Protectors

Chapter 23: Once In A Lifetime

The soft orange and pink of the sun peeped through the curtains, the first glimpse of the morning light as Faith stirred, barely opening her eyes to the faint light. Shifting under the covers, she returned to the blissful dream, a beacon of hope in the reality of life that was abruptly cut short, her eyes shooting open, body trembling from the nightmare that had smothered the light of hope with it's darkness. Taking a few shaky breaths she tried to calm herself, 'It's just a dream.' She whispered, trying to return to sleep. After tossing and turning a few moments longer, she sighed slowly sitting up. Blinking a few times, she ran a hand through her hair, lightly tugging at the knots and tangles that had formed overnight. A flash of light shimmered on her finger as she glanced down at her hand seeing the large twinkling diamond that shone in the beginnings of the daylight. As her fingers lightly traced over the delicate stone, the thin band wrapped around her finger, glittering with smaller crystals she smiled, its presence a source of comfort from the joyful moments of her slumber. That moment in her dreams had been real, the latter thankfully just a nightmare. Christopher had asked for her hand and they would soon spend the rest of their lives together. Each day, memories of the Elemental Brotherhood were slowly silenced, replaced by small stolen moments of joy as the minutes of each day continued to tick by. Silently slipping out of bed, her bare feet hit the cold hardwood below, the soft silk of her nightgown falling around her ankles, as she slowly pushed the curtain aside, peering out at the rising sun, casting its light upon the nearby estates and cottages. Wrapping a thin lace shawl over her shoulders she slipped out the heavy doors of her chambers into the hallway, the darkness of the early morning creating eerie shadows upon the walls. Careful not to make a sound, she quietly tiptoed down the silent hall gently knocking on Christopher's door before pushing it open, slipping inside.

"Faith!" He whispered in surprise, turning to face her at the sound of the door. He was standing by the window, curtains pulled aside as the soft glow of the morning light grew brighter.

"You're awake!" She whispered back in surprise as he walked over, gently embracing her and placing a kiss upon her cheek.

"As are you." He grinned, "It is quite early."

"I couldn't sleep." She blushed, leaning against his chest, loving the way his arms fit perfectly around her, a moment of safety and security they had often shared in the facility.

"What troubles you?" He asked softly, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

She shook her head, burying it in the crook of his neck. Holding onto him tightly, she reassured herself that he was there. "More nightmares." She mumbled.

"Still?" He asked as she nodded, gently bringing a hand up to caress her cheek, looking into her eyes with a mixture of relief and fear. "I'm sorry love." He whispered. "Here." He said leading her over to the bed, gently pulling her into his arms as he pulled the covers up over them both, her head resting upon his chest. She listened to the steady sound of his heartbeat, his chest slowly rising and falling with each breath as he intertwined their fingers, his other arm gently draped around her body. "You should get some sleep. It's important." He whispered as she looked up at him, their faces only inches apart.

"Why were you up?" She whispered, searching his eyes that she had learned to read so well.

"A bit of the same I suppose." He sighed, his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand, their fingers laced together. "My thoughts often keep me awake."

"What of?" She asked, as her eyelids began to grow heavy.

"Just royal duties and all. Nothing you need to worry about." He reassured her, a smile breaking across his face as he felt the ring upon her left hand.