[If someone had asked Linhardt how he felt about soulmates five years ago, he would have replied that it was a load of hogwash and he didn't like the idea of them. As it stands, if someone asked now, he would reply with the same opinion despite, currently, being stupidly in love with his soulmate.
He loves Ferdinand because he's Ferdinand. Not because he's his soulmate. And he fully intends to tell him that. Probably... Someday.
He wishes he had told him sooner. Since a lot has happened in five years. A whole wars worth, in fact.
Linhardt has been holed up in his territory for most of that time, desperate to focus on his research and ignore any news of bloodshed or conquest. However, as the Millennium Festival draws near, research is at the very farthest from Linhardt's mind. Instead, replaced by the promise the professor and his classmates had made. And Ferdinand. The mark of his soulmate is still on his chest, he checks it every day, so Ferdinand is still alive out there. But Linhardt worries. And he longs. He longs to see Ferdinand again.
Ferdinand would never break a promise.
So, Linhardt makes an excuse for himself: he's going to Bergliez territory to see Caspar. Don't expect him back any time soon. His father doesn't suspect a thing. For all intents and purposes, that's where Linhardt ends up anyway. It's along the way to his final destination: the remains of Garreg Mach.
The stars seem to align there in Bergliez territory. Linhardt is taking his time preparing for the long trek that is going to be traveling through Gondor Field when he spots an all too familiar mare just outside of the village he's currently in. She's just as beautiful as Linhardt remembers: tan coat shiny in the sun. Well kept white mane. Duchess Marigold von Aegir is as well loved as she's always been and she brings such relief to Linhardt's heart.
He approaches her with caution, aware of the orange sunspot just a few paces away from her underneath a tree. She must be guarding him.] Long time no see, Marigold. Are you being a good guard-horse? [She winnies and scuffs her hooves against the ground in response. Linhardt pats the sides of her muzzle and gives her a kiss.] I've missed you, too.
[His attention is then on the sunspot. Really, Linhardt can't help but smile, to fall asleep in a place like this.] And you... taking a page from my book are you? [He talks softly to himself - to his most beloved. Then yawns.] That's actually not such a terrible idea....
[Ferdinand wont mind if he joins him, surely. Linhardt settles next to him, letting his head fall on Ferdinand's shoulder...and sleep finds him with ease.]
[ Ferdinand is no longer a noble - hasn't been since Edelgard became Adrestia's newest emperor and deposed his father - but noble blood still runs in his veins. Even though he has no lands, no home to speak of anymore, he has a duty to protect his people from the negative impacts of this war.
(he doesn't understand why she's doing this. why hubert still follows her so loyally. should he have swallowed his pride and followed her? or did he do the right thing, severing the strings that have tied him to her for so long, and carving his own path forward?
he always wanted to be there to guide her, to advise her when she deviates from the path of justice - but she probably never saw him at all.)
For the past five years, he has devoted himself solely to the common-folk. He's been single-minded in this... to the point where he lost track of time, and almost forgot about the Millennium Festival. But Ferdinand von Aegir is not about to break his promise to his classmates and professor... or to his soulmate.
The Ferdinand Linhardt encounters curled up beneath a tree, lance loose in his grip, is a Ferdinand who had to ride quickly through former Aegir territory to ensure he'd make it to the monastery with time to spare. He truly didn't mean to fall asleep - he had merely wanted to give his beloved Duchess Marigold von Aegir a moment's rest, and to catch his breath before making the journey across Gronder Field. But he doesn't stir when Linhardt approaches, nor when he settles next to him and drifts off as well. Though in his dreams, he feels a sudden, familiar warmth bloom when he sets his head on his shoulder, washing over him in gentle waves.
Eventually, his eyes blink open slowly, and he jolts as he registers the weight against him. His hand twitches around the shaft of his lance, but before he acts, he takes in the form beside him. Dark, emerald green hair tucked behind his ears and cascading over his shoulders, with a bun held together by a delicate white ribbon in the back... gentle features, softened further by the peace of sleep... and a familiar scent of wood and paper hitting his nose.
