[ The catch of his voice, subtle and quiet as it was, broken as it was, is what finally breaks her of that hopeful stillness. Her eyes widening a breath before her own voice cracks in a breathless sob. ]
You are awake. You are awake.
[ She leans forward, seized so immediately to touch him. Pushing herself up, this time she does cup his cheek, gathering her legs underneath her so she can lean down to kiss him. Not sharply, or passionately, or softly. Just to feel his breath against her lips, to savor that feeling of him breathing, speaking, touching her in return as she threads their fingers like a net, holding fast to not let him go. Never let him go.
But even as she screws her eyes tightly to not let the tears of sheer relief fall, it fails, each kiss a hiccupped breath where it overwhelms. That each drag of her lips breaks in the soft sob of his name that bleeds like prayers. Anduin, her Anduin. You came back to me. ]
[ It's hard to say at first which of them she is reassuring. But her relief washes through him in a flood just the same, and he finds his eyes closing once more. Just long enough to press back, to let his fingers drift upwards to sink into her hair and pull her close.
She's warm, and real, and he's back here again, and he never knew he could be so glad to return anywhere.
It isn't home, but it is where his heart lies. He'd not even had the comfort of her memory, and now? Everything resurfaces at once, with such brimming intensity that he has no words.
He just folds his arms around her, holding fast like a man lost at sea.
[ Prone across his chest, she touches her forehead to his to steady herself in the simple truth he was there, awake again and warm in their embrace. Her hands braced on his shoulders as he holds her close. Fingers brush back and forth, as her head tilts into that quiet with him. Breathe with him a moment as he crushes her close and she burrows instead into the side of his head and the soft fall of his hair. All her prayers, her silent pleas, her begging had come to pass, and that he should be returned to her.
And in the simple grace of looking into his eyes when she pulls up enough to watch him again, she is more thankful than she can ever have been in her life. ]
I prayed morning and night for you to wake. [ And at least, tears hot on her cheeks and eyes red with the endless crying, she smiles. At last, she smiles. ] I prayed, and I prayed and I prayed until I had no voice.
[ After months in the Maw, Anduin knows what it is to pray with such fervor that your voice breaks, your spirit wrung for all it is worth. He sees it in the brightness in her eyes like sunlight cracking through the clouds. Hope after who knows how much despair and doubt, or for how long.
His hand caresses her damp cheek, warm and soft. His lips part but nothing passes them but unsteady breath. There are words but he doesn't know if they're right, if he should apologize or reassure her or tell her what happened.
Instead he simply draws her in again, forehead to press against hers. Whatever comes, he can endure...so long as he knows she'll be there waiting for him. ]
[She could not say how long they stay like that. Letting her hand brushing against him, resting against him as she just watched his features. His arms holding her so securely, it might just be the only thing keeping her close to stop her floating away entirely. All she wanted, for so long.
But eventually, in a little murmur, her voice creaks back in a whisper. ]
Do you need a meal? Something to drink? It's been weeks, you must feel...
[ Only a matter of weeks, then. Not months. Just lying here peacefully, as those who return even briefly to their own worlds will do, not...
He cannot correct her. Instead he simply nods, drawing back just far enough to gaze at her face, worry giving way by degrees to relief. How long had she stayed her like this, with him? Had anyone thought to check on her, and Duke? How--
Yes. This is easier. Far easier than thinking on what he just left behind. ]
Have you eaten, beloved? You look as if you've not looked after yourself in some time.
[ The words are too soft, too weary, but it's an effort to push past. That's all he has in him, for the moment. ]
[ Every movement, flicker, of his features slowly unknots the agony in her chest. Undoes the fear of having to endure this place without him. Slowly, slowly but surely, her body lessons in its tension. ]
Some. Jacob would not let me waste away, though I admit, I could often not spare more than a mouthful.
[ Everything had lost any sense of taste, any joy, than the most basic of functions and the simple reminder that she must eat, to be in good health for when Anduin awoke. ]
Stay. I will fetch you something.
[ Though she doesn't move so quickly as all that. Another kiss to hold him sweetly before finally, she untangles herself from his arms. Slowly done, until she straightens up. The pain of it all still lingering - the way that even with her wrapped tightly in veils, the free curls float around her head as she moves. Disappearing around the corner to the kitchen.
