The Pelegrin's Road

    The man had left England a pale wraith, bruise-like shadows beneath his eyes. He returned with skin weathered a sturdy brown from sun and wind. He'd sought out the Brahmins of India and mourned the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas. Nomads had welcomed him; he'd learnt to ride and survive months of never-ending wind.

    He'd marvelled at the Great Wall, built without magic. A tiny old Yezo woman had shown him the poignant beauty of autumn leaves.

    And he'd returned. "Hermione," he greeted the woman who opened the door.

    She merely cried on his shoulder while he gathered her close.

_{a/n: This fic was partially inspired by 'The Silk Road' by Sirens' Song— a beautiful piece if you ever get a chance to hear it. I get the feeling that this is how 'And Ye Shall Find' might have been if I had been feeling more lyrical and less 'angst-written' at the time.}