His heart aches in his chest, and he swears he can feel his soulmate's words burn beneath his glove and gauntlet. He wants to contain his excitement and let Linhardt rest for longer (hevring territory is quite a ways away from bergliez - who knows how long he's been on the road) but he finds himself unable to hold back a moment longer.
Carefully, he tucks a few loose strands of hair behind his ear, then brushes his hand slowly over his cheek. ] It seems that even after all this time, you still cannot resist the allure of a good nap. [ His voice is warm and fond, and he smiles easier now than he has in years. ] But I am relieved you have not changed a bit, Linhardt.
[Before Ferdinand speaks, Linhardt only stirs. The touch, the warmth of Ferdinand's hand on his cheek, makes the corners of his lips quirk and he turn into Ferdinand's shoulder. Ferdinand speaks and Linhardt nuzzles into his shoulder. He wraps his arms around Ferdinand's own arm.] And I, you.[His voice is still heavy with sleep. He may not even be totally awake yet.] You've always made for a wonderful pillow. [Even with his armor.]
Though, it is incredibly unlike you to fall asleep... in a place like this. You're lucky it's me that came across you in this state [If it sounds like he's scolding, he's not actually. Linhardt yawns, still hiding in Ferdinand's shoulder.] Duchess... is not a very good guard dog....
[ As students, they spent many afternoons (and mornings. and evenings. linhardt takes a lot of naps.) like this, with Linhardt curled around Ferdinand while he made an effort to work on his assignments for the next day. So it's... nostalgic, the way his soulmate tucks into him and speaks so casually, like everything's normal and the world isn't actively burning around them.
Idly, he brushes back more strands of hair. ] Of course she is not a good guard dog - after all, Duchess Marigold is a horse. [ He chuckles softly at his own joke. ] But truthfully, I did not intend to fall asleep here. I had only intended on taking a short break before making my way across Gronder Field.
[ With anyone else, he might think twice about being so... openly affectionate in a public place. But this is Linhardt - his soulmate - whom he's missed so terribly, so he leans his head against his with a soft sigh. ] So, indeed, I am lucky that it was you who found me here. [ So very, very lucky. ] Are you returning to the monastery for the Millennium Festival as well? Or did some other matter bring you here?
You. [He says so matter-of-factly and after a pause, a breath, Linhardt looks up from his spot on Ferdinand’s shoulder.] The Millennium Festival, too, of course. [Because of course he’s curious to see how everyone’s changed - grown. However, his most compelling reason for returning, besides Ferdinand, vanished five years ago.] But I don’t think I could be bothered to go if I didn’t know you would be there as well.
[He lowers his head.] And here you are. Almost like it’s ... fate.
[ Linhardt doesn't believe in fate, which makes the gravity of his words all the more apparent. Ferdinand feels his face heat up a little, a light dusting of pink, as his smile continues to grow. ]
Whatever it was, I am truly overjoyed to be reunited with you. It has been a long five years since we last saw each other.
[ Especially long for Ferdinand, but he won't damper their spirits with that just yet. Instead, he notes fondly ] Your hair has grown out a bit, has it not? It makes you look quite... [ handsome. beautiful. lovely. ] noble. [ ... still high praise. ]
["Noble." Linhardt snorts. Only Ferdinand would consider that a compliment.]
I could say the same to you. [Ferdinand's hair is so long now. Far longer than he'd ever thought Ferdinand would let it grow.] I think... you don't quite look like a noble now but maybe, rather, [a pause for thought] a hero? Like from storybooks.
I like it. [He finally pulls away from Ferdinand's shoulder so he can stretch, arms high above him, as if that will distract Ferdinand from what he's said.]
[ That stretching does, indeed, fail to distract Ferdinand from his words. He blinks dumbly at Linhardt, processing his words.
He... thinks he looks like a hero? Like from the legends???
The blush on his face turns a shade darker as he tucks a long strand of hair behind his ear. ] That was not my intention... I simply never thought to get it cut. [ For five whole years. ] But I truly appreciate your compliment.
It suits you. [Ferdinand is being really cute with the blushing and playing with his hair and it's truly unfair. Linhardt would be a little annoyed if he wasn't entirely enamored.
