Sunlight poured in through the window into the Keep of Elstreth, illuminating Kasendra Chandrennin as she stood there, gazing out at the city beyond.

"I just don't know."

"What is it you are so unsure about, Kas?" Salnim Malwind responded, leaning against the wall, his hazel eyes steady as they watched her, "About accepting? You know you would be great at it."

"That is what everyone keeps saying," Kasendra responded with a rueful laugh, "Gerjonn, father, even my cousin. You will be perfect for it, think of what it will do for our family, what it will mean for the Empire. But what about what I want, Salnim? If I do this, I'll be there and you'll be back in Vornavis and..."

The room grew silent as Kasendra trailed off and lowered her head to lean against the glass of the window. Salnim walked over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder, and she turned to face him. He smiled gently and looked down into her blue eyes.

"I'm right here Kas. And I'm not going anywhere. Well no, that's not true, eventually I'll be going home. But I will always be here," Salnim said, touching above her heart with a finger, "and that is never going to change. Whether there is a continent between us, or just a room. I will be there. Always."

Kasendra began to say something, but stopped, a tear forming in the corner of one eye. Salnim moved his hand up to her face and gently wiped it away with his thumb.

"And everyone said those things because it is true. Even your cousin...your cousin, really? That's what we're calling Emperor Aurmont?" Salnim said, his eyes full of mirth, and then altered his voice slightly, "Oh what did you do today? Oh it was quite droll, I had to go up to Tamzyrr and have lunch with my cousin in the imperial palace. How about you?"

Kasendra's shoulders shook as she laughed, but also narrowed her eyes slightly and hit Salnim with the back of her hand on his chest, "You are terrible. I've known Aurmont my entire life, and long before there was ever a chance he was Emperor. He will always be my cousin, you know that!"

Salnim smiled at her, "I do know that. But it made you laugh, so it did what was needed. And just like everything else, we will get through this together."

"It is just that there has been the Relief Effort and then being envoy for the Emperor, the Valley of Gold, and now this. When will it ever be our moment?" Kasendra asked, reaching her hand up to rest against his chest over his heart, "When will it ever be more than what we can do for the Empire?"

"For five years. That's how long it has been our moment, and I hope it never stops. But it could be more, and should be more" Salnim answered, his hand sliding up to intertwine his fingers with hers, "As for the rest. The reward for work well done is more work. Father has often said that to his knights, but I know now it applies to us."

"No, the reward is not just more work. The reward is us," Kasendra said, reaching up to give him a gentle kiss, "Thank you. This for this. For being here."

"Always and forever," Salnim replied, leaning down to rest his forehead against hers, "Do you think your brother might finally come around now that you have some good news for him?"

"Gerjonn likes you just fine. You really need to stop worrying about that," Kasendra said, walking across the room, pulling Salnim with her by their joined hands.

"I think you are wrong there, Kas. And my offer does still stand..."

"Salnim! You are not going to challenge him to a duel."

"Are you sure? We could fight through the streets of Elstreth, the people would surely love it..."

"You are not fighting my brother!"

"Well if you are sure. I did bring my sword just in case. Besides, after four years I thought maybe you might need to see another duel to keep things interesting."

Kasendra whirled to prod him in the chest, "Did you bring your shield with you too, mister?"

Salnim looked down at her with a puzzled expression, "Of course. Why?"

"So I can throw it at you, that's why!" Kasendra answered with an exasperated laugh.

"Careful now, the Captain always said that was not a sound strategy!"

Kasendra threw her hands up and walked towards the door leading to the hall outside, "Let's go talk with Gerjonn already. Before I am tempted to fling you out a window for your own good."

Salnim let out a laugh and bowed towards Kasendra, "As my lady commands."



It's hard to argue when
You won't stop making sense
But my tongue still misbehaves and it
Keeps digging my own grave

It's not as easy willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it's right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me tired with joy