Gift of the Knight #2 - Promise

The waves crashed over and over again against the falling sun, and high above them, over the cliffs, Noriko watched the setting sun, feeling its warmth against her fur. She felt the presence of the young Knight join her side, putting his hands against the fence.“Your heart is troubled, Aquarius?” said Noriko, calmly yet with a hint of warmth in her voice.He sighed, quietly. Indeed, the revelation Sharasai told him had shocked him to the core.“When I last came here... there was a woman, Sharasai... she offered me shelter, food and... we were close that night...”“And thus you gifted her a life of motherhood.”He was silent... yet she understood there was no denial from him.“It kills me knowing I left her alone for so long... and will have to do so again...”Noriko put a hand to his trembling shoulders.“She will not be alone, Aquarius... I have spoken with her. She is proud of the man you are, of how kind, protective, and loving, you are. Her son, your son, will grow up hearing your stories, your legends. He will know who his father is, was, and always will be...”Aquarius closed his eyes, trying to hold back his grief, his tears...“When this is over... this damned war is finally over... I want to come back here, to be with Sharasai, our son... and be the father he needs...” he said, solemnly.“Your son would learn much from you and your travels when that day comes. Perhaps one day he will take up your sword,” replied Noriko, with a smile. “He may one day be a Knight as well.”The thought slowly filled his heart with a sense of pride, the idea of his son taking up his blade Duodecim, just like the fathers and mothers of his line did before him. It brought a smile to his face.“Thank you, Noriko...”