Until she's right back again, a few minutes later, a hot plate on a tray, coming back to his side to settle. ]
[ She's gone just long enough for him to have drawn himself up from the pillows, to the edge of the bed. Duke's nose has appeared under his hand, tail whipping furiously back and forth with soft whining, and he cannot help but smile at the pup. Stroking his ears, rubbing the crease where they fit against his fuzzy head. ]
Good boy.
[ Even the acoustics of the words seem strange, close rather than hollow and echoing. It helps settle him a little further, recalling what life had been before imprisonment. His eyes lift as Gilia returns, lingering briefly on the food before drifting to the way her hair floats about her.
His brow immediately pinches, the smile fading. Oh, Gilia... ]
[ The plate is set down as she comes close, onto the bedside table. Anduin has himself upright, and that is a relief that he is strong enough to manage that much. All the things she had managed to read about 'comas' in an attempt to understand had only painted more frightful images.
But she leans over to reach for the extra pillows to support him. Fluffing them sensibly to place them behind his head and shoulders. Busy enough with it, she doesn't notice the drop away of his smile, until she pulls back. Worried, then, she touches his cheek. ]
Is there something wrong, my love? Are you cold? The weather has been frightful, I can fetch you another blanket?
[ He shakes his head, reaching out to clasp her hand, to draw it down to rest between his. Always she thinks of others first, even ignoring the obvious pain in her own heart.
Perhaps that's why they match so well, together. ]
You've done more than enough. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you, having to look after me for weeks. I'm so sorry you had to endure that.
[ Scared the others? That could mean any number of things, but trying to imagine them is like wading through a fog at the moment. He still feels a little disoriented from the pull back here, the sudden quiet and warmth that seems as fragile as gossamer.
So he leans closer, head resting tenderly against hers. ]
I know. I know it must have. I never meant to worry you, not ever...
[The last thing she wants, is to him to carry even one breath of guilt. So she shakes her head a little. ]
It is not your fault. I feel too much and worry to deeply, we both know that. If there wasn't the wind to push me along I might worry myself into a hole in the ground.
[ But moving to sit beside him so he could keep resting on her, she reached for the tray of food and settled it in her lap. ] Do you have strength in yourself at the moment to feed yourself? I promise, I shall not tell anyone if you do not.
No, I am well enough. I imagine that must have been the longest rest I've ever taken.
[ Even if it was as far from restful as one could imagine. He still manages a slight smile, reaching for the tray to take it himself. Food. Actual food, the scent of it so overwhelming he almost can't bear to take a bite.
But she's worried enough over him, surely. So he'll eat, at least a few mouthfuls, and let her see that he's fine. Right? Right. ]
[ She tries not to make it so obvious she is watching like a hawk over him, and at least Duke makes a good distraction. Breaking off a corner of the bread she served with the hot meal to feed to him.
Truthfully, she isn't expecting more than a few mouthfuls, after sleeping like that it didn't surprise her he wasn't so hungry. But it was a start, and maybe with some time, he will want more. ] Do you want to bathe? Or stretch your legs first? Everything is covered in snow, it is quite beautiful, our little garden, wearing a white blanket, but it has been frightful the last few weeks.
[ It wasn't as bad as the winters at home, but then again, they were notably dreadful. Even so, she didn't want him catching a chill on top of it. ]
[ His heart quietly breaks for her, as she hovers so close. Worrying over him, as only she can. One can only imagine she's felt she could do nothing while he slept, and now every opportunity to do something feels like a chance to make up for time lost.
He won't deny her that, and he tugs his smile a little wider with a nod. ]
I'd like to see it.
[ Not a lie at all, and perhaps a distraction from...literally everything else. ]
[His wish is her command, and up she gets. Taking the tray from him with it, setting it aside for him to be able to move freely. The rest is fetching the heavy winter coat she'd made him do many weeks ago, and thick socks to wear with his slippers.
That when she comes back, she waits for him to put his feet out of the bed and goes about kneeling to help him get the socks on. She knows, perhaps, it's too much, to fuss and worry.
But she needed more than anything, to reaffirm his presence, and how much the city had taken, but it could not take her love and care for him, to wish for him to want for nothing if she could help it.
But she does her best to pretend it's not so consuming, lifting her voice to chatter the frivolous things she always does. Light bits of nonsense to fill the air. ]
Do not tell everyone else I think it not so bad, it has been very hard for them and I would not want to lesson that, but you know my winters. I count my blessings the sun rises here for most days and all else I can bear. I suppose that is how fair for how little I can stand the heat like everyone else does.
