He was a quiet man. Even after he recovered from his wounds he would often just sit and stare out the window. It was as if he was waiting to die.
But then again with that mark, even if she had slowed it down, he might be accustomed to waiting for it to claim him.
Rena did her best to draw him out. But he would often just look at her blankly almost staring right through her.
Then one day, weeks after he had woken up, he finally spoke to her, "You're her, aren't you? The last of the Order of the Stars. The one they call the Watcher."
She paused, her eyes glooming over as she thought of the ones she had lost. But she hummed in acknowledgement, and whispered, "I am Rena Briarwood, the enchantress. May I ask your name, young one?"
He looked away, eyes despondent, "Zilanius Lokhaven."
"I thought you were a Lokhaven. You look rather like him. Your forefather Jiras, I mean."
That made him look back at her, eyes wide. "You would have known him huh? They say you predated the fall of Nireal."
"I did. I was friends with the High King. I was horrified at what happened."
She didn't tell him the whole story. Why she had ended up cursed with this unending life.
After that Zilanius and her grew closer and he began opening up to her. She found herself hoping that Astaria would be able to help him and prolong his life even more.
It was not fair. That he was doomed to die young and she had to life far longer than she had ever wished to. Immortality had never been her desire.
Back then her dream had been to have a family. But then Ryliah had…
She didn't let her thoughts go there. All that mattered was that even if she did start a family now it would only bring her heartache in the end. That was the price that had to be paid.
She could not help it though. As she and Zilanius became closer she felt her heart growing more and more knit with his.
She wanted to be with him for as long as he had. Let the consequences come. Besides then everything could get better once again.
But even though she was willing she had no real idea what he thought about being a couple with her for what remained of his life.
He was becoming incredibly despondent and she was worrying about him. So she confronted him about it and asked him to talk to her about anything bothering him.
"I don't wish to speak on it, Rena." His eyes pleaded with her to leave him be.
"Zil." She took his hand in hers. "I care about you too much to let you act like this and not worry. Please talk with me. I… I want to help you."
"…I don't want to die." Zilanius looked away. His green eyes looked despondent, "I want to live. I…" A helpless look came onto his face.
"I've already pushed it back for you. You have time. And if you stay here I can keep pushing it back."
"I – I can't," Zilanius stammered. He refused to look at her, "It would be imposing on you and well…"
"I don't mind. I like the company."
"…" He looked at her and made a strange face. "My heart can't handle it. I really should go before I – "
She understood then. He had come, or was anyway coming to, have feelings for her. And he did not want to do anything that would cause her grief. With their circumstances it made sense. He did not have all that long and when he died she would be all alone again.
"I don't mind." She tugged his hand and pulled him closer. "I like you, you know."
"But…" He bit his lip, "I'm doomed to die."
"Everyone dies, my love." She smiled at him, "It's just a matter of when."
He let her pull him close to her as she leaned into him to kiss him. It was the second time she had ever kissed a man, and she hoped this time it would actually lead to a relationship.
They did not have to wait long to get married. Astaria dropped in a few days later and wedded them without a question. The High Priestess was actually rather pleased.
She patted her on the shoulder, and smiled, "I'm glad. With any luck the cycle will finally be broken."
"Are you going to revel in my misery when my time to pay the price comes?"
"Of course not." The priestess frowned, "Does he know though? What he will have to give up? It doesn't just concern you."
"I haven't told him yet." She sighed, "I will though. Before it becomes a problem."