Something was stirring, she could sense it.  Everything was coming to end, but it didn’t matter.  All things come to an end right?  It seemed that even the tree she was leaning understood that emotion.

“Elaide, do you remember,” a soft spoken boy sat next to her, “the day it all started?”

She nodded as the wind ruffled her black hair.  How could she not remember the beginning?  That was the day they had first met.

“Are you scared?” she asked, staring off into the distance.

“Not as long as you’re with me.”

She smiled and ruffled his short brownish blonde hair, “Just remember we’re in this together Fen.”

Fen nodded and returned her smile.  He then placed his head on her shoulder.  The warmth of his skin felt good in the cool night air.  He was the closest thing to a family she had ever known.  She knew this quiet wouldn’t last, but it didn’t hurt to hope for it to continue.  This hope was dashed by the familiar sound of an explosion.

“Come on, they’re getting close.  We need to get further away.”

Fen held Elaide’s hand tightly as she led him through the tall grass that provided them little cover.  She wasn’t going to give up on saving him just yet, there was still a chance.  Even if it was a slim chance to free him.  No one should have to be a sacrifice for a world he or she has never even seen.  She could feel his pulse through his hand as it tightened around hers.  The end was coming, but not yet.

“I want you to be able to see Fen.  Even if we don’t make it, I want you to see the world at least once.  I won’t give up until then, so please don’t give up on me either.”

“Elaide, don’t you know that I could never give up on you.”  Fen smiled and raised his head.

To be continued…