Alphaear stands in the river, the water rushing and tugging the fabric at her knees, soaking the lower half of her dress. In a dream, the world is still innocent. Her hair is long, and her hands are unbloodied. She raises her arm to let gentle moths settle upon it and then fly away as they desired, for here - by the river - the world is without fear.

(OOC Author's note: It has been brought to my attention that this story might possibly seem pointed, and even possibly at more than one person. I would like to assure anyone and everyone who reads this, that it is simply a piece of Berarna's backstory, and her view on it. My story has no target.)

Tom stirred within his bed as he felt a warmth spread across his clammy skin, lifting a reluctant hand to pinch the bridge of his nose as his eyes began to slowly open and adjust to the brightness of the room. He recognized the source of heat whilst squinting his eyes, trying to avoid the beams of sunlight that burst through his window to attack his senses. It was then he remembered the night before, the pounding in his head and the turmoil in his chest gave it away.

His father had left them.

"But was it a surprise?" Tom thought to himself.

"Through sickness and in health I shall cherish you always. Nothing in this life will keep you away from my heart." Those words resounded in her mind and as the bride, she wanted to believe him.  Love could be such a beautiful and true thing his love made her feel valued, alive. More so than she had ever been when in Rohan, he was the kind of man, that made a woman feel understood and heard. If this was the case then why did he leave her?