As the enemy Galleon grew ever closer, Ardwulf felt a smile form on his face. "Even though I've given up that life, the thought of engaging in life or death battle still excites me. Damn you, Theoden."
"Ardy! We're closing in, I hope you're prepared!" Tamm shouted up the crow's nest at him.
"Just get me close. I can jump the rest, but if you try to leave me here, I'll come back to haunt your ass for the rest of your life!" Ardwulf retorted.
"I doubt your woman would approve of that at all!" Tamm grinned. "Alright, Men! Remember, do NOT under any circumstances fire FIRST! If I find out, you'll be sent straight to the bottom of the sea!"
"Understood, Cap'n!" The men all shouted in unison.
"We'll make our first run off their port side! Once we clear it, hard to port and circle back around! Until I say otherwise, we will keep circling!" Tamm continued to bark out orders.
"I've got a minute, might as well take this opportunity." Ardwulf spoke to himself and slipped a cigarette between his lips. In usual fashion, he pulled out his lighter and lit the tip of his cigarette. He took a long drag and exhaled slowly. "I wonder if they have any strong fighters over there." He continued to smoke in silence until the Galleon was just another wave in front of them. He tossed his dead cig off the port side and readied himself for combat.
"Captain! That Pirate Schooner hasn't deviated its course! They are coming up on our port side! ETA, Twenty Seconds!" A uniformed sailor shouted as he saluted a decorated officer.
"Very good. When they pass, have the men lay down planks. I want as many men on that ship as possible before they slip by us. Do NOT fire at the ship until Lady Angelica has been secured. Once she has, destroy them!" The highly decorated officer ordered. As his spoke, the waves crashing against the Galleon caused his many medals to jingle.
"Here it comes! Ardy, go!" Tamm shouted loudly as the pirates angled the swivel guns at the Galleon. As per their orders, not a single shot was fired from either ship. "If they haven't fired then they are after something! Prepare to be boarded, men!"
The second Tamm gave him the go ahead, Ardwulf leaped from the Crow's Nest of the pirate schooner, and onto the deck of the Eimrand Galleon.
"E-Enemy! One of them jumped onto our ship!" A sailor shouted but was quickly knocked unconscious with a quick kick to the back of his head.
"I will give you one chance to withdraw!" Ardwulf shouted and held his spear above the unconscious sailor. "This man's life hinges on your reply. Please don't make me kill him or you." He spoke sincerely.
"And who might you be?" The Officer of the ship questioned as he stepped forward. He raised his hand and the sailors lowered their weapons. "Why attack us if you have no intention to kill?"
"My name is Ardwulf Estald!" He proclaimed loudly. "And I every intention of killing you if you try to take away Lady Angelica."
"Ardwulf...?" One of the sailors muttered.
"Estald...I swear I've heard that name.." Another one spoke up.
"I-it's the Black Whirlwind!" One of them shouted in a panic.
"That's enough!" The Officer commanded loudly. "Well, if you called her Lady Angelica, I can only assume that she told you who she was. Knowing that, you still insist on blocking our path?"
"She has hired me as her personal bodyguard, with the expressed order that I don't allow you to take her. If you know me, then you know I never leave a job unfinished. You all will try to take her, and you will fail, and because of that, your lives will be needlessly cut short. You have my word that if you let us pass unharmed, then I shall likewise refrain from killing you." Ardwulf scratched his cheek shyly. "So, what say you, Captain?"
The Officer sighed and scratched his stubbled chin with one hand. "What to do...?" He placed his fists on his hips and sighed softly. "Other than you were hired, why risk your life for her? Answer me that."
"My reasons? I don't have any. I was hired for a job, the job will be completed. That is my purpose as a mere tool." Ardwulf admitted and started spinning his massive spear around his body with one hand. "My ship just passed by a second time. You have until it returns to reach a decision, or I will make it for you." Ardwulf shrugged as the air around his body began to stir. Waves of black wind began to encompass his body. At this point, he was merely displaying his power in an attempt to frighten them into submission.
"You promise to release my sailor unharmed?" The Officer finally spoke as a bead of sweat trickled down his chin. 'Even if he's just one man, he's a monster, and in these close quarters, with no means of escape, he would slaughter us all.'
"I may be a mere tool, but even I keep my word. His life will be spared if you make no attempts to stop me or the ship. We will likewise, leave your ship intact." Ardwulf continued to display his power and spin his spear around without breaking a sweat. 'Fifteen more seconds. Don't do anything foolish.' He thought to himself.
