[ P ] Autumn Dreams

The low rumbling of his voice left her ears quivering and her heart fluttering. Merrin had once been fearful of storms and the low rolling thunder that announced them, but not anymore. Now, the sound was wholly inviting and reminiscent of the deep tenor of her mate's voice. Though she welcomed his kisses, it was a shame her change of subject brought this heavenly dream crashing down.

She felt him almost retract in a way as he stiffened up and her lilac orbs were immediately in search of his own. Finding his shining, silver pools she attempted to share a thought through their held gaze. You've done absolutely nothing wrong. She urged and moved closer to him again, tucking her head beneath his chin. The last thing she wanted him to do was cease his advances due to her poorly timed reveal of some not so pleasant news.

Merrin remained leaned against him, listening to his heartbeat as she nuzzled into his soft, fluffy coat. "I have to stay away for a while..." She finally said it. And now that she had, it truly solidified as reality. "I'll be involved in some intense training...and it requires me to sleep at the barracks...until Winter..." She trailed off, swallowing a lump in her throat, unsure of how he'd react.

@Argent

table ; bunny - - art ; Raven

He felt a pang of yearning as soon as the words left her lips. Merrin might have been right there, but knowing that she had to leave, and possibly soon, was enough to make him imagine what the rest of the season would be like without her. A gruff sigh passed through his lips and he nodded in understanding. Argent knew that her duties would eventually keep her away and he was lucky it was only to the barracks. For much of the war he had been stationed in the highlands far away from the Yorkshire barracks and it had been almost a year until he returned home. When do you start? he asked, wondering how much time they had left before they had to part ways.

The cabin would be much quieter and less homey without her there to brighten up the place, but he would ensure that it would not be neglected in her absence. He would keep things tidy for when she did return home. I’ll be there. First sign of snow to bring you home, he promised, wanting her to know that he would be there for her once her training was completed.

Art by Ashon

After hearing his sigh, she pulled back slightly to look upon his face, her expression fearful. Although he nodded, she searched his gaze in hopes that she might be able to read his mind. Her heart dropped when he posed the question she knew was coming, yet still she felt I'll prepared for it.

"Two sunrises from today..." Merrin murmured, ashamed for not having told him sooner. While she adored the late Captain in his happiness or his sorrow, she dreaded ever being the cause of the former. "I hate to leave you alone for so long...I...I would stay if only I could..." She could feel herself becoming frantic, hoping that he wouldn't blame her for the distance, hoping he wouldn't decide to leave her if it came down to it. No, no...he wouldn't...he's not like...like him...

To her relief, Luciel promised to be there at the very first sign of snowfall. Merrin released a breath and a smile brightened her features. "Home..." She spoke softly, nodding in agreement with the sentiment as the thought of his house also being her home made her heart soar. "Winter could not come sooner..."

@Argent

table ; bunny - - art ; Raven

It was sooner than he would have liked, but he was relieved that it wouldn’t be today. Argent could sense her worry and offered her a reassuring nuzzle. He didn’t blame her for having to spend time training. The former captain had lived the army life before and he knew that duty came first. It was one of the reasons he admired Merrin so much. She was as dedicated to her career as he was. I’ll be okay, he assured her even though he knew they would miss each other dearly. It was a sacrifice they had to make so that Merrin could achieve her dream of becoming a soldier. He would never hold her back from that. And you will do great, he stated confidently, having no doubt in his mind that she would complete her training with no issues.

And… we have a few days. We can make them special, he pointed out, gazing at her lovingly. Starting with breakfast. Let's get something fancy from town, he suggested, wanting to spoil her instead of expending energy and time hunting when he could be spending it with Merrin.

- Fade to exit

Art by Ashon