Linhardt looks out into the distant landscape. It really is lucky they've met up now, before reaching Garreg Mach. It's nice to just take a moment - especially since they don't know what to expect of their reunion. Something tells him it might be a trap: they're going to end up in something deeper than they expected. They're going to have to fight. It's probably a trap.
So, if he has anything to say to Ferdinand... he should probably say it now.]
Ferdinand, I have something to say. So listen closely, okay?
[ Ferdinand has similar thoughts. Though he's truly looking forward to seeing their classmates, he has a feeling it'll be more than just a simple reunion between old friends. After all, when they promised to meet all those years ago, Edelgard and Hubert had been there. They'll know where to find them - and while Ferdinand can't imagine Edelgard sending Imperial forces just to wipe out the six of them, if he's learned anything since she rose to power, it's that he doesn't know her as well as he thought.
So he blinks again, but nods. ] Of course. What do you wish to tell me, Linhardt?
I love you. [He's still looking into the distance. Wouldn't it be nice if they could just stay like this.] I've loved you all this time - since our Academy days.
[Even Linhardt is not immune to the embarrassment of confessing such a thing. His cheeks color slightly.] I don't regret most things - it's too much effort. Too much emotional strain to bother. But I regret not telling you sooner. I regret not telling you five years ago. [Before everything turned around on them. Before Edelgard pulled the rug out from beneath everyone's feet - beneath Ferdinand's feet and then he went missing for five years.]
I've never felt more caged than I have these past five years; and not just by my father but by my own fear. I hadn't a clue where you were, Ferdinand. [He clutches over his heart.] My only comfort was your name on my chest.
[ When those three little words - "I love you" - leave Linhardt's lips, Ferdinand has to bite the inside of his cheek to keep himself from blurting his reply.
He loves him. He loves him. He loves him, he loves him, he loves him.
Goddess, he doesn't even know how long he's felt this way anymore. Ages, as far as he's concerned. But loving Linhardt feels as natural as being by his side - as easy as resting his hand over Linhardt's and squeezing tight. ]
I- I love you, too, Linhardt! Truly! My heart is singing with pure joy, to hear that you feel the same as I do! [ Their distance, though small, is too much for Ferdinand to bear. Not when he speaks of regrets, of missing him, with such sadness in his voice.
Clumsily, eagerly, he wraps his other arm around Linhardt's shoulder and pulls him close, holding him in a half-embrace. ] And I promise, I will not leave you alone again. I will stay by your side, so long as you want me. [ A tight squeeze. ] I do not wish to make you sad, ever again.
[Linhardt sighs heavy through his nose, exasperated. Indignant.] I wasn't sad, I was terrified.
[Which is no better and he understands Ferdinand's sentiment will remain the same. So Linhardt reaches and returns Ferdinand's embrace. He buries his face into his neck, nosing into his warmth.] I'll hold you to that. Whatever happens next... whatever we may find at Garreg Mach, you mustn't leave my side. Not until we can spend our days in peace, lazy in love, and napping in sun spots. And even then...
[ "Terrified" sits heavier in Ferdinand's chest. He had little reason to fear for Linhardt's safety these past five years - his father may have pledged his support to Edelgard, but he, more than anyone else, knows how to avoid conflict - but...
Ferdinand shakes those thoughts off and urges Linhardt to settle between his legs. It'd be more comfortable this way, he thinks - and he can curl around his soulmate like a protective shield, sheltering him from the world around them for a few more precious moments.
After all, he, more than anyone else, deserves that peace he so greatly desires. ]
I will not leave you. Not even for a single moment. [ He squeezes him tight, brushing his lips over his hair. ] I love you, Linhardt von Hevring, with all that I am. And I will not allow anything to stand between us again. [ He'll swear it, over and over, whispered against the top of his head as many times as he needs to hear it. ]
[Linhardt allows himself to be pulled into Ferdinand's lap and he settles there, against his chest. In this position, and with the weight of everything out in the open and off his shoulders finally, Linhardt now feels exhausted.]
