Cervato - Girl On Fire (Part 1 of Cervato's Saga)

Will of Stone

Cervato sat alone on the red loveseat. Only a single lit candle kept her company. With bloodshot eyes, she continued to look out through the window, searching for his figure to come walking down the street. It had been several hours already, as Zarek had stayed behind after Arvanna's funeral to attend the officer meeting. Honestly, she had wished he would have been permitted to return with her, but he had told her it was fine. Deronjur and Ti'lay had walked her home, telling her they would spend some time together over the next couple days, then they too went off to the nearby inn. Thank the Six that Luke was able to stay with Mable, the babysitter that lived nearby. Though even now, Cervato grew anxious that he was not in their home. However, what choice did she have? Luke had already been through so much, he didn't need to be exposed to the entirety of this.

Once more her thoughts drifted. Back to Arvanna. How much her mind had been consumed with the events of only a few days prior.

Cervato glanced to her hands. How useless. Her own mind betraying her. She could not help but feel she had failed her beloved sister-in-law. The woman she had admired for her spirit. Another regret Cervato held in her heart. Arvanna deserved so much better. She was supposed to still be here. Continue to be part of their family. Find someone deserving of her love that made her feel the same way. Be the amazing aunt to their future children and teach them to be as strong as she was.

At this, tears once more stung at her eyes. Cervato could not bear it and rubbed at them, to keep them at bay. Her hand then reached out to pull back a curtain to see if anyone was coming down the cobblestone road just yet. There was nothing.

Cervato then thought of the ceremony. Recalling the faces of those who had come to pay their respects. Those that had taken the time to speak to Zarek and even herself. The site of the ceremony made her stomach turn, and she felt the tight grasp of Zarek's hand as they had all ventured to the Outlook. The very spot that so much happiness, and tragedy, had occurred for the pair. At this, Cervato shook her head, dispelling the thoughts of the past.

She had been surprised when Zarek stood before the other members of his family. Speaking to them. How hard it had been for him at that moment. The pain she had felt in her own hand from his grasping hers tightly. The very pain that echoed in both of their hearts. Valder's words also struck within, as well as Lady Jane's. As Sin lit the pyre that held Arvanna's remains, she felt her own sorrow attempt to devour her.

However, the frustration of not being able to even speak for the lost caused her anguish as well.

Finally, her thoughts turned to Zarek. The past couple days had been hell. How many hours had they wept? How many times had he held her close, and she felt helpless? How many prayers had been sent towards the heavens to still be denied any comfort or reprieve?

Cervato knew she had to be strong for him. Support him. To walk at his side, hand in hand, and keep moving forward. Would she be able to do it? She had already sworn to be a better wife to him. But would that be enough? Of course doubt lingered in her mind, but one thought rose above it all.

She loved him. That had always been enough.

Anxiously, she pulled back the curtain once more. Her eyes spotting two figures coming down the path. Someone helping another struggle down the cobblestone street. As their figures passed beneath the nearby streetlight, she immediately jumped from the small couch, bare feet beating against the wooden floorboards as she dashed to the door. Swiftly, she undid the latches and pulled it open, jumping over the first step and running to them.

Zarek had one of his arms wrapped over Drake's shoulders, being supported by the kind Lord. The scent of alcohol wrapped about the young Lieutenant. None of this stopped Cervato from running to him and wrapping her arms around Zarek tightly. She released the sound of a small sob, gasping for air. Zarek seemed to murmur something to her as he too was released by the kind Lord, leaning heavily upon his wife as they held one another in the street.

Finally, she pulled back, glancing to Drake. Her lips motioned slowly to him to read if he could manage. "Thank you." Zarek in turn also expressed his gratitude to his friend to which Drake smiled and bid his farewell, turning to return back to his estate. Cervato then assisted Zarek back into their home, not one step faltering.

I shall not falter. I will not yield. I have always been Stone. And that means I will support them in your stead.