[ P ] a sweeter place

M

errin seemed surprised when he mentioned his injury as if only just remembering that he was injured. She saw him. She truly saw him as he was and it only made his feelings grow stronger for her. He stiffened when she mentioned physicians, feeling his heart flutter with anxiety. She didn't know about the trauma he had endured during his healing and he didn't fault her for that. It was something he avoided thinking about at all costs. Maybe it would be easier if she was there with him. "I'll try," he finally conceded and that took much effort from him.

"But there are still memories there, Luciel. Important ones," She pointed out and he nodded in understanding. "Like this one," he agreed, gazing at her with undisguised fondness. She offered to visit the lowlands again in the future with him and he smiled, having never intended on visiting the lowlands without her. "We're coming here again and to another place that you'll love," Argent affirmed, wanting to share his homeland with her even if he intended to move. What better way to bid farewell to his home than to make more memories, ones that would leave him smiling instead of grieving.

"I will," he promised, leaning into her side and letting out a contented sigh. The smell of deer caused his nose to wiggle enthusiastically as Merrin nudged it between them to share. He ate his share heartily, licking his lips greedily to savour the taste. A brief flicker of lilac betrayed Merrin's sneaky glances and he flashed her a grin, feeling warmth rush through him. He thought he'd be alone for the rest of his life, but here she was. A woman he knew he'd be a fool to ever let go.

Fade to exit

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

Merrin witnessed his internal conflict over his doctor's visits as it clearly spread across his features. She saw him start to panic and she leaned over to touch her nose to his cheek. "I'll be there, right there next to you. Or however you need me to be there to support you, alright?" Her lilac orbs shown with an understanding without him having to tell her that there were unpleasant experiences that dwelled in the back of his mind. That was something they certainly had in common and at the very least at least they could find comfort in one another as they fought off their own personal demons.

Then there were memories that were worth keeping and she wanted to highlight the importance of those and the light they shed in the midst of the darker ones.

"Like this one."

She wasn't expecting him to chime in as he did and she stared into his eyes for a moment before breaking away with a flustered chuckle. "Mhm, yes...like this one." Merrin agreed, drawing her gaze out to the scenery again and closing her eyes while deeply inhaling the fresh air surrounding this lakeside. When she exhaled she turned back to Luciel as he mentioned other places he was wishing to take her. "Perfect! Here's to making new memories." She made her toast and then plucked up one of the remaining strawberries to enjoy.

Merrin leaned back and soaked in the moment here with Luciel as they shared the rest of what they could possibly eat from the marvelous feast he prepared. The way he leaned up against her and the stolen glances they shared left her heart overflowing. It was an afternoon that she would never forget, not for as long as she lived.

[Fade to Exit]

@Argent

table by Yahtzee-Penguiduck [da], click for attributions