Cold. The clean smell of snow, and he can hear it crunching underfoot. He is bundled against the cold, and somehow, the sting of it doesn't bother him. There is someone, and he is holding them close. He can feel the soft curve of them under his hands, and he is certain that it must be a woman, for him to be holding so close to him.
A breath. Someone speaks.
"I promise I will come back for you."
His own voice, and he can hear breathing there. He pauses, and he can hear the strain in his voice, and then he continues.
"...even if I have to leave this town, even if I have to become emperor...even if someone tries to get between us..."
Cold air in his lungs, and he can feel himself nodding. He holds her closer, and he can hear her breath catch in her throat as she sniffs wetly. She must be crying.
"I will be waiting."
((OOC: Memory is from
page 23 of the Peony Gaiden manga. Senses are smell/feel/sound.))