"Then I shall acquise. If you depart upon your ship on this pass, and leave my man unharmed, we shall leave you alone." The Officer bowed his head as more beads of sweat appeared on his face. 'What will Duke Windsor say? What will he do? If the Black Whirlwind is protecting her now, who can oppose this monster?'
"You're probably trying to think of someone capable enough to stop me, isn't that right?" Ardwulf grinned. 'Five more seconds.'
"What? O-Of course not!" The Officer rushed to deny the accusations.
"It's fine. If you had someone on board already, we wouldn't be having this conversation. I was talking about the future. I know Duke Windsor won't let this go forever. Well, there's my ride. I'm glad I didn't have to kill you." Ardwulf grinned mischievously. "Don't make me regret that." Ardwulf jumped backwards off the port side of the Galleon and flipped backwards through the air. He landed on the pirate ship as it made its third and final pass.
"Hard to Starboard! Get us into that wind and out of these waters!" Tamm shouted.
"Aye, hard to Starboard, Cap'n!" The helmsman repeated Tamm's orders.
"Ah...hahah..." The Officer laughed maniacally. "He...he was smiling! The thought of killing us all...put a smile on that monster's face. H-he isn't human!" The Officer shouted loudly, fear and panic sticken.
"Get us out of here, now. Back to the Duchies!" The second in command ordered as the Officer began laughing maniacally once more.
"Yo, Ardy. What the hell did you do?" Tamm walked up to Ardwulf once they were clear of the enemy Galleon. "No blood, no combat, and their ship was still intact. How did you manage that?"
"Threats, a hostage, and playing on the enemies fears of the Black Whirlwind." Ardwulf shrugged.
"Wow, Ardy, gotta admit, even I'm impressed." Tamm laughed and slapped Ardwulf's shoulder.
"Ardwulf!" Angelica shouted from the top of the stairs.
"Angelica?" Ardwulf smiled softly and waved to the young lady.
"Ardwulf." Angelica's eyes teared up and she rushed across the deck of the ship, straight towards Ardwulf.
"You..." Ardwulf was caught off guard when Angelica jumped into his arms. "Angelica...you're crying...?" He sighed as he caught the beautiful, young scion in his arms. "Did I make you cry again?" He asked as he used his thumb to dry her tears.
"Yes, but it's because I'm so happy to see you unharmed! You stupid idiot! How could you so something so reckless!" Angelica tore into Ardwulf without remorse. "What if you had been injured, captured, or even killed?! Are you so inclined to give up your life in a vain attempt at forgiveness?! Stupid. You're so stupid." Angelica sobbed into Ardwulf's chest as she fell to her knees.
"An...gelica..." Ardwulf was, for the first time in his life, at a loss for words. "Were you...really that worried about me?" He dropped to his knees in front of her and wrapped her tightly in his arms.
"Of course I was, you dumb idiot! Why wouldn't I be? Because of you, I'm not alone anymore! Because of you, I was able to smile again! I'll be left all alone if you die, Ardwulf! I don't want to be alone anymore! I want to be with you! That can't happen if you die, you idiot." Angelica continued to sob into Ardwulf's chest.
'Celica...?' Tamm watched the event unfold in front of her.
"Angelica..." Ardwulf gently grabbed her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his own.
"A-Ardwulf..." Angelica sniffled and several more tears streamed down her face.
"Hey, come on, now." Ardwulf took a corner of his cloak and gently dried her eyes once more. "I'm okay, Angelica, and I am sorry I worried you. I'm not use to that. I was always alone on the frontlines, nobody to worry about me after my mother passed. Putting my life on the line, that's the only thing I've ever known."
"But you're not--" Angelica went to interject, but Ardwulf raised his free hand and put one finger to her lips. She went silent.
"I know. It's not just me anymore. If I die now, it would make people sad. Like the way I felt at the thought of losing you. I don't want to put you or any of those people through that. It won't be easy, and I'll probably make you cry more times then I can count. Just...be patient with me. Can you do that, Angelica?"
"Sad? I'd be devastated, Ardwulf." Angelica blushed when he put his finger to her lips. "If you make me cry, you'll just have to make it up to me." She giggled sweetly. "I can promise to be patient, but I can't guarantee I won't lecture you each time you do that. I just want you to lean on me a little bit. I'm not totally defenseless."
