#rivervale_lodge

The distant look returns. "When I returned from that quest, he was here. And...I think that is when I understood...."

A heavy sigh, and she looks at Dagmar. "It has not always been easy. Far from it."

"But there are parts of that story that are not mine to tell."

"You understood he was waiting for you?"

SHe bites on her lip and nods. "Sorry."

A nod.

She shakes her head. "There is nothing to be sorry for. But I think you should know... both he and I had had other relationships before then. Relationships that ended painfully."

"Yeah?"

"Mm." A nod. "But we were fortunate. We found each other. And when we were parted, we found each other again." A pause. "I will not lie to you...there is no promise that you will find your trueheart in this life. Not all do. And you have seen in Baron Aiden that sometimes great love ends very badly. But...it is my hope for you that Da'an grants you a life that gives you deep satisfaction, including in the people you share it with."

She nods quietly.

"I think that is not, perhaps, what you wish to hear."

"I mean... does it matter? If I'm not meant to have that, I'm not."

"Perhaps. But Da'an has not told you as much. And...." She almost says something, then shakes her head.

"And I'm really lucky to have what I've got."

"True. I have comforted myself similarly, when love seemed removed forever. And sometimes I was beyond comfort," she admits.

"But we deal with it, right?"

"Sorry for complaining so much."

"We deal with it. And sometimes Da'an surprises us with gifts unlooked for. I am not saying that this is promised. Only that it is possible."

"Maybe." Resigned.

(Pause)