The Girl of Salt and Fire | HOTD

Chapter 8: Farewells and New Beginnings

The somber mood of the Red Keep was palpable as Alysanne prepared to say her farewells. Each goodbye felt like a leaf torn from a cherished book, each one leaving a mark on her heart. First, she sought out Prince Aemond, finding him alone in the gardens where they had spent countless hours discussing dreams and fears beneath the ancient oaks.

Aemond, ever the stoic prince, struggled to mask his emotions. His affection for Alysanne had grown in the shadows of their shared secrets and quiet moments. Now, as they stood close, the air heavy with the scent of blooming flowers, his demeanor softened. He reached for her hands, holding them gently between his own, his gaze intense.

"Alysanne," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I wish this day had never come."

Her heart fluttered, touched by his sincerity. "I will miss you terribly, Aemond," she confessed, her eyes misty.

Aemond drew her closer, his touch tentative but filled with unspoken words. He leaned down, his forehead resting lightly against hers. "Promise me you'll write," he said, his breath warm against her skin.

"I promise," Alysanne replied, her voice thick with emotion. They lingered in that embrace, neither wanting to let go, knowing this might be their last moment of closeness for a long time.

As they parted, Aemond's fingers lingered on hers, and he managed a shaky smile. "I'll await your letters like the dawn," he said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Moved by his words, Alysanne impulsively rose on her tiptoes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. It was a small, sweet gesture that spoke volumes. They held each other's gaze, a silent acknowledgment of their special bond.

Reluctantly, Alysanne pulled away, her heart heavy with a mixture of sorrow and something akin to hope.

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She next sought out Helaena, her cousin and confidante. Helaena was in her usual spot by the aviary, her gentle demeanor a stark contrast to the fierce warriors of their family.

"Alysanne," Helaena greeted her with a soft smile, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "I wish you didn't have to go."

Their goodbye was sweet and sorrowful, filled with promises to visit and keep the bond of their friendship alive across the distance. Helaena gifted Alysanne a small book of poems, a token to remind her of their shared love for the quieter joys of life. As they stood together, surrounded by the soft cooing of the birds, Helaena took Alysanne's hands in hers, her expression earnest.

"You know, i see you as a big sister, and wherever you are, you will always have a piece of my heart with you. I'll always be here for you, no matter the distance or time," Alysanna said, her voice brimming with emotion. "And when you return, I'll be waiting to hear all the stories you'll bring back with you." Helaena replied softly.

Alysanne felt a warmth spread through her at Helaena's words, a comfort that eased the sting of departure. "Thank you, Helaena. I will hold onto that thought," she replied, squeezing her cousin's hands.

"I'll miss you more than words can tell, Helaena," Alysanne confessed as they pulled apart.

Helaena smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "And I, you. But we'll keep the bond strong through letters and visits. I'll be here," she promised, handing Alysanne a small book of poems for solace.

Helaena turned to her with a serene smile. "You've been flying, haven't you? You smell of salt and wind." Alysanne nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Father took me on Seasmoke. He told me stories of the North."

At the mention of the North, Helaena's expression grew distant, her gaze unfocused as if she were peering into a world only she could see. Her lips moved as if forming silent words, and Alysanne leaned closer, intrigued and slightly unnerved.