Without You (Michael/Adara)

[Michael Blackwood-Hardt]

Michael's arm tightened for a moment around Adara. He really did hope that Emilian could do it, for Adara's sake. He couldn't imagine that it would be easy for Emilian to go either way, he could have a hard time staying away, but the guilt afterward that Michael was sure he would have would be hard for him, too. That was one part of it that he couldn't imagine, because even if he and Dare were separated, he couldn't imagine worrying about Dare that way.

[Adara Snow]

"You are a good friend," Adara said after some time. She had absorbed as much comfort from Michael as she believed possible, so she gave a sigh and straightened, bringing her dark eyes to meet his. "Thank you," she said again, meaning infusing those two words. Thank you for listening. Thank you for holding me. Thank you. She leaned and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek before pulling back again. "I hope to see you again soon, Michael." She knew that he likely had places he needed to go, but she was grateful that he had stopped for her.

[Michael Blackwood-Hardt]

Michael nodded and pulled his arm back, "Hopefully it won't be too long." He felt a twinge of guilt for not seeing her since, Emilian had left, but had he really had much choice? With the Prophet and all that had come from it, he and Dare had just been trying to survive, much less make time for other people. He pushed himself up, ready to head to Hogsmeade, "Think positive," he said, giving her a small smile. Then he turned and headed off down the edge of the lake.

[Adara Snow]

Adara watched Michael until he disappeared from view, then sighed heavily and turned to pick up her journal. She began writing, not of her time with Michael, not of her loneliness, but a letter to Emilian. Another one. She had promised him that she would write every day, and so far she had kept to her word. She meant to continue as she had begun. My Dearest Warrior...