Warsworn

within the warmth, and we drifted off to sleep together. We awoke to find ourselves entwined in the darkness, the braziers glowing softly, providing just enough light to see by. It was paradise, laying in his arms, enjoying the smell of his skin and the look in his eyes. For long moments we lay there, simply content. Keir moved first, lifting his hand to brush the damp hairs off my forehead. "I didn't know what it meant."
    I blinked at him, focusing on his blue eyes, warm and sated. Probably reflecting the satisfaction in mine. I let my fingers drift over the soft skin of his chest, enjoying the feel of the sparse hairs there. "Didn't know what?"
    "Didn't know what 'forever' meant."
    I stiffened, uncertain and afraid. I remembered that moment so clearly, when Keir had claimed me for the second time. The wind in my hair, the ache of my bare feet, the fear that he wouldn't allow me to stay with him and the joy when he'd whispered the word 'Forever' in my ear. Did he regret his words?
    He chuckled, moving his hands to stroke me, easing my tension. "No, no, my heart's fire, you misunderstand my words." Keir shifted to Xyian. "When I spoke that word, and made that pledge to you, I didn't really understand what it meant."
    He shifted slightly, pulling me closer. "It doesn't just mean for years and years, for the rest of our lives. Or as we would say, to the snows and beyond."
    "Oh?" I still wasn't sure what he was trying to say.
    " 'Forever' means every day, every breath. Through the mistakes that we make, through the love that we share between our bodies, through illness we suffer, through sorrow, grief, and joy. All of it, Lara."
    I melted against him, listening carefully, marveling at his words.
    "It's the total of all our shared moments, good and bad, perfect and ugly." I pushed up onto an elbow in order to look at his face. "Keir…" He placed a finger over my lips. "What I am trying to say is that now that I do know what it means, it makes it mean so much more."
    I smiled, and reached out to stroke his cheek.
    He huffed out a breath in frustration. "I am a warrior," he grimaced slightly. "A barbarian in your people's eyes. My words do not flow easily, in either language." He placed his palm over my hand. "So I say this truth to you, Lara, Xylara, Daughter of Xy, Queen of Xy, Master Healer, Warprize and woman I love, I am sworn to you. Forever."
    I kissed him, even as my eyes filled with tears.
    Keir gave me an uncertain look. "Are those tears of joy?"
    I nodded, laughing. "Oh, they are, my Keir."
    "Well then?" He asked. "Don't you have something to say to me?"
    "Do I?" I arched an eyebrow, trying to control my smile.
    He growled, and moved, pinning me to the bed, covering my body with his. I laughed out loud, and buried my hands in his hair. "Keir of the Cat, Warrior of the Plains, Warlord of the Plains, Overlord of Xy, I say this truth to you. I am sworn to you." I paused, growing serious.
    "Forever. Through whatever life, and the Gods and the Elements have in store for us." He kissed me then, intertwining our fingers together. "My heart's fire." He grinned, his white teeth flashing in the light, and then flipped us again, so that I was on top. His hands rested on my hips, fingers splayed out.
    I sat up, letting the bedding fall off my shoulders. His eyes gleamed, and I raised an eyebrow.
    "What are you—"
    He flexed beneath me, and I gasped.
    Keir's smile widened. "Perhaps a riding lesson?"
    I arched my back, moaning with pleasure as his hands moved my hips.
    After a few days, one morning when Keir left early to judge a round of combats, I took advantage of his absence to take care of a chore. When I told Rafe and Prest what I wanted to do, Rafe paled, glancing at Prest for support. "I'm not sure this is wise." Prest shrugged.
    Rafe scowled. "You are of no help."
    I stood. "I'm going to talk to him, with or without you."
    Rafe heaved a rather exaggerated sigh, and followed us out of the tent. There'd been a heavy mist hanging in the air the last few days, and this morning found a thick frost riming the grass and trees. The Goddess's Lace, we called it, the first hard frost of the season, heralding the start of winter. Soon, within a few weeks, the snows would begin. As we walked, I wondered what winter would be like on the Plains.
    Most everyone was watching the contests, except those on guard duty. Prest and Rafe followed as I walked to Iften's tent, and pushed through the flap with no ceremony. He was there,