I know. You've dealt with so much harsher than this...
[ He murmurs, frowning slightly as she kneels at his feet, but he hasn't the heart to shoo her away. Instead he pulls her with him when he stands, hands set to her shoulders, her warm frame under her bundle of clothes so much more reminiscent of her home. A source of comfort, perhaps.
Perhaps he ought to do the same. His coat's been repaired, he just hasn't seen fit to wear it since last winter. Since the incident with Hellboy.
For moments there standing with her he goes quiet, mind elsewhere. ]
[Up she goes, and it is quite right that he doesn't need her to do these things for him, any more than she needs to stay close with her finger resting just above his heart, through his night clothes.
Yet here they were, regardless. ]
We call this good autumn weather. Good for sending little ones out to build snow mice.
[ She reaches for his coat where she had picked it up. Holding it up for him to take. ]
Snow Mice are the little spirits who serve Time, supposedly. You build figures of them, and that let's them know to tell Time the seasons must move. But by building Snow Mice you delay them so winter is held of for a little longer.
[ He returns to the conversation about halfway through her explanation, furrowing his brow and nodding as he reaches to take the stiff blue fabric out of her hands. ]
Do your people not wish for Spring to come sooner?
[ Slowly, he works the coat over his shoulders, buttoning it into place. He can feel Duke bumping nervously against his leg with his snout, clearly concerned, and he gets an absent pat of a hand once the coat is on entirely. ]
[The silences she assures herself, are to be expected. He has been who knows how long at home, being a King as grand as he deserves no doubt, to be so suddenly thrust back here. So she shakes her head. ]
We do. But mothers and fathers look for any good reason to get their children out from underfoot for a few hours before everyone must be locked up inside for weeks on end.
[She steps forward and hooks her arm through his to lead him - too much, she knows but parting is worse, as she goes to take him out to their little garden. Duke taking up firm guard at his other side, as they make their way through the house. ] Then as they get older they realise you should hope for winter to hurry and be over with and parents must tell the elder children that they have to mind their little siblings from too muc mischief rather than staying inside.
[ It feels dream-like, to be here again. Where life was undoubtedly hard but so much simpler. Before, he could recall thinking of this place as a gilded cage.
That seems like such an innocent view of things, comparatively.
Gilia winds her arm in his, and he clasps her hand tightly, following the familiar walk out to their beloved little garden. He's fallen quiet again, just taking in everything with newfound appreciation and awe.
He'd never before truly considered staying here...but now? Now, it could be for the best. ]
[She fills the space of his silence easily. Talking of childhood stories, chasing her siblings about with snow balls and then bundling them all up by the fire while their nanny brushed out their bow damp hair.
Their is a pause, now and then to see if he will respond, but in the absence of it, she just carries on, and when they make it outside, Duke lopes off ahead of them. White thick coat made for this weather, and he disappears into the snow with a huff. Throwing snow everywhere as he jumps and bounces about with his long legs.
Gilia for her part, just leans into Anduin's side with a soft sigh, where the stories end themselves, letting it be enough to just tuck herself into his side. Nestling herself into him and their shared warmth. Sighing out as finally, finally, she lets herself believe it.
He's here, he finally, finally came back to her. ]
[ He threads his fingers with hers, watching Duke bound with carefree grace through the piles of snow left about. It's cold here, but bright. The snow sparkles in the sunlight, and Gilia's touch warms him through the coat.
Eventually he tears his gaze away to look down at her again, feeling his chest constrict. How? How could he have forgotten all of this, her, as if it were nothing more than a daydream or fantasy?
Just as Wrathion had. Just as she would, when she inevitably returned to her own world.
These moments had always been precious to him before. Now, even more so. ]
[Catching that glance, she shifts to look back up at him, and does what she has wanted to do every day since she had gone from her, it feels like, when he was taken from her just as suddenly.
Reaching up to cup his cheek, she presses on her tiptoes to lean and kiss him. A far more determined thing then the desperate relief ]
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You are awake. You are awake.
[ She leans forward, seized so immediately to touch him. Pushing herself up, this time she does cup his cheek, gathering her legs underneath her so she can lean down to kiss him. Not sharply, or passionately, or softly. Just to feel his breath against her lips, to savor that feeling of him breathing, speaking, touching her in return as she threads their fingers like a net, holding fast to not let him go. Never let him go.
