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'There's nothing I'd love to do more' answered Draco.
'So why don't we then? We could be free. Free of this God damned war, free of all the insanity.'
'Even if we could, I don't think we would. We both know we belong here.'
'Yes but that doesn't mean I have to accept it. You know how frightened I get every time you march into battle. Not knowing if I'll be a bride or a widow.'
'Yet you put up with me anyways. Out of all the men in your kingdom, the world for that matter, you chose me. Why?'
'I don't know, remind me.' A smile unfolded like an aurora illuminating the night's sky.
For a brief moment the chaos of war vanished. Everything was perfect. Both hearts crecendoed together, almost violently. Their anxieties and fears fled like a predator frightened off by a returning parent.
When their lips parted, the terrors returned, albeit warily.
'Return to me safely, my brave knight'
'I will do as her majesty pleases.'
'You may take my kingdom Ralse, even my body, but the victory will never be yours.'
'Is that so Maria?' Ralse took her jaw between his thumb and forefinger. 'It matters not. We both know that.'
She turned away and left for her own quarters. Tears leaked out of the corners of her eyes. When she reached her chambers, Maria stood by her window.
'Draco where are you? I must reach you. You must know'
She took a carrier pigeon, and set it by the door to her balcony. After which, Maria retrieved a quill and parchment, and went to the lowest level of her balcony. She inhaled her tears and thought about him. She remembered how their hands fit seamlessly together.
Maria stood out and faced the night. Without warning, a lullaby entered into thoughts. It was a simple, soft, soothing melody. She could not recall the words, simply the tune. It had a certain serene sweetness to it, like a nightingale's song. It was as gentle as falling snow on Christmas morning.
The chill night air was refreshing as clean water. The owl and wolf exchanged their long lonely malismas. The moon glimmered like a coin fresh from the mint. The stars shone like beacons, each one burning so that she may find Draco.
The lullaby became the dominant thought. Maria softly sang its sweet melody as she put her quill to parchment.
Will I ever see your smile?
Love steals away, Like night into day
It's just a fading dream
Our love shines brighter than the sun
For eternity, there only can be
You my cherished one
Will autunm, take the place of spring?
What shall I do? I'm lost without you
Speak to me once more!
Draco said nothing; he simply took Maria's hand and led her to the second level of her balcony.
All the while the lullaby resonated with in her.
It was as though the angels inclined themselves towards the earth to play it.
Draco and Maria were like two interjoining pieces of a puzzle. Her presence calmed his tensions and reasserted his convictions. She was the reason He fought. His embrace was firm, and warm. She felt as secure as a buried treasure inside his arms.
'Draco'
He took a few steps back. 'Maria'
and let free a wistful laugh.
Like a dream ushered out by the break of morning, he was gone
Maria took them and ascended the stairs to the pinnacle of the balcony..
But my heart won't give you up
Ere I walk away, let me hear you say
I meant as much to you
I forever will be yours
Come what may, I won't age a day
I'll wait for you. Always
Maria descended the stairs in silence. When she reached the bottom an attendant stood waiting.
'I'll be right there'
He left, and Maria turned to the carrier pigeon. She rolled the parchment and tied it to its leg.
'Find Draco for me. He must know.'
It chirped in approval, spread its wings and rode the wind. Maria watched as it followed the bouquet and disappeared from sight.
Translator: Ted Woosley
Story Editor: Julie J. Ogles
Photos Courtesy of Lillith Morrigan
Adapted by: Aaron V.F. PICAR!!!!!