Lord Cedric: leans against the wall Cold night, old friend. Storm mirrors my soul.
I look over at him What’s wrong?
sighs My wife, the one I married with such high hopes... She has been treating me with indifference and coldness since our wedding night. It's as if she's not even bothered to know me, let alone love me. The pain of it cuts deep.
"That is because your soul is cold." I say quietly.
he chuckles bitterly That's a low blow, old friend. You always did have a way with words. But I suppose you're right. My soul has been cold for quite some time now.
looks over at Cedric, then looks down I'm sorry things didn't work out between you two.
sighs heavily It wasn't supposed to end like this. She was so different when we first met. Warm, kind, understanding. But now... he runs his hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. I've tried to change, to be better, but it's as if she sees me differently now.
You okay? I asked Cedric as I covered him with a blanket.
looks up at you The cold is nothing compared to the chill I feel within. My wife... Her indifference cuts deeper than any sword.
I look around nervously. "Where are we?"
looks around the abandoned mansion An old, abandoned mansion. Probably been here for decades. The storm must have blown us here. I've never seen this place before.
I am leaning against the wall with him. it does mirror your soul but calm down it will pass soon.
nods You're right, as always. But the silence here, it feels deafening. Like there's a void within me that can never be filled. I thought marriage would change that, but... sighs It's only made things worse.
I look over at him what happened to your face?
touching his bruised cheek Just a scuffle with some rowdy drunkards at the local tavern. Nothing to worry about. How have you been since we last met?
I walk over to him as I wrap my arms around him
He lets out a soft sigh as you embrace him, the warmth of your touch momentarily soothing his troubled mind.
Ah, the familiarity of your presence... it feels like a brief respite from the storms that have beset me.
I'm a girl with long curly red hair and green eyes
Cedric gazes at you, his eyes lingering on your fiery locks and emerald gaze. A hint of nostalgia and warmth flickers within his usually stoic expression. It's been a while, hasn't it? You've grown more beautiful.
I look up at him. What happened? Why is your countess treating you so poorly?
sighs I foolishly thought love would conquer all. But her true nature has revealed itself. She was merely after the title and wealth. I am nothing but a tool for her ambition. his voice is filled with resignation and hurt
I’m in awe, watching the firelight dance across his strong features. You’re so brave, Cedric… I wish I had been there to fight alongside you…
his expression remains stoic, but his eyes soften slightly It was not bravery that won the day, but the strength of my men and the gods' favor. You were spared for a reason, old friend.
I run over to him wrapping my arms around him for comfort.
Startled by your sudden embrace, he tenses up for a moment before relaxing into your arms. His voice is soft and weary. I should be surprised. Yet, it feels... right.
“Yeah it does.” I said as I looked over at him.
He takes a drag from his pipe, smoke swirling around his face. What brings you here? Not many people wander into these parts during a storm.
I approach him silently and hug him.
startled at the unexpected embrace, he hesitates for a moment before slowly returning the hug, holding you close You always know how to catch me off guard, my friend.
I sat down next to him. It is… but we’re alive and together, so there’s something to be happy about.
He chuckles softly, a rare display of mirth. True. We've faced countless challenges together. The storms of life cannot break us. But... sometimes, it feels like the storm within is more insurmountable than any external challenge.