But even as she screws her eyes tightly to not let the tears of sheer relief fall, it fails, each kiss a hiccupped breath where it overwhelms. That each drag of her lips breaks in the soft sob of his name that bleeds like prayers. Anduin, her Anduin. You came back to me. ]
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She's warm, and real, and he's back here again, and he never knew he could be so glad to return anywhere.
It isn't home, but it is where his heart lies. He'd not even had the comfort of her memory, and now? Everything resurfaces at once, with such brimming intensity that he has no words.
He just folds his arms around her, holding fast like a man lost at sea.
My ocean star. She led me back again. ]
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And in the simple grace of looking into his eyes when she pulls up enough to watch him again, she is more thankful than she can ever have been in her life. ]
I prayed morning and night for you to wake. [ And at least, tears hot on her cheeks and eyes red with the endless crying, she smiles. At last, she smiles. ] I prayed, and I prayed and I prayed until I had no voice.
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His hand caresses her damp cheek, warm and soft. His lips part but nothing passes them but unsteady breath. There are words but he doesn't know if they're right, if he should apologize or reassure her or tell her what happened.
Instead he simply draws her in again, forehead to press against hers. Whatever comes, he can endure...so long as he knows she'll be there waiting for him. ]
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But eventually, in a little murmur, her voice creaks back in a whisper. ]
Do you need a meal? Something to drink? It's been weeks, you must feel...
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He cannot correct her. Instead he simply nods, drawing back just far enough to gaze at her face, worry giving way by degrees to relief. How long had she stayed her like this, with him? Had anyone thought to check on her, and Duke? How--
Yes. This is easier. Far easier than thinking on what he just left behind. ]
Have you eaten, beloved? You look as if you've not looked after yourself in some time.
[ The words are too soft, too weary, but it's an effort to push past. That's all he has in him, for the moment. ]
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Some. Jacob would not let me waste away, though I admit, I could often not spare more than a mouthful.
[ Everything had lost any sense of taste, any joy, than the most basic of functions and the simple reminder that she must eat, to be in good health for when Anduin awoke. ]
Stay. I will fetch you something.
[ Though she doesn't move so quickly as all that. Another kiss to hold him sweetly before finally, she untangles herself from his arms. Slowly done, until she straightens up. The pain of it all still lingering - the way that even with her wrapped tightly in veils, the free curls float around her head as she moves. Disappearing around the corner to the kitchen.
Until she's right back again, a few minutes later, a hot plate on a tray, coming back to his side to settle. ]
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Good boy.
[ Even the acoustics of the words seem strange, close rather than hollow and echoing. It helps settle him a little further, recalling what life had been before imprisonment. His eyes lift as Gilia returns, lingering briefly on the food before drifting to the way her hair floats about her.
His brow immediately pinches, the smile fading. Oh, Gilia... ]
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But she leans over to reach for the extra pillows to support him. Fluffing them sensibly to place them behind his head and shoulders. Busy enough with it, she doesn't notice the drop away of his smile, until she pulls back. Worried, then, she touches his cheek. ]
Is there something wrong, my love? Are you cold? The weather has been frightful, I can fetch you another blanket?
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[ He shakes his head, reaching out to clasp her hand, to draw it down to rest between his. Always she thinks of others first, even ignoring the obvious pain in her own heart.
Perhaps that's why they match so well, together. ]
You've done more than enough. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you, having to look after me for weeks. I'm so sorry you had to endure that.
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[She shakes her head quickly, a quick little laugh to reassure him that truly, it was nothing.
Even if they both knew it was every minute a misery.
So she squeezes his hand affectionately, as much reassurance for them both. ]
I did not understand it, that is all. It scared me, at first, though I think I scared others more. But it is over now, that is all that matters.
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So he leans closer, head resting tenderly against hers. ]
I know. I know it must have. I never meant to worry you, not ever...
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It is not your fault. I feel too much and worry to deeply, we both know that. If there wasn't the wind to push me along I might worry myself into a hole in the ground.
[ But moving to sit beside him so he could keep resting on her, she reached for the tray of food and settled it in her lap. ] Do you have strength in yourself at the moment to feed yourself? I promise, I shall not tell anyone if you do not.
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[ Even if it was as far from restful as one could imagine. He still manages a slight smile, reaching for the tray to take it himself. Food. Actual food, the scent of it so overwhelming he almost can't bear to take a bite.
