Sometime before Chapter 6. Anna

Gods, we were lucky to set up camp near a lake. It might be too cold for swimming, but being able to collect water so quickly is a godsend. Plus, it's an excellent spot for me to clear my head. Damn nightmares...

I've always had some interesting dreams, being an amnesiac and soldier. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Lately, my dreams have been plagued by unsavory visions. My comrades falling, losing the war, getting killed; you name it. No matter what I did, I couldn't seem to break the cycle.

After startling awake to yet another nightmare, I decided to get some air and sit by the nearby lake. And, to my surprise, it actually calmed me down.

The dirt was firm where I sat, dirting my nightclothes but I found myself not caring. The cool water lapped at my bare ankles, my toes curling in the sediment and sand. Crisp night air filled my lungs, leaving them sore yet relaxed.

I haven't felt this calm in a long time. It's like the whole world has stilled, just for this moment.

Crickets and frogs sang in harmony, giving some life to the cold, autumn night. The night itself was brighter than others, with the full moon casting its powerful glow upon the earth and stars twinkling brightly. Everything was peaceful and serene.

"Anna?"

And there was the break. 

I knew the voice of my fiance anywhere, even when laced with sleepiness and confusion.

I turned around to see Chrom, still equipped in his armor and weapons. "Hey, stranger. What brings you here?" I smiled at him.

His brows laced together in curiosity. "I just finished my shift for the night patrol. When I came to bed, you weren't there, so I got worried."

"Did you at least check my tent first to make sure I wasn't asleep in there?"

"...Yes."

I tucked my knees into my chest, resting my chin. "Silly, silly man." I gestured him over with a quick wave of my arm. "C'mere. I'm getting cold and you're a human furnace."

Chrom sighed but relented anyway, sitting down next to me and pulling me into his arms. "Did you have trouble sleeping?"

"Nightmare." I nodded. "I'm fine now, though. Nothing to worry about."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I'll always worry about you." He nuzzled into my hair. "You sure you don't wanna talk about it?"

"Positive," I giggled. Taking one quick glance at the still lake, a thought crossed my mind. "...You know, I don't remember if I know how to swim."

My fiance picked his head up, raising an eyebrow. "Really? What makes you say that?"

I shrugged. "Dunno. I haven't tried it since you found me, so it wouldn't surprise me if I didn't know."

He hugged me closer, rubbing my chilled arms. "I'll have to teach you once it gets warmer. There are a few beaches around Ylisse I think you'd love," he sighed. "There are so many places in this world I want to show you, within Ylisse's borders and beyond."

Warmth coursed through my blood. "I'd like that. I'd like that a lot."

He kissed my forehead once more. "Then it's a promise, my love. Once this war is over and we're married, we'll see what the world has to offer: together."

"I would have it no other way."

Then, he stood up, taking me with him. "Now, let's head back to camp. I'm exhausted and you need sleep, too."

I gripped his hand, fighting back a yawn. "Whatever you say, dear." He's awake I can pull multiple all-nighters, right? I mean, it isn't really healthy, but I can do it!

Chrom smirked, face illuminated by moonlight. "I know what you're thinking, little missy, and you're wrong. Even the greatest tactician in all of Ylisse requires sleep."

"Such high praise! Flattery really will get you anywhere!" I jested.

"Will it get you to go to sleep?"

"Maybe, maybe not."

And with that, my fiancé groaned, mumbling something about how crazy I was as we ventured back to his tent. If not sleeping keeps me from having nightmares, I won't sleep again. But, if it allows me to feel safe and protected in Chrom's arms, I'll stay in an eternal slumber. I couldn't imagine resting anywhere else.

*****
HERE'S SOME FLUFF. TAKE THE FLUFF. AHHH. Enjoy it. My doggo is giving me side-eye. Stop it. I'm going to work on my special 50k surprise, today so look out for that! (Although I'll probably post it tomorrow because of editing and stuff). Thank you so much for reading and look forward to reading more!

Next Prompt: August 31st - "Bugs"