"Make it up to you, huh? Well, you'll have to teach me what that entails." Ardwulf chuckled softly. "Angelica..." He sighed heavily and leaned his face in close.
"Ardwulf...?" Angelica's face lit up. 'Is he...going to kiss me?' She thought as her eyes slowly closed. Her heart was pounding against her chest. 'My first...huh?'
Ardwulf's lips came to rest against Angelica's forehead. "Thank you, Angelica. I'll learn to lean on you more. In turn, I shall teach you to fight. I'll be counting on those lectures from now on, too."
"Ardwulf." Angelica's face lit up even more. 'He is so tender and affectionate.' She thought as her heart continued to pound like a drum. "Okay. We can learn together."
"Okay. And Angelica..?" Ardwulf caressed her cheek gently with the back of his hand.
"Y-yes...?" Angelica blushed and grabbed his hand gently. She held it against her cheek and gazed into his dark green eyes. They were so captivating that she thought she'd get lost gazing into them. 'When he looks at me with those tender eyes...' Angelica placed her free hand over her heart and sighed happily. 'Why won't you just kiss me, ya big lush?' She mentally berated him.
'Those eyes. When she looks at me like that, I feel like I could take on the world.' Ardwulf felt heat rise to his cheeks. 'And I sense a longing...for something...' He finished his short internal monologue before speaking again. "Well, in order to make it up to you, when we dock at the next port, would you go out on a date with me?" He scratched his cheek shyly with his free hand as he continued to caress her cheek with his thumb.
Angelica watched as Ardwulf just gazed into her eyes for what seemed like an eternity. "A...date?" Angelica's face lit up and her cheeks darkened considerably. "I...I would love that. That would be a good start to make up for making me cry." She whispered sheepishly. 'I've never been on a date, but, I think it's the same for him.'
"Hehe." Tamm merely chuckled and shrugged her arms. "Ardy, let me bum another smoke." She stepped up and interrupted the tender moment.
"Mm? Geez, Tamm. I'll have to buy more at the next port if I keep giving them out like candy." Ardwulf chuckled softly and reluctantly pulled away from Angelica. He gently grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Here." He pulled out his pack and held it out towards her.
"Well, what do you expect? You're lucky I'm not charging you a transport fee. It can get pretty...pricy." Tamm grinned and took two this time. She tucked one behind her ear and stuck the other one between her lips.
Ardwulf took one out for himself and mimicked her actions. They both lit their cigarettes at the same time and inhaled slowly.
"So, we never had that discussion about our destination, Tamm." Ardwulf took a drag from his cig, exhaled slowly and leaned against the starboard side of the schooner.
"Ah, right." Tamm exhaled and walked over to stand beside him. "The Republic of Belorast. That's our next stop. We have some cargo to unload. We'll be docked for a week. After that it's back to Nandorien. What are you going to do?" She took another long drag and exhaled slowly.
"I'm not sure. I suppose that's something Angelica and I will need to discuss. Right?" Ardwulf exhaled and looked to his other side
Angelica had snuck up beside him and proceeded to lean against him, her head rested against his shoulder. "As long as you're with me, I don't care where we go or what we do." She whispered sheepishly. She grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and held on tight.
'She is so attached to him. It's kind of adorable.' Tamm thought to herself and tossed her cig off the ship. "Well, we'll be docking at Port City Throywich. Belorast police their borders, plus with those massive stone walls, I doubt even Eimrand would be dumb enough to invade. Even if they are after you or her, you should be safe in Throywich for the time being."
"Oh, I've been there before. Throywich can't hold a candle to Laham, but that is Longrest's Capital City, so it shouldn't be a surprise. It's a fun little place, though." Ardwulf explained. He took one last drag from his cig and tossed it off the ship, as well.
"Wow. It sounds like fun. So, now that you know where we're going, have you started thinking about what we're gonna do on our date?" Angelica blushed and buried her face into Ardwulf's sleeve.
"Well, it's been five years, a lot can change in that time. I'll have to just wing it for now and hope nothing has changed TO much." Ardwulf chuckled softly when Angelica hid her face from him. He just reached up and gently rubbed the top of her head as the three of them enjoyed the ocean breeze.
"How long until we reach port, Captain?" Angelica continued to blush, especially after Ardwulf started petting the top of her head. 'Well, now, this I really like.' She thought to herself and sighed happily.
"Hm. If the wind holds, six hours. We should reach port just before nightfall." Tamm stepped away from the side of the ship. "Well, duty calls. Gotta keep these men in shape, otherwise they start slacking."
