The Aftermath of Zanado

81 1 0
                                    

We went on like that for the next month. Occasionally Dimitri would stay with me or I with him. Each of us making sure we were gone before sunrise. Each night he would pull me close, as if I was the only thing keeping him anchored to this world. But he never complained about the nightmares. I was glad to be of use to the young prince. However, the night before Zanado... this night in particular things changed. He had asked to stay with me, as we were all going to Zanado the next morning to deal with some bandits. It wouldn't have been on me to go but Professor Byleth asked for my help on the mission. For some reason that night my heart began to ache and yearn for something more as Dimitri held me in his arms.

Despite my mind telling me no, my body moved closer to him on it's own accord. In response he pulled me closer, and threw his leg over mine. I was as close to him as humanly possible. I was truly surprised my rapid heartbeat did not wake him up. The next morning however, it was as if nothing ever happened. "Thalia? Are you alright?" My attention snapped to my right as Dimitri looked at me with concern in his eyes. "Yes, Dimitri. I'm fine... just concerned is all. I... I've never killed anyone before." It was a half lie but it hit me like a ton of bricks in that moment. "I see. Just stay close to me alright. I'll try to prevent you from having to fight as best as I can."

I shook my head with determination. "No, Dimitri. I have to fight. I'm just saying it scares me is all." He nodded in understanding as we approached the canyon. Dimitri's face flashed in recognition as he remembered the leader of the bandits as the same man who let the attack against Claude and the others their first night at Garreg Mach. We then began our assault. I did follow close to Dimitri. Mostly to watch his back. I was engaged by a rough looking man with an axe. He swung at me and I jumped to the side but froze with my lance in the air. He then stopped and grunted out in pain before falling to the ground.

"Get your head out of the clouds girl!" I nodded to Felix before trying to find the prince once more. I found him and ran. He was engaged with a sword wielder, but behind him was a man with an axe looking to slice Dimitri's back open. "Look out Dimitri!" Out of instinct I lunged forward with my lance, stabbing the man in the chest. I gasped as I lost every ounce of breathe I had. I fell to my knees, gasping for air as the reality that I just killed someone come crashing in on me. The voices around me jumbled up and as my world faded one was heard above all. "Thalia!!"

Some Time Later

My eyes fluttered open as I took in my surroundings. "About time you woke up. You scared us all to death, Thal?" I looked over to Claude. Tears sprung to my eyes as I recalled what I had done. He ran to me and pulled me into his arms. "Shhh. You done what you had to do Thalia. You had to protect Dimitri." Claudes words brought no comfort as I continued to sob into his chest. He rubbed gentle circles on my back before I slowly got up, my tears finally stopping. "Dimitri is he..." Claude shook his head. "Everyone come back unscathed. Thalia can I ask you something?" I looked at him with confusion in my eyes. "Yeah?" He walked to the other side of the room and looked out the window. "Do you have feelings for him?"

I pondered what he said for a moment before responding with what I knew to be true. "I don't know. When he's around, I'm happy. He makes me smile. But its different than when you make me smile. My heart beats faster when he's around." Claude turned to me with a smile on his face. "What do ya know? My baby sister is smitten with a prince. And before you say anything Thal, you being from Almyra don't mean jack to him." I just looked at him, about to reply when a new voice started. "Thalia! Your awake!" I turned to see the very boy in question standing in the doorway. Claude placed his hand on my shoulder before politely excusing himself from the room.

He stepped closer before stopping in front of me. "I'm glad to see your alright Thalia. You worried us when you collapsed." I sat on the bed and began to fidget with my hands. "So that's what it feels like... to kill someone." Something wet touched my hand, causing me to realize I started crying again. I tried to push back the tears but they just wouldn't stop. Something soft enveloped my hand only for me to realize that it was Dimitri's own hand holding mine. "I wish I could tell you that it gets easier. That the pain of taking a life fades, but I'm afraid that isnt the case. Though I'm sure you know this." Dimitri released my hand only to place his on my cheek. I looked up into his blue eyes and smiled softly. "But know this, Thalia. We all feel the same way you do. You don't have to face this pain alone. Everyone is here with you. I'm here with you."

I slowly felt myself want to draw closer to him. I debated on weather or not to give into my wants. Fear of rejection racked my brain. However those fears were quickly dismissed as he started to slowly lower his head to mine. I slowly lifted my head to meet him. After what felt like an eternity he finally pressed his lips to mine. He moved his lips gently against mine, almost afraid he would break me. I placed his hands on my hips, and he drew me in closer. We stayed like that. Just lightly kissing before we both pulled away for air. I couldn't help but smile like a giddy kid.

"Thalia... I want you to know that you being from Almyra doesn't bother me. I appreciate you for who you are. Not where you came from. That being said. Would you do me the honor of allowing me to court you?" I about lost it right then and there. The prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus was asking me if he could date me. "Of course! I wouldn't have it any other way." Only after I spoke did I realize that answer came out way to happy sounding. "Good." He said before lowering his lips to mine once more.

Hello, GoodbyeWhere stories live. Discover now