"Carter, will I always have your loyalty?"

  The clinking of chainmail could be heard as a fierce northern wind swept over two armoured figures

  The two stood back to back in a desolate forest in the height of winter

  One was a woman with long silvery hair tied into a braided ponytail, adorned in plate

  She leaned against the other, his stance straight and his hands crossed over the hilt of his sword that was implanted in the earth

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  There was a pause before the man replied

  "Of course."

  Two simple words, yet they carried an unshakable belief

  The woman closed her equally silver eyes, those words giving her what she needed

  "You've been with me from the beginning. Have I ever thanked you for that, Carter?"

  Another pause, his body never changed position as he thought

  Always so careful, thinking about everything before doing it, yet never hesitating in battle

  "Just as I've been with you, you've been with me. That was more than enough thanks."

  She nodded, understanding what he meant

  Surprisingly, he continued

  "Liena, no matter the danger. No matter the sorrow. No matter the demise. I shall always stand by you, guarding your back."

  Her eyes sprang open, tears unexpectedly forming as the snowdrops melted on her heated skin

  She found it hard to say what she really wanted to

  "Thank you, Carter."