I sat up against the headboard of the bed. Rasler's head rested on my chest and my fingers combed through his soft, bleached blonde hair. His eyes fluttered a little as he took in a breath. I smiled. It was strange, being so happy, in a time of war. Our marriage meant many things. It meant we were now husband and wife. It meant Nabradia and Dalmasca were united nations. It meant all my brothers were dead. It meant my father and husband would be sent to war. It was sad, almost depressing. But I wasn't sad or scared, not yet. I was married to the most wonderful man I could have ever hoped to have met. Today's festivities had left us in a state of ecstasy from excitement and joy and love. Rasler had fallen asleep as soon as he lay down. But I couldn't sleep. I was too high off of the day. I was still a blushing bride.

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

"Be save," I whispered as Rasler held me tight against him.

"I will, I promise," he said. He kissed the top of my head and then rested his chin there. I had cried myself out and was relaxing, soaking up my precious few moments with my love. He would be leaving for war the next day and I was hoping beyond hope that he would be safe. I didn't want him to leave, but what choice did he have? He was King of Nabradia now and I was his Queen. It would be our last night together.

"You know what we're going to do when I get back?" he said, lifting my gaze to his with his finger under my chin.

"What?" I asked as he wiped my eyes.

"I'm going to take you all over Ivalice," he said. I giggled.

"I'm serious," he said, kissing my eyelids, my forehead, my nose, my cheeks, my lips.

"I love you so much Ashe," he said, hugging me tight. I hugged him back, rubbing my nose against his.

"I love you, too," I replied.

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

The dreaded day came. I stood outside the palace, watching as my father and husband readied themselves for battle. Rasler looked so radiant in his armor; I was nearly in tears. He looked up at me, meeting my gaze and giving me a weak smile. I ran to him and collided into him with such ferocity he stumbled. I sobbed; what else was I to do? He held me, gently rocking back and forth.

"Oh Ashe, don't cry," he said, lifting my chin and drying my eyes.

"We'll be okay, I promise," he said. I nodded, calming myself. That was my Rasler. So calm and brave. He rested his forehead against mine, holding my forearms. I held his elbows. We closed our eyes and breathed deeply. We just stood there, connected, for however short or long a time.

"I love you with all my heart," I said.

"I know. I love you too," he said.

"My Lord, it's time!" called a soldier. I bit my lip to prevent myself from sobbing.

"Don't go sleeping with anyone else while I'm gone," he joked. I giggled past my tears.

"I won't," I said. He lifted me a little off the ground and swung me around.

"I"ll be back to you as soon as I can love," he said, placing me down. We kissed and hugged. I didn't want to let go. But I did, and I watched him walk away. He mounted his chocobo, and as he rode off he blew a kiss and waved. I did so in return. That was the last time I saw my Rasler a live.

Meep! I'm sooooo sappy! Oh well, I like melodramatic sap! Anyway, review; please and thank you. No flames, but I like constructive critisism