We've allowed... [He stifles a yawn.] far too much as it is...
[He adjusts against Ferdinand's chest, moving away from whatever it is that he has underneath his clothes that's poking him. Linhardt wrinkles his nose.]
[ A warm fondness swells in his chest as he feels Linhardt settle comfortably against his chest. His weight against him is comforting in a way he cannot put into words. ]
Indeed. For now, though, you should get some more rest. We still have a ways to travel before we reach the monastery. [ And while Linhardt doesn't necessarily need to be conscious the whole ride there (because there's no way he's letting linhardt walk while he rides duchess marigold von aegir), he's certain there are better places to nap than on horseback. ] But, before you drift off, may I give you something? You may consider it a token, so we may never forget my promise to you.
[ Or, well... more than that, if he'd prefer. It's bold, but so was Linhardt's confession. And as they've just addressed, they've allowed far too much to get in the way as is. Why wait any longer? ]
Hmm? Go ahead... [As long as it doesn't require Linhardt to move. But Ferdinand show know better than to jostle him from his napping place, much like a cat, by now.]
[ With Linhardt's (very sleepy) permission, Ferdinand reaches around his own neck to unhook a hidden chain and pull something out from beneath his cravat - a gaudy, golden ring, to be exact.
He holds it up for Linhardt to see, allowing the emeralds to glisten in the afternoon sun for a moment, before taking his left hand in his. ] This ring is one of the last things that remains of the Aegir family. [ There's himself, the ring... his father, hopefully... and their legacy. That's it. ] You may find it silly, but I could not bear to leave it behind in our estate. I have been carrying it with me for the past five years, close to my heart.
But now I would like you to have it, so that you may look upon it whenever I am not immediately by your side, and remember my promise to you. [ He gently opens up Linhardt's hand to place the ring in his palm. ] Even if I am out of your line of sight, I will always return to you - and I will never stray far, to where you cannot find me again.
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He loves Ferdinand because he's Ferdinand. Not because he's his soulmate. And he fully intends to tell him that. Probably... Someday.
He wishes he had told him sooner. Since a lot has happened in five years. A whole wars worth, in fact.
Linhardt has been holed up in his territory for most of that time, desperate to focus on his research and ignore any news of bloodshed or conquest. However, as the Millennium Festival draws near, research is at the very farthest from Linhardt's mind. Instead, replaced by the promise the professor and his classmates had made. And Ferdinand. The mark of his soulmate is still on his chest, he checks it every day, so Ferdinand is still alive out there. But Linhardt worries. And he longs. He longs to see Ferdinand again.
Ferdinand would never break a promise.
So, Linhardt makes an excuse for himself: he's going to Bergliez territory to see Caspar. Don't expect him back any time soon. His father doesn't suspect a thing. For all intents and purposes, that's where Linhardt ends up anyway. It's along the way to his final destination: the remains of Garreg Mach.
The stars seem to align there in Bergliez territory. Linhardt is taking his time preparing for the long trek that is going to be traveling through Gondor Field when he spots an all too familiar mare just outside of the village he's currently in. She's just as beautiful as Linhardt remembers: tan coat shiny in the sun. Well kept white mane. Duchess Marigold von Aegir is as well loved as she's always been and she brings such relief to Linhardt's heart.
He approaches her with caution, aware of the orange sunspot just a few paces away from her underneath a tree. She must be guarding him.] Long time no see, Marigold. Are you being a good guard-horse? [She winnies and scuffs her hooves against the ground in response. Linhardt pats the sides of her muzzle and gives her a kiss.] I've missed you, too.
[His attention is then on the sunspot. Really, Linhardt can't help but smile, to fall asleep in a place like this.] And you... taking a page from my book are you? [He talks softly to himself - to his most beloved. Then yawns.] That's actually not such a terrible idea....
[Ferdinand wont mind if he joins him, surely. Linhardt settles next to him, letting his head fall on Ferdinand's shoulder...and sleep finds him with ease.]
