The Skabelse

Final Words

As the door shut, Rowan knew her fate was sealed. She slowly looked over at Bjorn, hoping that the last few moments were a dream. But as she felt the strange wetness in her eyes and with each shallow breath she took, she knew this was all to real.

"Rowan...." Bjorn said, trailing off. He didn't know what to say to her. What could he say?

She knew that it would eventually come down to their death's, but as the angel cloaked in black knocked on her doorstep she couldn't help but to feel afraid. Death had never scared herm for she always went into battle knowing that she may never return. She knew it was a part of life and had accepted the fact long ago. But it wasn't until a certain raven-haired boy came into her life that made her fear closing her eyes and never opening them again.

She shook her head as she thought about all the things she had never gotten to experience and the places she would never see. I'll never see my mother or Darsa again.

Before she could feel sorry for herself, she wiped away the few tears that had managed to fall and looked to the handsome Rorik once again. She knew she needed to stay strong.

"Listen to me Bjorn. No matter what happens tomorrow you can't let her win. You must refuse to give her what she wants. The High Kings and Queens will soon know about this and will reign down upon them. And who knows? Maybe this is a threat of some sorts."

He closed his opened mouth and nodded, knowing that she was right. If Blanche did kill Rowan and he gave her the information she wanted then she would have died in vain. He didn't plan to do what Blanche asked in the first place, but now given the circumstances he would make sure to stand his ground.

She was satisfied with his response and pressed her lips together. She knew he would be hurt over her death, but that it wouldn't hold him back which brought her peace.

Just then, the skinny guard from before brought in a small portion of food that consisted of mashed beans, water, and another wedge of cheese.

"Some last meal, huh?" Rowan said out loud once they were alone again. Bjorn chuckled, "Aye. 'Tis a shame they couldn't scrounge around for something better."

Rowan shrugged to herself and scooped her beans with her fingers, popping them into her mouth. As she swallowed, she couldn't help but to wonder what was the point of eating.

They finished their dinner in silence, and once Bjorn whipped his lips with sleeve he let out a loud burp. It echoed off of the concrete walls and Rowan couldn't help but to stifle a laugh.

"So," Bjorn started, standing up and walking over to his cell's door to get a better view of the Gladeswoman, "How would you like to spend your final hours?" he said in a light tone, obviously trying to make the best of the situation at hand.

Rowan pretended to scratch her chin as she thought about her options. "Well considering I can neither train with my blade or practice reading, I'm not really sure," she answered, shrugging.

Bjorn placed his hand's over his heart and staggered back as if he was hurt, "Ouch. I thought for sure you were going to say be held in my arms. There goes my self-esteem," he joked, offering her his best smile. Rowan laughed and rolled her cobalt eyes, "Your self-esteem would remain intact if this entire building fell upon us."

Bjorn wagged his eye brows at her, causing her to laugh once again.

They fell quiet, looking between one another, savoring each moment.

"Tell me something happy," Rowan said in an attempt to push tomorrow morning from her mind.

"Something happy...." Bjorn repeated, racking his brain in order to oblige her. It took him a moment before he settled on a memory.