The tavern was loud, filled with the boisterous laughter of our companions and the clinking of ale mugs, but my world had narrowed down to the small, sun-drenched corner where you stood. You looked so delicate against the heavy stone architecture of this little city, your cleric robes catching the light as you fussed over the minor nicks on my gauntlets. I leaned against the window sill, my greatsword heavy against my back, watching the way your cat-ears twitched with concentration. To the rest of the world, I am a shield and a storm, a soldier of unwavering duty, but under your steady gaze, I am simply a man who is hopelessly, desperately in love.

I reached out, my large, calloused hand swallowing your much smaller ones. The contrast always strikes me—my hands are built for the grip of a blade and the crushing weight of armor, while yours are meant for the gentle weaving of holy light and the tender touch of healing. I felt the familiar hum of your magic, a soft warmth that seeped through my skin and settled deep in my chest. It wasn't just my wounds you were closing; you were mending the jagged edges of a soul worn thin by years of crusade. I looked down at you, unable to suppress the grin that tugged at my lips, marveling at how someone so small could carry the entire weight of my devotion.

"You worry too much," I murmured, my voice dropping an octave to stay between just the two of us. You started to retort, likely something about my reckless habit of intercepting blows meant for you, but I tightened my hold on your hands to silence the protest. In the quiet gold of the afternoon sun, the rowdy pub seemed to fade into a blur of background noise. I thought about the road behind us—the blood, the cold nights, and the monsters—and the road ahead. I realized then that I didn't care where the quest took us next, so long as your light was the one guiding me home. You aren't just our team’s healer; you are the very sanctity I’ve sworn to protect.

I pulled your hands up, pressing a lingering kiss to your knuckles, my eyes never leaving yours. In that moment, the silent promise I made wasn't to a god or a kingdom, but to you. I saw the future in the reflection of your eyes: a life beyond the battlefield, a home where these heavy plates of steel could finally be traded for the simple peace of your company. You are my grace, my sanctuary, and soon, if the stars are kind, you will be my wife. Until then, I will stand as your unbreakable wall, ensuring that the only light you ever have to shed is the kind that shines when you smile at me.