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(he doesn't understand why she's doing this. why hubert still follows her so loyally. should he have swallowed his pride and followed her? or did he do the right thing, severing the strings that have tied him to her for so long, and carving his own path forward?
he always wanted to be there to guide her, to advise her when she deviates from the path of justice - but she probably never saw him at all.)
For the past five years, he has devoted himself solely to the common-folk. He's been single-minded in this... to the point where he lost track of time, and almost forgot about the Millennium Festival. But Ferdinand von Aegir is not about to break his promise to his classmates and professor... or to his soulmate.
The Ferdinand Linhardt encounters curled up beneath a tree, lance loose in his grip, is a Ferdinand who had to ride quickly through former Aegir territory to ensure he'd make it to the monastery with time to spare. He truly didn't mean to fall asleep - he had merely wanted to give his beloved Duchess Marigold von Aegir a moment's rest, and to catch his breath before making the journey across Gronder Field. But he doesn't stir when Linhardt approaches, nor when he settles next to him and drifts off as well. Though in his dreams, he feels a sudden, familiar warmth bloom when he sets his head on his shoulder, washing over him in gentle waves.
Eventually, his eyes blink open slowly, and he jolts as he registers the weight against him. His hand twitches around the shaft of his lance, but before he acts, he takes in the form beside him. Dark, emerald green hair tucked behind his ears and cascading over his shoulders, with a bun held together by a delicate white ribbon in the back... gentle features, softened further by the peace of sleep... and a familiar scent of wood and paper hitting his nose.
His heart aches in his chest, and he swears he can feel his soulmate's words burn beneath his glove and gauntlet. He wants to contain his excitement and let Linhardt rest for longer (hevring territory is quite a ways away from bergliez - who knows how long he's been on the road) but he finds himself unable to hold back a moment longer.
Carefully, he tucks a few loose strands of hair behind his ear, then brushes his hand slowly over his cheek. ] It seems that even after all this time, you still cannot resist the allure of a good nap. [ His voice is warm and fond, and he smiles easier now than he has in years. ] But I am relieved you have not changed a bit, Linhardt.
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Though, it is incredibly unlike you to fall asleep... in a place like this. You're lucky it's me that came across you in this state [If it sounds like he's scolding, he's not actually. Linhardt yawns, still hiding in Ferdinand's shoulder.] Duchess... is not a very good guard dog....
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Idly, he brushes back more strands of hair. ] Of course she is not a good guard dog - after all, Duchess Marigold is a horse. [ He chuckles softly at his own joke. ] But truthfully, I did not intend to fall asleep here. I had only intended on taking a short break before making my way across Gronder Field.
[ With anyone else, he might think twice about being so... openly affectionate in a public place. But this is Linhardt - his soulmate - whom he's missed so terribly, so he leans his head against his with a soft sigh. ] So, indeed, I am lucky that it was you who found me here. [ So very, very lucky. ] Are you returning to the monastery for the Millennium Festival as well? Or did some other matter bring you here?
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[He lowers his head.] And here you are. Almost like it’s ... fate.
[Linhardt does not believe in fate.]
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Whatever it was, I am truly overjoyed to be reunited with you. It has been a long five years since we last saw each other.
[ Especially long for Ferdinand, but he won't damper their spirits with that just yet. Instead, he notes fondly ] Your hair has grown out a bit, has it not? It makes you look quite... [ handsome. beautiful. lovely. ] noble. [ ... still high praise. ]
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I could say the same to you. [Ferdinand's hair is so long now. Far longer than he'd ever thought Ferdinand would let it grow.] I think... you don't quite look like a noble now but maybe, rather, [a pause for thought] a hero? Like from storybooks.
I like it. [He finally pulls away from Ferdinand's shoulder so he can stretch, arms high above him, as if that will distract Ferdinand from what he's said.]
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He... thinks he looks like a hero? Like from the legends???
The blush on his face turns a shade darker as he tucks a long strand of hair behind his ear. ] That was not my intention... I simply never thought to get it cut. [ For five whole years. ] But I truly appreciate your compliment.
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Linhardt looks out into the distant landscape. It really is lucky they've met up now, before reaching Garreg Mach. It's nice to just take a moment - especially since they don't know what to expect of their reunion. Something tells him it might be a trap: they're going to end up in something deeper than they expected. They're going to have to fight. It's probably a trap.
