never take advice from someone who just admitted to being devious and just confessed to treason
Whatever storm clouds had hung over Roland's head the past several seasons, the constant misery that had weighed upon his shoulders, dragging him down, had faded away and left room for the sun to shine. It was a pleasant warmth upon his skin, golden rays illuminating the copper of his coat, glinting off the blade that curved forth from his forehead. He absorbed it all while he could, the heat alleviating the early morning chill, relaxing his muscles as he waded through the snow. The particular beauty of winter, pale and bright, almost began to hold a certain allure to Roland, one he had never noticed before, and he embraced it before the sun could slip behind the clouds once more, and he would be reminded of how little he cared for the season.
He followed behind Lena at a leisurely pace, determined to take his time, soak in familiar sights, landmarks and monuments he hadn't gazed upon in years, things he hadn't even realized had been missed in his absence. Every time the Songbird turned, cast a look back at him, his heart swelled and he was filled with a warmth greater than what the sun could ever offer him. He was unable to help the smile that would always broaden into a grin at the sight of her, so full of life and joy, looking every bit the angel, the ethereal and otherworldly being he had always known her to be.
And he listened intently, more intently than he ever had, to the offerings of words and information she provided him, no matter how inconsequential, how trivial, he accepted them all as if they were beyond value, nodded his head along to her eager chatter, filed some portions away for later perusal, and let the sound of her voice wash over him, distract him from all other thoughts. Occasionally he would offer a comment of his own, a brief exchange before lapsing into a comfortable silence, content to let her fill the air with all manner of stories and tales. He was so happy to see her at ease, in her element, radiant like the sun. Yet still, beneath the joy his heart ached for past wrongdoings, still felt the knife of regret and shame wriggling its way between his ribs.
This journey was nothing like his last, sunken into monotony and tedium, pattern and repetition, like a machine. He was not company only to his own thoughts and ruminations, occupied by a personal crusade- and then... nothing- idly observing the forests and mountains as they passed him by, fortresses of tree and stone, noting all the things that sparked old memories and feelings, scraps of sentiment discovered amidst the plains and hills, inspiring fondness or melancholy. He watched Imogen dart alongside them, a speck, a blur of ivory against a backdrop of white, hardly distinguishable, but he observed her antics with amusement, and decided he never wanted to return to solitude.
They arrived at last, Roland doing his best to ignore the trepidation that made attempts to creep into his mind. The sentinels carved an imposing image against the snow, towering over them like gargoyles. Perhaps they would not let him pass, deeming him unworthy to return, to find a home and have peace; perhaps they would cross their swords and demand he turn back, or strike him down where he stood. His nerves were eased when he looked back down, finding the Songbird, soaking in her joy, her fearlessness, and he was heartened once more. Expecting the worst out of every situation would do him no good. He would take the plunge, welcome whatever fate befell him, and regret nothing. Above the approval and respect of others, he had earned the affection of the only one who mattered.
He didn't let his wariness seep through the cracks of his resolve, drawing up beside Lena and giving her a winning smile, reaching out to nudge her shoulder with his nose.
"
Ready as I'll ever be," he chuckled, and took the first steps back into his home.
@Lena
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