Aloha|Grandisle, Firegem Isles

[Darastrix]

Crawford felt his breath catch at her words and he bent to press his lips firmly to hers. Now it wasn't just his soul shedding tears, and he wondered that it was possible to feel such elation and heartbreak all at once. How could he leave her now? How could he NOT leave and try to get aid for her?

Empathy wasn't his strong suit at all, but close as they were and as strongly as he felt, it wasn't hard to project his emotions to her. Fear, worry, and sorrow mingled with joy, affection, and love. He couldn't sustain it for long, but it was long enough.

[Kender Bard]

Delilah shivered in his arms; she'd never been on the receiving end of empathy of any kind, and her own emotions, so similar to his own, left her feeling weak.

She kissed him until she thought her lungs would surely burst and when she pulled away, she buried her face against his shoulder and sobbed. "Forces, oh Forces! I don't want to lose you! I can't have you and I'll die without you!"

She lifted her head and whispered in agony, "But how can I let you go?" Is this a trial? A punishment from the Forces? "My people... or my one chance at happiness?"

[Darastrix]

Crawford shuddered and held her tightly. He prided himself on his pragmatism, his ability to make decisions without letting emotions get in the way, but how could he possibly make this one without them?

~Ragnar,~ he sent, his mindvoice choked with emotion. ~I need your advice, desperately. I have to return to Naruta, but Delilah.... I don't think I can leave her.~

[Kender Bard]

Ragnar's mind voice was colored with surprise. You and Delilah...? I hadn't thought- No, no matter. He fell silent for a few minutes before finally saying, Come to my house. Both of you. I think I might see a solution to be had.

[Darastrix]

Thank Etaf.

At the thought that Ragnar might have an answer, Crawford relaxed a little, and gently wiped at Delilah's face with his sleeve. "Ragnar says he might have a solution," he murmured. "I'll take us to him."

[Kender Bard]

Delilah looked a little more hopeful and she nodded, brushing away his tears as well.

Once they'd teleported to Ragnar's house, Delilah led the way to his personal study where the man often was and where she suspected he was then. He was standing, pacing a little, and stopped when he saw the pair. "Forces."

"That's what I've been saying a lot lately," Delilah laughed weakly but it turned into a short, choked sob. "Oh, Ragnar, I love him. I don't want him to go but-"

"I know," Ragnar said in a low voice, glancing between the two. "Delilah... You really do love him? This isn't some... fancy you've suddenly taken up with?"

"I've never been more sure of anything else before," Delilah answered soberly.

Ragnar sighed and walked over, drawing Delilah into his own arms and hugging her tight. "Then we do what we must. Make me your king."

Delilah jerked back, shocked. "What?" she breathed.

"You've wanted me to rule for years now," he replied. "Name me regent, abdicate the throne, and run. Run for your life, for Grandisle, to Naruta for help."

"Ragnar... But... You said you'd never-"

"I said you couldn't make me rule if you tied me to the throne and nailed the crown to my head," Ragnar interrupted. "But love? That will move me. Delilah... You are like a daughter to me. I've watched you grow up since you were just a little girl. I love you with all of my heart and if your happiness, and your life, means taking on this responsibility." He sighed. "Then I will. And if you return someday and want it back, I will give it to you."

Delilah looked between Ragnar and Crawford. Two dreams coming true at once. "I must be dreaming. Brad, if I do this... You won't think less of me for leaving my people like this, will you?"

[Darastrix]

Crawford had listened to the exchange with a growing sense of hope. This was possible. And--self-serving an idea as it might be--it just might be what Grandisle needed. At Delilah's question, he shook his head. "If you were the kind of person who could leave them and put them completely out of your mind once you were safe, I would," he said. "But that isn't the person you are. It isn't the woman I Saw. And on Naruta, yours might be the voice that moves them to action. A queen pleading on behalf of her people may carry more weight than a seer from another country, even one with my reputation."

[Kender Bard]

"Then I will do it," Delilah said firmly. "Though... Timothy isn't here to officiate the matter. Technically, it's not legal."

"I don't think anyone's going to give a parrot's feathery ass who's wearing the crown as long as someone is," Ragnar replied. "Besides. You can always chalk it up to the last great scandal of your reign. The queen runs off with her Narutan lover, leaving the crown in the hands of the only non-Soahcian on the island." He smiled. "It'll be the talk of the century."

Delilah embraced him again. "I will never forget this, Ragnar. I love you."

"I love you too, Delilah," Ragnar murmured and stroked her hair as he hugged her back. "Come home to us soon and with an avenging army at your back."

Delilah let go of him and returned to Crawford's side, taking his hand in her own. "I'll write a note before we depart and spread it through my House messengers. Goodbye, Ragnar." She glanced at Crawford. "I'll pack light and we can leave immediately."

[Darastrix]

Crawford nodded. "Thank you, Ragnar," he said.

~Maybe the dancer's rose is blue instead of black,~ he added privately.

"If Felicitas and her family haven't gone yet, I'd be happy to take them to Naruta as well. It's the very least I could do to repay you." And Delilah could have a friend with her as well.

[Kender Bard]

I think you're right, Ragnar thought. Aloud he said, "Bless your soul, Crawford. I was going to send them to Celentia but Naruta would be far safer still. If you would, I greatly appreciate it."

"Be safe, my friend," Delilah told him.

Ragnar nodded gravely. "I will do my best. Take care of each other."