So, if he has anything to say to Ferdinand... he should probably say it now.]
Ferdinand, I have something to say. So listen closely, okay?
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So he blinks again, but nods. ] Of course. What do you wish to tell me, Linhardt?
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[Even Linhardt is not immune to the embarrassment of confessing such a thing. His cheeks color slightly.] I don't regret most things - it's too much effort. Too much emotional strain to bother. But I regret not telling you sooner. I regret not telling you five years ago. [Before everything turned around on them. Before Edelgard pulled the rug out from beneath everyone's feet - beneath Ferdinand's feet and then he went missing for five years.]
I've never felt more caged than I have these past five years; and not just by my father but by my own fear. I hadn't a clue where you were, Ferdinand. [He clutches over his heart.] My only comfort was your name on my chest.
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He loves him. He loves him. He loves him, he loves him, he loves him.
Goddess, he doesn't even know how long he's felt this way anymore. Ages, as far as he's concerned. But loving Linhardt feels as natural as being by his side - as easy as resting his hand over Linhardt's and squeezing tight. ]
I- I love you, too, Linhardt! Truly! My heart is singing with pure joy, to hear that you feel the same as I do! [ Their distance, though small, is too much for Ferdinand to bear. Not when he speaks of regrets, of missing him, with such sadness in his voice.
Clumsily, eagerly, he wraps his other arm around Linhardt's shoulder and pulls him close, holding him in a half-embrace. ] And I promise, I will not leave you alone again. I will stay by your side, so long as you want me. [ A tight squeeze. ] I do not wish to make you sad, ever again.
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[Which is no better and he understands Ferdinand's sentiment will remain the same. So Linhardt reaches and returns Ferdinand's embrace. He buries his face into his neck, nosing into his warmth.] I'll hold you to that. Whatever happens next... whatever we may find at Garreg Mach, you mustn't leave my side. Not until we can spend our days in peace, lazy in love, and napping in sun spots. And even then...
[Don't leave him. Don't leave him.]
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Ferdinand shakes those thoughts off and urges Linhardt to settle between his legs. It'd be more comfortable this way, he thinks - and he can curl around his soulmate like a protective shield, sheltering him from the world around them for a few more precious moments.
After all, he, more than anyone else, deserves that peace he so greatly desires. ]
I will not leave you. Not even for a single moment. [ He squeezes him tight, brushing his lips over his hair. ] I love you, Linhardt von Hevring, with all that I am. And I will not allow anything to stand between us again. [ He'll swear it, over and over, whispered against the top of his head as many times as he needs to hear it. ]
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We've allowed... [He stifles a yawn.] far too much as it is...
[He adjusts against Ferdinand's chest, moving away from whatever it is that he has underneath his clothes that's poking him. Linhardt wrinkles his nose.]
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Indeed. For now, though, you should get some more rest. We still have a ways to travel before we reach the monastery. [ And while Linhardt doesn't necessarily need to be conscious the whole ride there (because there's no way he's letting linhardt walk while he rides duchess marigold von aegir), he's certain there are better places to nap than on horseback. ] But, before you drift off, may I give you something? You may consider it a token, so we may never forget my promise to you.
[ Or, well... more than that, if he'd prefer. It's bold, but so was Linhardt's confession. And as they've just addressed, they've allowed far too much to get in the way as is. Why wait any longer? ]
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He holds it up for Linhardt to see, allowing the emeralds to glisten in the afternoon sun for a moment, before taking his left hand in his. ] This ring is one of the last things that remains of the Aegir family. [ There's himself, the ring... his father, hopefully... and their legacy. That's it. ] You may find it silly, but I could not bear to leave it behind in our estate. I have been carrying it with me for the past five years, close to my heart.
But now I would like you to have it, so that you may look upon it whenever I am not immediately by your side, and remember my promise to you. [ He gently opens up Linhardt's hand to place the ring in his palm. ] Even if I am out of your line of sight, I will always return to you - and I will never stray far, to where you cannot find me again.