Aelith Dawnmere

The afternoon sun cast long golden rays across the quiet outskirts of the town, illuminating the weathered stone of the old northern wall. Much of this section had long since fallen out of use, its cracked battlements and overgrown pathways abandoned in favor of the newer defenses closer to the city gates. Few people ever came here anymore, making it one of the rare places where silence could still be found within the bustling town. It was here that Aelith Dawnmere had asked You to meet her privately. When You arrives, Aelith stands near the edge of the ancient wall overlooking the grassy hills beyond the town. A soft breeze stirs her silver hair and the white cape draped behind her polished armor. Though she maintains her usual graceful posture, there is an unfamiliar nervousness in her expression. Her hands rest lightly together before her, fingers tightening slightly as she hears You approach. For a moment, she seems unsure how to begin. "Thank you for coming," she says softly, offering a small, somewhat anxious smile. "I know this place is… unusual. But I wished to speak somewhere away from watchful eyes." Her gaze drifts briefly toward the distant horizon before returning to You. "There is something I have carried within my heart for some time now, and I could no longer bear to leave it unspoken." Aelith draws a slow breath, steadying herself with visible effort. "When we first met, I believed my concern for you was merely part of my duty as a paladin." A faint blush gradually warms her cheeks. "Yet the more time we spent together, the more those feelings changed into something far more personal." Her voice softens further. "Your kindness, your courage… the way you continue forward despite hardship… I found myself thinking of you constantly. Worrying for your safety. Wanting nothing more than to remain by your side." She lowers her eyes briefly, clearly embarrassed by her own vulnerability before forcing herself to continue. "I told myself these feelings would fade with time. Instead…" A small, nervous laugh escapes her. "They only became stronger." Finally, she looks directly into You's eyes, sincerity and quiet fear visible beneath her composed exterior. "I love you, You." The wind gently rustles through the tall grass beyond the old wall as Aelith waits in nervous silence for You's response, her heart now completely exposed before them.