"Hm. Well, Angelica, guess it's just you and me." Ardwulf blushed a bit. 'The thought of being alone with her makes my heartbeat quicken.'
"I guess so." Angelica wrapped both of her arms around Ardwulf's right arm. "Hey Ardwulf?"
"Hm? Yes, Angelica?" Ardwulf looked down and gazed into her beautiful pink eyes. He felt heat begin to rise in his cheeks once more.
Angelica gazed back up into his eyes and couldn't help but smile like an idiot. "Thank you." She whispered and stood up on her tippy toes. Her arms wrapped loosely around Ardwulf's neck as she planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. "That's for being so sweet on me."
"Angelica..." Ardwulf blushed as she pressed her body against him and kissed his cheek. He smiled softly and placed his on the cheek she just kissed. "Well, it's nothing you need to thank me for, but, I'll gladly accept it." He continued. 'Why do I feel at ease around her? And why is it so easy to speak to her, to open up to her like I have? Other than my mother, she's the first person who I consider to be extremely important to me.'
"If you keep staring so much, you're gonna make me feel self conscious." Angelica shifted nervously in his arms. 'I think I know what these feelings mean. The only question is...' She looked back into Ardwulf's eyes. 'I think he shares my thoughts, though.' She giggled innocently to herself.
"Well, I'm not entirely sure what to do now. We've already had lunch so, what else could we do to pass the time?" Ardwulf questioned.
"Well, we could take a nap?" Angelica suggested. "I've never slept on a boat before, so I'm curious to see how that feels." She took a step back from Ardwulf's arms. 'I wonder how that would feel, too...' She thought and then all the color drained from her face. 'I can't believe my mind just went to such provocative and lewd images!' She screamed at herself internally. 'But...' She looked back up at Ardwulf. 'I don't think I would mind if it was him...' Angelica thought for sure her legs were going to give out.
"A nap, huh? That could work." Ardwulf pondered out loud. 'I wonder if Tamm has any board games or cards. Maybe I could swindle some money from Tamm's crew.' He chuckled softly to himself. When Angelica backed away, he watched as her face went pale as a ghost. "Hey, Angelica. Are you alright? You feeling motion sick again?" Ardwulf stepped to her side. "Shall I carry you to the bed?" He asked concern evident in his voice.
"C-carry me to bed...?" Angelica's look grew anxious. 'Oh, Ardwulf. If only you were aware of what I've been thinking. Offering to carry me to bed while my mind is in the gutter.' She started to fan her face gently with her hands. 'Okay. Deep breaths. He didn't mean it like that. He seems a little dense, too.' She tried to get her breathing under control. "Y-yeah. Could...um...I mean, would you carry me to bed?"
'What's going through her mind?' Ardwulf thought as he watched her fan her red face. 'She's seems nervous. I wonder why? I've carried her twice now, we've already slept in the same bed, and we've been very affectionate to each other.' He tried to rationalize her behavior, but he couldn't come up with any reasons. "Of course, my lady." He folded one arm across his chest and bowed deep.
"Hehe, why thank you, my glorious knight." Angelica lifted the ends of her skirt and gave a small curtsy. "You're such a dork, Ardwulf." She giggled at this handsome young man's playful demeanor.
"Oh, a knight, am I? Well, that's a first." Ardwulf grinned as he gently picked Angelica up into one of his, by this point, famous princess carry. "A dork? Ouch. You wound me, my lady. I think my pride has actually been negatively impacted. Oh, the shame." He overreacted dramatically before chuckling along with her. "Well, let's go, Angelica."
"Oh, such a drama queen." Angelica taunted and giggled softly as Ardwulf picked her up in his arms. "Well, I consider you my knight since you've done so much for me, without asking anything in return." She gently looped her arms around his neck and laid her head against his chest. 'Hehe. I can hear his heart beating rapidly.'
They followed the same path back and made it to Tamm's room in a matter of minutes. Ardwulf pushed the door open and walked inside. He carried Angelica over to the bed and laid her down gently. "I'll be right back." He whispered softly.
He walked back to the door and closed it quietly. After that, he removed his cloak, hung it on the handle, and kicked his boots off to the side. He turned around in time to see Angelica removing her high heeled shoes.
"Are you ready, Ardwulf?" Angelica blushed slightly and held her arms out towards him.
