.
Ashlin felt her stomach drop when she realized her back was still covered in dirt and blood. She knew there was a nasty gash back there too. She received it when Kuzuki kicked her into the temple wall. A great battle started to wage in her mind as she contemplated asking Lancer to help her. Ashlin could have sworn she was going insane when she heard the characteristic voice of her mentor, Erza Scarlet, shout "Completely inappropriate!" only to have her voice drowned out by the drunken slur of Kana "Well, it's gotta get cleaned somehow!"
"Fuck it," she finally muttered under her breath. Throwing caution to the wind, she asked, "Lancer, can you please help me? There's a cut on my back and I can't reach it." Lancer's body stiffened and his eyes widened in disbelief at her request.
"You sure?" He asked, being careful to keeping his voice level.
"Yes, I'm sure," Ashlin replied. Lancer gulped very uncharacteristically before slowly turning around. She was facing away from him with her knees raised to her chest, leaving only her back visible to him. This did nothing to halt Lancer's vivid imagination, however. His resistance was starting to crumble. This is a very bad idea. The thought sounded far away to him as he stared at her. Her long raven hair was damp and clung to her back and neck, as if trying to hide these areas from him. Without a second thought he brushed the strands away. Ashlin peered over her shoulder to meet his gaze, clearly searching for something behind his crimson tinted eyes. A blush stained her cheeks.
Without looking away from her, Lancer reached for the cloth she had been using and slowly started to work. His rough hands were surprisingly gentle as he swept away the lingering traces of battle. Ashlin allowed her eyes to close as Lancer worked his way from top to bottom, stopping only when he reached the edge of the porcelain tub. Finding he could go no farther, Ashlin was surprised when he began to work his way back up, this time adding more pressure, massaging the injured muscles.
Lancer felt like a man possessed. He doubted he could stop even if he wanted to as his other hand came up to assisted the first in working out the knots he found scattered across her back. He half expected her to scold him or hit him, but she never did. Ashlin simply sat there with her eyes closed and let him touch her, a content smile on her face. Cú Chulainn felt his hands rest on her shoulders for a brief moment before his head dipped down to place a soft kiss on her neck. Ashlin inhaled sharply but otherwise remained still. Encouraged by this, Lancer continued to place butterfly kisses up and down her neck and shoulder while simultaneously tracing his hands down her back, letting them settle around her waist. He moved to trace light circles on her stomach under the water, feeling his body freeze when she let out a soft moan. It felt as though someone dumped a bucket of ice water over him. Shit! Was all he could think before he immediately removed his hands and took several steps backward, spinning to face the door as he did so.
"Lancer?" he heard Ashlin question, her voice breathy and her face no doubt flushed.
"I'm sorry, Master. I shouldn't have done that," he spoke quickly and firmly, trying to calm his racing heart. "It was a mistake, please accept my apology." Ashlin stared at his back with wide eyes, trying to process what just happened. Did I do something wrong? She couldn't help but wonder as she looked at her servant, feeling very confused and a little hurt.
"Lancer, I don't understand," Ashlin said as she rose from the tub and quickly wrapped a towel around herself. She felt him flinch when she placed a hand on his shoulder. Deciding she was probably safer without him in the room at that point, Lancer hastily opened the door and removed himself.
"You did nothing wrong, Ash. It was my fault. I'll wait for you in the hall," he declared before promptly closing the door on her. Ashlin felt unsure in that moment. Her normally confident and composed self was left by the wayside while she attempted to process what just transpired between the two of them. She was thoroughly confused. And exhausted, which didn't help. What the hell was that? She could still feel his hot breath on her neck and his kisses burning her skin. Ashlin wasn't sure if she wanted to run away or toss Lancer on the bed and make him finish what he started. Clearly her body knew what she would prefer when an image of Lancer waiting for her in the bedroom flashed across her mind. Mavis help her, this was getting out of hand.
Cú Chulainn stood in the hallway with his back pressed against the nearest wall, struggling to control himself. He shouldn't have done that. I should NOT have done that. Fuck! This was ridiculous. Never before had he wanted a woman so badly and never had he waited so damn long to just take what he wanted! Had she been any other woman Lancer would already have her pinned against the nearest wall, screaming his name as he took her over and over again. His body shook with desire as he imagined doing just that. No! Stop thinking about it. But he couldn't. The images had settled into his mind with no intent of leaving, at least not until his rather twisted fantasies were satisfied.
His chest was hurting again. It ached when he remembered her grinning up at him, broken and bloody, after saving Caster. She glowed in that moment. Lancer clenched his fists as he felt another wave of desire wash over him. He could feel the pull deep inside, tempting him to open the door and claim her. No! I won't do that. I can't because I love-
Cú Chulainn felt his body still and his eyes widen at the realization. He almost forgot how to breathe as his heart came crashing into the front of his chest. No, no! This can't be happening. But it was, and denial was pointless. It was painfully clear how hard he, the great Hound of Ulster, had fallen. Lancer couldn't help but chuckle bitterly at the irony. He had courted and fooled around with many beautiful women when he was alive but not once did he claim to love them. He died unmarried and alone. And yet here he was, completely and utterly smitten with his master. Fate is a funny thing, Lancer decided when he heard the doorknob to the bathroom twist. He couldn't help but stare as Ashlin made her way over to him and timidly placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, you ok?" She asked, worry clearly evident in her voice. "Please Lancer, you're scaring me." That caught his attention.
"I'm fine-" he tried to reply before stopping when Ashlin shot him a look of clear disbelief. Without another word, she took a step forward and wrapped him in a tight embrace, burying her head in his chest. Lancer tensed at the contact, this not at all being what he expected when she emerged.
"Look, I'm not sure what's going on but I need you to know that you didn't hurt me," she assured him. "You did nothing wrong. I'm here and safe because of you." Lancer felt his arms slowly wrap around the small woman standing before him. Her words were patient and gentle, quelling some of the turmoil within him. Ashlin could hear Lancer's heart racing as she rested her head against his chest and she wondered if he could hear hers as well. Slowly but surely Ashlin was beginning to understand what was happening to them. I can't do this. He is going to disappear in the end. Ashlin gripped the back of his armor tighter.
"Ashlin?" She heard him speak in a low voice. "I'm going to protect you, I promise."
"I know. I trust you," she replied softly. Lancer continued to hold her for a few moments longer before picking her up and carrying her back to the bedroom. Ashlin felt safe in his grip and sleep quickly began to take her again. She felt Lancer lower her onto the bed before pulling the covers over her. As he turned to leave she caught his arm. "Wait. Will you stay with me?" She watched a small, fleeting smile spread across his features before he nodded.
"Always." Ashlin watched as Lancer closed the door to the bedroom and settled himself cross-legged on the ground, his back against the wall and his spear across his lap. He directed his gaze toward the window and closed his eyes. Ashlin couldn't help but stare a little as the moonlight accentuated his handsome features and bathed Gae Bolg in a crimson glow. Resistance was seeming more futile with every passing second but still Ashlin fought. The path they were heading down could only be filled with heartache and pain, and she would fight against her growing desire until all the walls between them had crumbled.
Eventually, exhaustion took Ashlin and she slipped away from reality. Her dreams were filled with a familiar touch ghosting across her skin and his voice whispering sweet promises into the night.