A Lost Love

[Matthias]

A happy expression spread across his features as he took in what lay spread out before him. He couldn’t stop it from manifesting even if he wanted to. They had changed, that was for certain, but God’s Blood, they were still one of the most glorious things he had the pleasure to lay eyes upon.

Bright and beautiful, exciting and exotic, they were still a shining light in the inexorable darkness despite the passage of time. They inspired, lifted the spirit and laid a gentle balm upon all ills and ailments. If he were to die wrapped within their arms he would die with a smile on his face, no matter how it came or what face it wore.

Death, quite honestly, was quite unfortunately high on the list of things that could happen. Not that he would ever admit that to his companion, they were worried about enough things to do with this endeavour without confirming the stakes they were playing with to them. Or anyone else. Not even his oldest and dearest friend. Who he probably should have mentioned this part to but, well, things happened and there wasn’t time and besides, he had dear, delightful Reggie to keep him amused and out of trouble. They could look after themselves; they had managed well enough beforehand. Miri would have tried to talk him out of it probably and that was a conversation he didn’t wish to have.

But things had changed, hadn’t they? They no longer had the safety of the bosom that they had rested within and he…well…here he was. Staring into a potential abyss with a daft grin on his face and wondering what wonders it held in store for him. His companion hadn’t asked why for some nights now, perhaps they had gotten bored of not receiving an answer or perhaps because of the potential end that he dragged them toward. At least it slowed the petty attempts to get a rise out of him. Their nervousness only increased as they got closer to their destination whereas his cheer only grew to match it.

Although...their reaction if he told them the real reason for helping them would be a sight to behold.

He grinned wickedly to himself and squeezed the arm linked through his with playful cheer

He hadn’t done anything so…exhilarating…for such a long time.

And it could be an end. Perhaps for both of them. Perhaps just his own. Perhaps just theirs. Perhaps they would both escape with their skin and souls intact. Who knew? At least he would have seen her again. His long lost love. Even if it was for the most fleeting of moments, the merest glance was enough to lift his spirits and chase away and worries. They still lived. It was them that gave him a renewed strength, a renewed will.

With a bit of luck it could even be a beginning.

“Aren’t they beautiful?” he said softly to the rat accompanying him. His rat blinked a couple of times in bemusement and looked between what lay before them and their Domitor. Confusion warred with a concern that fought with delight at the soaring of their master’s mood. In the end prudence won out and they smiled, simply nodding along in agreement.

She preferred Rouen but she would never say so out loud to her King.