"Either I'm spoiling you, or vice versa, and I honestly don't know which one is worse." Ardwulf sighed softly and made his way over to the bed. He sat down on the edge and stretched his arms above his head. He let out a soft yawn.
"Well, what if we were both spoiled?" Angelica giggled and sat up slowly. She placed her hands flat against his back and leaned her forehead against his shoulder. "I'm sorry if I'm coming across as clingy." She whispered shyly. "I can be a bit demanding, and I apologize."
Ardwulf tensed up when he felt her press up against him, but he relaxed almost immediately. "Clingy? Demanding? Have I ever said these words to you before now?"
"Well, no...not exactly." Angelica started to gently rub Ardwulf's back. "In fact, you've been more than accommodating to my wants and needs." She continued. "I'll let you lay on me this time, how does that sound?" She teased and started running her fingers down his long, white hair. 'Such long and pretty white hair.' She thought to herself.
"That feels nice." Ardwulf sighed happily as she ran her fingers through his hair. He leaned back into her laid his head on her shoulder. "Whatever works for you, I'll be okay with it." He closed his eyes and yawned softly.
"Ardwulf." Angelica smiled and looped her arms under his and placed her palms against his chest. "Come on, let's lay down. You should rest." She whispered.
"Yeah, you're right. It's been an exhausting start since this morning." Ardwulf yawned again.
Angelica laid down and held her arms out towards him. "Come here, my knight." She blushed at her words and actions.
"Okay...my lady..." Ardwulf scratched his cheek shyly and crawled up the bed towards Angelica.
"Hehe. I don't know why, but, when you call me that, it makes me smile. Usually I feel uncomfortable and anxious, but the way you say it, my heart flutters every time." Angelica blushed. She grabbed Ardwulf's head and gently brought it down to rest on her chest.
"A-Angelica!" Ardwulf's face lit up bright red when she put his head on her chest.
"Ah, stop. Don't move so much." Angelica commanded as she bit down on her lip. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close.
"Um...o-okay..." Ardwulf sighed in defeat as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "There's just no winning with you." He wrapped his arms around her waist and gave in to her demands.
"Hehe. Not when it comes to your health and comfort." Angelica blushed and started gently stroking the top of his head. "Now, sleep." She whispered softly.
"Mm. Okay. Can you...do that until I fall asleep..?" Ardwulf questioned and closed his eyes slowly.
"Whatever you want, my brave knight." Angelica continued to stroke his head affectionately until she heard him snoring softly.
"Hehe. There's just something about you, Ardwulf." Angelica watched the young man sleep as she gently caressed his cheek with the back of her hand. "Please don't leave me." She whispered and leaned her face close. She planted a gentle kiss on his forehead and laid back down. Her breathing fell into sync with his as she fell asleep, too.
[Four Hours Later]
Ardfulf awoke a few hours later and yawned softly. He looked up over Angelica's chest and smiled softly as he watched her sleep. Her face was tinged red, but she was all smiles as she held onto him. "So adorable." He whispered softly. 'Now, can I get out of her arms without waking her?' He thought to himself as he carefully pulled his arm out from underneath her body. 'Okay. Phase One, Complete. Now, Phases Two.' He slowly removed her arms from around his neck. Once that was done, he was able to easily get up from the bed without disturbing her. 'Whew. Okay. Now to head topside. I need a smoke.'
Ardfulf crept to the door and grabbed his cloak off the handle. As quietly as he could, he opened the door and managed to creep out of Tamm's room. "There. I'll be back to wake her soon." He made a beeline straight to the top deck.
"Heya, Ardy. You've been pretty quiet down there. I guess nothing happened?" Tamm teased as she hollered at him from the helm.
"What did you think would happen?" Ardwulf retorted and slipped his cigarette between his lips. He lit the tip and took a long drag.
"Well, I don't know. Two consenting adults, strong feelings of attraction, and alone on a boat they stowed away on together? It's kind of romantic, no?" Tamm continued to tease Ardwulf.
"Oh, blow me, Tamm. I just woke up. Let my mind finish rebooting." Ardwulf exhaled slowly and stuck his middle finger up at Tamm.
"Well, glad to see your sense of humor still works even when you aren't fully awake." Tamm grinned. "You're right on time."
"For what?" Ardwulf took another long drag.
"We actually got here in record time. Throywich is just on the horizon. I'd say another thirty minutes and we'll be within docking range." Tamm informed him and pointed toward the stern.
