She was cold. Her skin, her body, was stone cold. She wandered through her mind in confusion, hearing something. She opened her eyes, and, in shock, saw herself. She was above her body, and Niko was there. He was murmurring, the words she could not understand. Then, she saw a bright light, and a pull back to her body. She gasped for air, and upon opening her eyes, she saw Niko leaning over her. "Niko!" she cried out, tryin to get up

He gasped as she cried his name, shocked. He had believed that she was too far gone for help.
''You live!'' he said, turning white from surprise and relief.
He took her hand, which was cold to the touch. He began to worry and in hurry built a small fire so as to warm her.
''Do not stand up '' he said slowly.
He lifted her slightly so her back rested on his chest, he winced lightly but her closeness removed any thought of pain he had. He kissed the top of her head, almost crying.

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"Niko... Oh Niko!" she turned in his grasp, careful not to hurt him. She sat up some, and found his lips with hers, gently. She needed the touch, the reality of him being there. She broke the gentle kiss. "We cannot go back." she was sad at that, yet, she had Niko. He was her world, he was all she wanted and needed. "I love you, Niko." she gasped quietly as she moved her side too much. But she needed him now. She pushed her pain aside.

''I'm sorry'' he said gently upon hearing she could not return to her home. ''I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, when you needed me'' he added as the thoughts of Elthor and the battle came back into his mind, bringing with it immense guilt.
''I love you too, angel'' he said softly caressing her cheek.

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"Niko. You have nothing to be sorry for. I do not blame you, as you should not blame yourself." she stroked his cheek, his hair, and her fingers moved gently over his chest. He was alive. He was here. They were together. That was all that mattered to her. Her lips found his neck. "Let it go. The only thing that matters to me is that you are here, that we are together." she whispered against his neck.

He was not entirely convinced by her words but managed a smile.
''I thought I had lost you'' he said.''I prayed for you, anything to keep you alive. I would've switched places with you in an instant.'' He paused looking at her. Resting his head against hers.
''What happened? I remember nothing after the guards took me.''

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"they locked you in the dungeon. I ordered them to take me to you, and..." she paused, aware that the fact she had killed three men in cold blood might change his opinion of her forever. She took a deep breath,"I then killed Elthor. After I got you out of the cell I killed two guards that had taken you. Then I brought you here." she turned now, her back to him again, yet she leaned forward despite the pain it was giving her. She was frightened to lean against him, since she told him she was a murderer.

He was silent after her words. Noticing she was moving from him slightly.
'' I am glad Elthor is dead. '' wishing he had done the deed itself.
''But I will not lie. killing the guards was unnecessary and reckless, regardless of how I was treated.
But you saved me. For that I am grateful. '' Pulling her back to him slightly.

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She allowed him only to pull her back slightly, still not leaning against him. She had killed two innocent men. she had not know she was capable of that. She fell completely silent as it sunk in. Murderers were executed. And Niko deserved better than a murderer. She was biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, but she didn't notice. Her thoughts were on Niko, and everythin that had happened. She loathed herself right now. If she hadn't killed them, they may have followed them. But she could have just locked them
In the dungeon. She swallowed, and a shudder that turned into a tremble ran through her body. She stared at the fire, not seeing it.

Sensing her distress, he put his hand on her shoulder. ''Do not think about it. If you had not done everything that you did, I would not be sitting here. Take comfort from the fact that you ,my very dearest Nienna saved my life. '' He turned her head so she would face him.
''You truly are my guardian angel'' he said, stroking her cheek.

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She opened her mouth to speak, yet could find no words. She wasn't sure, about anything, save the fact that she loved him and would give her life for him without hesitation. She quit biting her lip, yet could not meet his gaze. He pain was too strong. She had seen him dragged away, and that instant she lost all control. "I am merely an angel of death." her voice was rough.

He looked at her, trying to think of what to say, yet he could find no words.
Instead he pulled her back to him and held her, willing her to know that he accepted her, no matter what she had done in moments of extreme emotion.
''Emotion clouds judgement.I left you when you needed me because my guilt got the better of me. Know that I do not think you a murderer.I love you. ''

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She stared at him, open mouthed, before her hands were tangled in his shirtfront and she buried her face with them. She cried. She cried for Niko, and all that had happened to them. She held him, unwilling to let him go again.

He held her as she cried, slightly surprised at how she reacted. He hated seeing her like this.
''Not long ago, you made a request of me. '' He paused, stroking her hair.
''You asked me never to leave you, no matter what happens. I intend to keep that promise. We are to be married so I'm afraid you are stuck with me. That is, if you will still have me'' he said with a laugh. Hoping she was feeling better.

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She laughed as she wiped her eyes. "I wouldn't want to be stuck with anyone else. Ever." her nose was red from crying, and she sniffed. "I'm not usually this emotional." she grumbled. Embarrassment taking over. What had happened to her cool, collected self in times of trouble and danger? She tried to move, but winced. Elthor had made her side worse, she realized, and she pressed both hands over it. "Don't you dare blame yourself. You cannot control what happens in battle, and you needed time to think and collect yourself when I was in the Healer's house. We both thought Elthor had given up." she rook a shuddering breath, fighting pain and drowsiness, "Know that none of this is your fault."

He gave her a small smile. ''Thank you'' and noticing her demeanor he let her head rest against his chest and wrapped his arms around her,holding her close to ensure she was warm.
''Sleep, angel. You need your rest. I'll be here when you wake up.'' He fell asleep almost as soon as he had finished talking,one of his hands lightly gripping hers.

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