The Grand Veranda

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord stared into the night, "It is for the best."

[brigida]

Tristeza shook her head sadly, "As you wish, Lord Delinal; but I had rather go with Lady Royce and take my chances on escape than live in a prison of pretty things that didn't matter; locked away from the only prize my many mistakes have won me." She turned, and walked towards the door.

[The Smith]

"I will not allow you to go with Lady Royce, but you may leave the city on your own." He said quietly before she had left.

[brigida]

Tristeza turned back abruptly, tears welling in her eyes, "If I had wanted to go, I would have, Sergyo. I do not want to go. I want to be happy, like I have been these few months. Happy like I had never been before. I want to play with children in a fountain, and make love on a veranda. I want to be with my beloved." she sobbed.

[The Smith]

Sergyo turned and took several steps toward her then stopped. "Do not cry. I have only let one person inside of my armor... I can not do it again."

[brigida]

Tristeza shrugged hopelessly, "If you can slay a dragon once, you can always slay another," she said quietly, "Many would not take the chance...But for you, there is no lack of ability. Only a lack of willingness."

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord stared at her his mouth grim and he stared at her for a long time. "I love you Tristeza Martell.... but I do not know what I will do if you hurt me."

[brigida]

"I am fairly certain I will always love you," she answered plainly, "the only thing you would need fear would be my departure...if I were some day to return home."

[The Smith]

Sergyo watched her closely, "So this is love. Right now it feels very good."

[brigida]

Tristeza half smiled at him, "Hasn't it always...?" she asked.

[The Smith]

"I have never felt it before. Accept for my children, and this is different." He answered.

[brigida]

Tristeza's eyes narrowed slightly, in a perplexed manner; "If you have never been in love before...then...who else did you let inside your armour?"

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord looked at her, "Can I tell you another time. It is not an appropiate story for the moment." He snickered, "I feel like the only thing appropiate for the moment would be to summon a grand orchestra."

[brigida]

Tristeza smiled widely, "Of course," she said happily, and after a moment; "You are a very strange man,' but the words were spoken with incredible affection.

[The Smith]

Walking forward he embraced her tightly, and kissed her deeply. "I am a man." He whispered to her.