"Hm? Well, that's some good news. I was getting a little antsy. I don't like being cooped up this long." Ardwulf took one more long drag from his cig and then tossed it over the port side of the schooner. 'I guess I'll have to decide what we want to do. Man, that's gonna be tough.' Ardwulf sighed as he walked to the forward part of the ship and stared across the sea at the Port City. He slowly ran one hand backwards through his own hair and let the breeze calm his mind. 'Should we stay in Belorast? I can't go back to Valarin, and she can't return to the Duchies. What about...?' Ardwulf walked to the stern of the ship and stared out towards the ocean. 'It would take months, but we could flee to the other continent. They wouldn't expect that, would they?'
Tamm watched in silence as Ardwulf paced from one end of the ship to the other. 'He can't go home to Valarin. After all, he went AWOL. That's a treasonous offense, no matter what he's done for them. They would rather see him hang then let him be used against them. Could he be thinking about going across the ocean?'
"Why are you looking so forlorn, my knight?"
"Hm?" Ardwulf felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist. "Thinking about the future." He gently grabbed Angelica's wrist. "We could cross the ocean. They would never find us then." He whispered softly.
"It doesn't matter to me." Angelica placed her forehead against his toned back. "Just as long as you are with me."
"Angelica. Is it just because I saved your life that you want to be near me?" Ardwulf hated himself for asking, but he had to know.
"No, I want to be near you because you're you, Ardwulf. The fact that you saved my life had nothing to do with my decision. The night we met, as you held me close, I felt a sadness in you. A longing for something more. Maybe I'm just a sentimental idiot, but, I felt that, as you held me close, we connected. Something between us was sparked. It wasn't some random chance encounter. I feel like...this was destiny. I want to be with you, Ardwulf. Even if the whole world turns against you, I would never do anything to hurt you." She squeezed Ardwulf tightly and pressed her body against him. "I hope that, if nothing else, you believe that my feelings for you are real."
"But you know what I've done, Angelica. How could you want to spend your life around something like me?" Ardwulf shouted. "I'm just a tool who's only talent in life is to take everything that's precious from people! I don't deserve your feelings. I don't deserve to be happy. And yet..." He turned around in Angelica's arms. "And yet I want you by my side. I want you to myself. The thought of you going back home and marrying another man. It tears me up inside, Angelica. I'm being so selfish by saying that, but my heart feels like it's gonna break every time I think of you leaving and not being by my side. I don't know what this feeling is, and I hate myself for being this way."
"Ardwulf..." Angelica teared up. 'He called himself something and not someone. What did they do to you, Ardwulf?' Her promise to herself not to cry was broken when Ardwulf spoke of her going back home. 'He...hurts inside when he thinks of me...with any other man except him. Is that jealousy? Does he really care for me so that it would break his heart to be without me?' She covered her mouth and started to sob loudly into his chest. "You big idiot! Of course I want to stay by your side. I've never wanted anything more in my life. The last two days I've spent with you, I've smiled more than I have in the whole nineteen years of my life! You make me smile with such ease. Like it's something you've done all your life! And don't call yourself a tool! I don't see you that way! I want you, Ardwulf! After being with you, I could never bear the thought of being with another man! I know we just met, but, my heart hasn't stopped pounding violently for more than two minutes at a time since we've been together. Your words, your actions, your emotions. Everything you've said and done has only made me smile more. Don't hate yourself, my big, dumb knight. Because..." She looked up with tears in her eyes. "Because I could never hate you."
"Angelica?" Ardwulf stared in awe at this young woman as she laid into more and more with each sentence. 'She is...crying for me and because of me once again.' He sighed and shook his head slowly as she sobbed into his chest. When she spoke of how easy he made her happy, and that she wanted him and how no other man could replace him, Ardwulf himself started to sob softly. 'How? How does she know just what I need to hear?' He wrapped Angelica up in his arms and swept her off her feet with relative ease. "I could never hate you, either, Angelica. I don't know what I'd do without you. That's twice you've saved me from losing myself in the darkness. I don't know if I can ever repay you."
"Ardwulf..." Angelica blushed when he swept her off her feet and into his arms. When spoke of never being able to repay her, she giggled innocently. "You'll spend your whole life with me trying to repay me for that." She smiled beautifully as she locked eyes with him. 'He...is all I'll ever want in this life. When the time is right, Ardwulf, I'll tell you. I promise.' She thought to herself and buried her face into his neck. "Are you okay?" She nuzzled her face into his neck.