Fish of orange and gold swam about the pond. The outdoor gardens within the palace walls housed many beautiful plants and ponds littered with water lilies. Ashalia spent much of her time there. She was in her zeugle form, her serpentine body curled around one of the rectangular pools of water. She'd gotten better at controlling it lately, so it wasn't concerning that she'd transformed due to the stress on her mind. She watched the aquatic creatures, sometimes dipping a claw in to cause ripples. She'd been tense for the past couple days. There hadn't been any word on Almeidrea again, and that was concerning, especially since the week had flown by already. It was past time for the Lord of Wind to return for her.

"Ashalia."

The hybrid's gaze didn't move from the pond, but her ears twitched at the man's calm voice behind her.

"You've really taken a shine to this place, haven't you." Dohalim moved around her body until he stood by her head. When she finally looked at him, he smiled tenderly. "Mind if I join you?"

Ashalia purred softly, and the man moved to sit between her arms, tucked under her head with his back against her chest. It was then that her claws gently went around him, hugging him to her. He, in turn, trailed his palm lightly along her arm.

"I see. You're worried about Almeidrea." He hummed, tilting his head back to look up at her. "Could you transform for me? I have news I wish to share with you."

Ashalia closed her eyes and leaned over him, her body morphing until she was back in her human form, practically laying against his back. She'd gotten pretty good at changing back to her human form when needed. "What is it?" she asked with concern, her tail twitching nervously.

Dohalim chuckled at her anxious expression. "My, my, don't look so grim, my love. It doesn't suit you." He turned and pulled her to her feet with him.

The girl sighed, exasperated with the light teasing. "Do…"

The Lord suddenly brought his hand up to lightly caress her cheek with the back of his hand. "My apologies. It's about Almeidrea." Ashalia took a sharp breath. "I've received word that she's…dead."

A gasp left Ashalia. "D-dead? But how?! Who would…"

"A rogue Dahnan said to wield a blazing sword, joined by a traitorous Renan. They murdered Balseph and Ganabelt in the days after they left here, and Almeidrea became their victim a mere day ago."

Ashalia didn't know what to do or say. She didn't like the other Lords. Almeidrea had taken away her previous life and weaponized her, so of course she hated the woman. But it just didn't feel real.

"You do know what this means, don't you, my sweet Ashalia? You are free now. Your master is gone, and she can no longer control you." He cupped her face in his hands and inched closer. "We can be together, for good this time. You'll never be taken from me again."

"It almost feels…like a dream." A smile of joy and relief graced her lips. "Freedom. I no longer have to fear being torn from your arms." She closed the gap, stood on her toes, and kissed him, eager and happy. Many seconds passed before they parted, and the girl looked up at him with concern. "We have a new problem, Do. If these Lord killers are out there, they'll inevitably come here to take your life as well."

Dohalim shook his head. "We needn't worry. I am not like my fellow Lords. Once they see Elde Menancia and hear what I have to say, I believe we can settle things peacefully."

Ashalia nodded. "And if not, I shall protect you. I owe you everything, Do."

"I'm grateful for the gesture, but I think it wise to protect each other. A mutual partnership founded on love and trust. Our combined power is a nearly invincible defense."

The girl laughed lightly. "Alright. Sounds like a plan."

They shared another kiss, enjoying the moment in each other's arms. No matter what came their way, they were determined to push through. They had beaten the odds and found one another, and they were determined to not let anything ever tear them apart again. And unbeknownst to them, they would come to join the ragtag team of the one wielding the Blazing Sword. From there, they would be set on a path to saving the very worlds around them before finally earning the future they'd dreamed of.

And that's it for this short, sweet little Dohalim story! I hope you all enjoyed! I know it might be a bit of an abrupt end, but the game's plot is basically meant to continue from here and I don't feel the need to add all that in. So anyway, thanks for reading until the end!