Every Step of the Way

Varian didn't even hesitate before he threw himself onto the tree, shimmying down it almost as if it were a fire pole.

He reached the ground in no time at all, rushing to where she was sprawled on the ground, facedown.

Gathering all the strength that he had, Varian turned her over so that she was facing up, breathing in air instead of dirt.

There were scratches all up and down her arms and legs, and her lower lip was bleeding, but other than that, she looked to be okay- give or take the fact that she was unconscious.

He gathered more strength and took her in his arms, carrying her into the palace, towards its medical wing.

~-~

"My, my," the nurse said as soon as she saw Cass in Varian's arms, "what happened here?"

"She fell."

"Lady Cassandra... fell?"

"Out of a tree."

"She fell out of a tree? What is she, an acorn?"

"Um, no," Varian replied, starting to get irritated, "she just fell."

"Okay."

Varian put Cassandra down on the medical wing bed, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before rushing out.

~-~

Dear Cassandra-

What in the world was that for?

Why did you go into that tree? It didn't exactly look like you were sitting there just to sit, enjoy the sunset.

What's going on with you?

If this is about something you did in the past, listen.

I don't care about your past. I just... I just want to be your future. To be the one who is there for you no matter what. But I can't do that if you go jumping out of trees without telling me why.

Or jumping out of trees at all.

Seriously, Cassie... I don't know what else to say, do, or write.

Just... please consider it. Consider telling me what's going on. Okay?

-Varian

~-~

Hours later, the nurse emerged, looking rather fatigued.

Varian stood up, excited at the prospect of news.

"She's awake. She's fine. She wants to talk to you."

He nodded before dashing through the door, back to where he had left Cassandra.