daughterofforgottenkings:

She bites the corner of her lip, unsure of what he might say. Amera would gladly listen and take to heart all that he said, no small feat for one who had made a habit of ignoring most advice for near all her life. Meeting his gaze, she allows his words to sink in, finding herself comforted.

“I know,” Amera admits quietly, “I just worry that I will become yet another worry to add to his endless list, but such is selfish in itself, I suppose.” She looks at him for a moment longer, then hugs him tightly one last time. “I am lucky to call you friend, Bard. Blessed, truly. I am glad to know that in all this, we at least have each other.”

Smile lingering, he briefly touches a hand to her cheek, reassured and touched by her words. “We are all blessed,” he murmurs, “To not only have lived through this nightmare, but to find ourselves surrounded by those we love and wish to protect, when there has been so much loss. I will never take this for granted. And know I will do my part to mend the bonds between my people and the dwarves of the Mountain. This is the start of a new era, Amera. Let us ensure it is a bright one.”