But she's worried enough over him, surely. So he'll eat, at least a few mouthfuls, and let her see that he's fine. Right? Right. ]
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Truthfully, she isn't expecting more than a few mouthfuls, after sleeping like that it didn't surprise her he wasn't so hungry. But it was a start, and maybe with some time, he will want more. ] Do you want to bathe? Or stretch your legs first? Everything is covered in snow, it is quite beautiful, our little garden, wearing a white blanket, but it has been frightful the last few weeks.
[ It wasn't as bad as the winters at home, but then again, they were notably dreadful. Even so, she didn't want him catching a chill on top of it. ]
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He won't deny her that, and he tugs his smile a little wider with a nod. ]
I'd like to see it.
[ Not a lie at all, and perhaps a distraction from...literally everything else. ]
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That when she comes back, she waits for him to put his feet out of the bed and goes about kneeling to help him get the socks on. She knows, perhaps, it's too much, to fuss and worry.
But she needed more than anything, to reaffirm his presence, and how much the city had taken, but it could not take her love and care for him, to wish for him to want for nothing if she could help it.
But she does her best to pretend it's not so consuming, lifting her voice to chatter the frivolous things she always does. Light bits of nonsense to fill the air. ]
Do not tell everyone else I think it not so bad, it has been very hard for them and I would not want to lesson that, but you know my winters. I count my blessings the sun rises here for most days and all else I can bear. I suppose that is how fair for how little I can stand the heat like everyone else does.
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[ He murmurs, frowning slightly as she kneels at his feet, but he hasn't the heart to shoo her away. Instead he pulls her with him when he stands, hands set to her shoulders, her warm frame under her bundle of clothes so much more reminiscent of her home. A source of comfort, perhaps.
Perhaps he ought to do the same. His coat's been repaired, he just hasn't seen fit to wear it since last winter. Since the incident with Hellboy.
For moments there standing with her he goes quiet, mind elsewhere. ]
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Yet here they were, regardless. ]
We call this good autumn weather. Good for sending little ones out to build snow mice.
[ She reaches for his coat where she had picked it up. Holding it up for him to take. ]
Snow Mice are the little spirits who serve Time, supposedly. You build figures of them, and that let's them know to tell Time the seasons must move. But by building Snow Mice you delay them so winter is held of for a little longer.
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[ He returns to the conversation about halfway through her explanation, furrowing his brow and nodding as he reaches to take the stiff blue fabric out of her hands. ]
Do your people not wish for Spring to come sooner?
[ Slowly, he works the coat over his shoulders, buttoning it into place. He can feel Duke bumping nervously against his leg with his snout, clearly concerned, and he gets an absent pat of a hand once the coat is on entirely. ]
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We do. But mothers and fathers look for any good reason to get their children out from underfoot for a few hours before everyone must be locked up inside for weeks on end.
[She steps forward and hooks her arm through his to lead him - too much, she knows but parting is worse, as she goes to take him out to their little garden. Duke taking up firm guard at his other side, as they make their way through the house. ] Then as they get older they realise you should hope for winter to hurry and be over with and parents must tell the elder children that they have to mind their little siblings from too muc mischief rather than staying inside.
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That seems like such an innocent view of things, comparatively.
Gilia winds her arm in his, and he clasps her hand tightly, following the familiar walk out to their beloved little garden. He's fallen quiet again, just taking in everything with newfound appreciation and awe.
He'd never before truly considered staying here...but now? Now, it could be for the best. ]
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Their is a pause, now and then to see if he will respond, but in the absence of it, she just carries on, and when they make it outside, Duke lopes off ahead of them. White thick coat made for this weather, and he disappears into the snow with a huff. Throwing snow everywhere as he jumps and bounces about with his long legs.
Gilia for her part, just leans into Anduin's side with a soft sigh, where the stories end themselves, letting it be enough to just tuck herself into his side. Nestling herself into him and their shared warmth. Sighing out as finally, finally, she lets herself believe it.
He's here, he finally, finally came back to her. ]
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Eventually he tears his gaze away to look down at her again, feeling his chest constrict. How? How could he have forgotten all of this, her, as if it were nothing more than a daydream or fantasy?
Just as Wrathion had. Just as she would, when she inevitably returned to her own world.
These moments had always been precious to him before. Now, even more so. ]
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Reaching up to cup his cheek, she presses on her tiptoes to lean and kiss him. A far more determined thing then the desperate relief ]
I love you, husband.
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