A/N: If you have yet to reach Chapter 8 don't read! (Or if you like spoiling yourself then be my guest and go ahead and read!)

Watcher of the Night

To and fro, a long black tail swung in a listless manner beneath the starry night sky. Bathed in the silver glow of the moon, the Centurion of Darkness lay in rest within the calm, open field, his eyes keen in the shadows. With the full moon out at its peak, it was not the Centurion's favourite type of darkness but nevertheless the night was always a welcomed moment.

Insects sang, their ecstatic songs filling the stillness of the lovely, peaceful night. The Centurion kept watch, having volunteered to do so since Centurions, unlike humans, required no physical sleep.

Long has the campfire turned to nothing but embers, left unattended by the children that slept.

Deep in sleep they both were, allowing Tenebrae to pad along the ground without the worry of waking either.

From his side of the dying flame, the Centurion quietly made his way towards the girl. Down by Lady Marta's side, the Centurion of Darkness lowered his head close to the girl's left ear with a snide little smile on his lips.

Ah, now what informational fact would he chant into her dreams tonight? He pondered it over briefly before giving himself a curt nod. Using one of his "hidden talents" that no man, half-elf or any other living being had ever seen, the Centurion began to discuss the importance of Izoold's fishing economy. Surely, knowing a thing or two about each village they would eventually come upon would heighten the girl's education (and not to mention intelligence).

He paused in the midst of his whispered speech when his ears caught a quiet sound that differed from the insects' calls.

A whimper?

It came from his right.

Turning his head, his eyes fell on the slumbering boy, Emil, who slept a short distance away from Lady Marta (much to the girl's flaunting protest).

Silently, Tenebrae watched as the child stirred within his sleep. Caught within a troubled dream, the young Knight displayed the notion of pain clear upon his face.

Tenebrae slightly frowned.

So it had already begun.

With a short sigh, the Centurion rose onto his feet to approach the suffering boy.

"Those dreams – those memories," Tenebrae began in a quiet tone as he lowered onto his haunches beside the Knight, "They are far too painful, are they not?" the Centurion questioned, not expecting an answer. He fanned the end of his tail before folding it to form a single-finger like hand. Lightly, he touched the tip of his tail upon the child's forehead. At once, the boy's furrowed brow eased away as the Centurion suppressed the memory, if only for the time being.

Sent into a dreamless sleep, Emil no longer stirred. Tenebrae lightly smiled. Softly, he whispered, "Dream not of these dreams for it is far too soon. Your power is not yet strong enough to endure it."

The Centurion paused, a forlorn gaze directed at the boy before him. "My Lord, sleep well. I am here to protect and serve you. Always will I watch over you –" An amusing grin suddenly settled on Tenebrae's lips, "– no matter what form you take…"

A/N: Hm, yes. It seems I'm obsessed with ToSII for the moment. I really love Tenebrae's character and Emil is just too innocently cute~Aha! I just had to write this little blurb out. I hope you enjoyed it! I apologize for the short length - it was all I had in mind. Do leave a review if you ever get the chance. Thanks for reading!