II.IV Time is Changing

Time passed, as it always did, Claire worked hard on her ability to sing and play her guitar. She wanted to become a master of the arts before Song returned. She hoped he would be back soon, every day he was gone was like an ache in her chest. She realized how much she liked him in that time.

She wrote him letters, but never sent them. She didn't know where to send them. She wished he would send her some word of how he was doing, where he was. He had said he was going "home" but where was home for him?

Time passed, as it always did; Claire grew into a beautiful young woman. She dressed as a performer would. She was trying to attract attention after all. She had heard that her cousin Abner had married his fiance, Catherine on the day he had turned eighteen. That was a few months ago now. There had been no signs of a royal baby from them though. After being married almost six months, that was troubling...

Claire didn't concern herself with these thoughts though, focusing on her music and the idea that Song had to return soon. She hoped for it every day. She dreamed of the day she might hear his voice call out her name...

"Claire, I'm home" A voice from behind said suddenly and Claire turned, nearly dropping her precious guitar.

"Song!" She nearly screamed his name in her excitement. She ran to him and threw herself into his arms. He caught her, pulling her close and hugging her tight.

"I'm home, Claire, I'm home" he promised her.

"It...It feels like its been forever. It's been so long. You were gone two years. How are you, where did you go? Did your business go well? Tell me, tell me everything!" She spoke quickly, excitedly, a smile on her face. She couldn't stop smiling. He was home!

"Slow down, Claire!" He laughed. "I'll tell you everything later. It's not important right now. I have a few things to take care of, but meet me at the library in two hours."

They were the longest two hours in her life, but soon they were playing, just like the old days. Claire sang, while they both played their music. Song had not been slacking on perfecting his art while he was away and she felt proud. Happy even.

Night began to fall and they decided it was time to head back to the inn. Claire packed up her guitar and prepared to leave, but Song kept his out, stringing a few gentle cords on his guitar. Claire stopped to listen. He looked up at her with a shy smile and began to sing a soft melody in a language that she did not understand. She understood what it meant though.

The rest of that night was like a blur. She couldn't remember who asked who, but soon they were sitting beneath the stars together, arms around each other, gentle smiles on their faces.

Claire knew this gentle feeling in her heart was love. She remembered what it had looked like when her parents had been together. It felt exactly the same for her. She knew she had found the one she wanted to be with the rest of her life. She knew Song felt the same. They didn't talk about it, for there was nothing to talk about. They were in love and it was that simple/

It was also the first night he crept into her room to spend the night cuddling with her instead of in his own bed. She should have minded, she should have kicked him out. It was improper, even if they were only sleeping next to each other.

The truth was though, it felt so good to cuddle up next to his warm body, she couldn't have made him leave if she tried.

It wasn't until a week or so later, that he called her to meet him at the old stone church. It was beautiful on the inside. It was where many rich and able sims got married. The poor could get married here too, but there were never as big of ceremonies for them. Usually only friends and family.

"What are we doing here, Song?" She asked him, though she knew in her heart what he wanted to do here.

"We're getting married. I know people will begin to talk if they know we are unmarried and...affectionate. I will do as your culture deems necessary and how do your people say it? Make an honest woman out of you?"

"You don't have to do that"

"I want to"

So with only the great Dragon Guardian watching over them, the two married in the church. It was all they really needed and it was all they really wanted, truthfully.

With a kiss, their union was sealed. It was a magical moment for Claire and she knew that Song felt the same. Her heart was nearly beating out of her chest. She was so in love with him, no one was more perfect than her Song.

That night, they had a reason to spend the night in the same bed. As husband and wife, no one could tell them any different, If anyone had a problem with it, they would no longer matter.

In the end, Claire supposed it wasn't such a bad thing to be an honest woman after all...