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"Mother, please! I've been training all day!" Alfild groaned, her teenage attitude shining through. Oh youth, how Brunhilde smiled fondly at it. She recalled such times. She'd never go back, but she'd never forget either. In a blur, ones life passes by so quickly. They don't even notice the time slipping through their fingers, their body slowly growing old and decaying. Until finally, they are alone. No one they used to know is with them, only faint memories that seem like yesterday. Many die or betray you, but none are with you forever. And in those final moment, you see the eclipse as your whole life comes to an anti-climactic end. And then the world becomes clear. You see it all for what it is. Just nothingness. You know that your children will soon grow old and so will there's, and with them your memory will die. All the pain, heartbreak, joy, achievements. All of it gone in a stroke. And you are little more than dust.
"Fine." She sighed tiredly. "But I expect you to be home before dark."
Alfild grinned at the woman's agreement, nodding gleefully as she ran outside. Since she'd found her home among Brunhilde, she hadn't felt so alone anymore. Her black world was filled with life, and she finally felt as though she could act her age. She could be herself. Whoever that was.
"Siggy! Siggy!" Alfild yelled in a joyous tone as she ran into the girl's house.
The blonde started up, her face softening as she saw Alfild enter. She smiled at the other girl's excitement, her blue eyes becoming kinder with every second. Her beautiful features seemed to look even more angelic when she smiled.
"Alfild," She giggled softly. "What are you doing here?"
"I asked Brunhilde if I could leave training early to see you." She smiled, walking over to the girl and holding her gentle hands. Alfild's hands were not gentle like her partner's. They were soft on top but the palms of her hands were callused from her sword, her fingers rough from the grip on her bow.
Sigrid smiled again, pressing Alfild's hands up to her lips and kissing them softly. She did not mind that they were damaged by war. She understood. "And you chose to see me? Over everyone in this kingdom?"
Alfild beamed, stepping closer to Sigrid. Her usually flaming green orbs were gentle and mellow now like a soft summers breeze in a meadow. "Out of everyone in this kingdom, there is only one person I love." And with those very words, she closed the gap between their lips and kissed with a gentle passion.
"You love me?" Sigrid's starry eyes stared up at her lover in shock.
Alfild laughed, a sarcastic grin spreading across her lips, "No, I was thinking of proposing to your brother. Is he home?"
Sigrid laughed, playfully hitting her lover's arm.
******
The sun was about to set and Alfild was still lying peacefully in Siggy's bed. Her eyes fluttered open as she felt subtle fingertips trace each scar upon her back.
"I wish I'd been there to help you." She whispered, still touching the weakened tissue.
Alfild turned, a stunning smile upon her lips and eyes glistening. "You're here now, and that is the past. As long as I have you with me, things like that can never hurt me again."
"I hope you're right." Sigrid bit her lower lip, eyes avoiding her lover's gaze. Slowly she sighed before speaking again. "I don't understand why you must fight."
"It is my duty, Sigrid. I'm a shieldmaiden, a princess. I must defend my people." Alfild explained.
"You didn't have to accept that position." Siggy sighed. "We could've left together, like we planned."
"Siggy, I need this. I need this more than I've ever needed anything in my life. It feels right. It feels like I'm meant to do this." Alfild replied, mildly heatedly. She didn't enjoy speaking about such topics with Sigrid as she did not wish to row with her.
Sigrid's face turned sad as she looked back up to her lover with grey eyes. "I fear it will end in death Alfild. I'm afraid for you."
"I'll be fine." The brunette smiled, placing her hand against her lover's cheek. "Do not be afraid."
