Blake was lying back on his bed, scanning his hand, it was still shaking gently at the pain of his past, but his mind summoned up memories of people that cared about him.

Like his adopted mother, his actual mother, the one that cared and supported him, who was kind and compassionate, who had been there at his trials, who encouraged him to learn as much as he could, who pushed in to succeed at anything he tries and was always there to pick him up when he fell, she had him go to martial arts classes to help him learn discipline and to understand himself, he remembered what she told him when he asked why he suffered like he did, she had told him that his father was weak and didn’t understand himself, and that is why he would be stronger, she said that there is a good and evil in everyone and by understanding himself he could choose which one he would be. He remembered her. He loved her and he now missed her, he could never turn to her for guidance.

He remembered Dominic, his late wife, she was the greatest person he had ever met, and they had spent years building their time together, they had met while he was still in the army, and he remembered their first interaction, she was shouting out someone who was wearing a uniform but never served, her fury at the stolen valor and her look was like some kind of demi-goddess of war, her words slammed into him, he could remember a night she had spent with him and said that she liked him not who he was, and if he wants he could talk to her about anything, her heart strong enough to hold his pain too. She was the greatest kindness he had in his life, she kept him from embracing his pain even when his father and mother tried to force their way back into his life.

He remembered his old CO, that rough and tumble grunt that had paid him extra attention, always pushing Blake to the limit, screaming at him to reach his expectation, only to move it further away, that man that didn’t let him slack off in anything, trained Blake to be a great soldier and then push him more, forcing a sword into his hand, then a spear, and then a halberd, he had pushed Blake hard for three years, and then when he had decided Blake was ready he just smiled and told him to not worry as he is now strong enough to protect anyone he wants. That crazy fuck that he was, but Blake now appreciated his training.

He recalled his friends, those five guys from boot that had stuck to him like factory glue, they held on to him through his career, and after his time in the army, always showing up when they had time, always messing with him but never with his wife, those five that had spent days drinking beers with him and talking about nothing in particular, those same five that had forced their way into his home when it was hallowed from his wife’s death, who had stayed next to him, held him up and ripped bottles out of his hand, who had tackled him and forced him to speak with his mother, who sat on him every time he had a breakdown wishing to hold her one more time. Those dark years of his life, but they were there pulling him up and away from his grief, never letting him sink completely, he wished they were here now to take up arms with him. He missed his old life, and his old family and friends, he was alone here.

no, not alone, he had people here too, he had Jackie and Hilda, he had Phanna and Miann, and he had Granite and Jade, he also met Clarice and Juillet. He wasn’t really alone, there are people that care about him somehow, they like him for who he is, and he can’t deny them.

Blake sucked in a deep breath, holding it for a half second, before releasing it slowly, snapping his hand closed hard, the sound of knuckles popping as he tightened his grip, as he was determined to live and fight to live, that is who he is.

Kicking his feet and standing up he got his boots back on and walked for the door. [I am Blake Winters, son of Julia Winters, soldier of the army, school bus driver, and now paladin in this magic world, and I will live and win.] his active thought rang as he stepped out of the house into the late evening sky, making his way to the sounds of music and laughter.

As he came around the corner, he was met by a bright bonfire with some villagers dancing around it, a pack of three was off to the side playing on instruments, and there were some benches with villagers sitting and eating while chatting with each other, close by there were about five tables set up end to end lidded with food and a few barrels off to the side where he could see a man scooping a mug of the content with a smile. This was a scene out of his dreams but not unlike the bonfire parties of his mother’s friends who did and still do. And he couldn’t help but smile at the joyful air, as he made his way to the food.

Finding a small plate, he gathered up bits of everything to try it, exchanging a few pleasantries, and making up the excuse as to why he smelled good as a difference in his and their village, to his credit he was convincing as most of the old women that pried about it took his answer in stride. His mind was rocked a bit as the chief interrupted his chat with the leatherworker to hand him a mug.

“What is it?” Blake asked, noting the scent of the liquid inside the tall mug that smelled like wine, but the depth of color was way lighter but still red.

“Wine from the lord of Wynberg, a gift from him when he came to spend a day here a month ago.” The chief said back with a smile, “Just don’t overdo it, like those lads.” he pointed to one bench where there were five young men all sleeping on top of each other, two empty barrels beside them and mugs in some hands.

Blake stifled a laugh and took a sip, it was a wine but not a grape wine, it was like a honey wine, rich and tangy in the best ways, with a fine aftertaste that left you wanting a bit more, “that is good, what is it made of, I know grape wines but this is something different?” he asked after a second of letting the drink settle.

“Oh… you noticed, yeah made from Wiaanz bees honey, they are considered a difficult breed to keep, but the lord of Wynberg manages somehow and gets a fair bit of honey too.” The chief said as he took his own sip, “You scared some of the folks here, a few heard you…” the man shifted a bit to look out over the dancers that were still having fun, “Well, let’s just say not allot argued with a mad Hilda when she came over. I was told that you had suffered, I had thought as much when we met, but to think that you carry that suffering with you is unthinkable to me, so I’d like to ask again if you don’t mind.”

“Ask what chief?” Blake asked back before taking a drink, eyes watching the crowd and he spotted Jade dancing with a man, her face was filled with joy, and her expression spoke to her like of her partner, something that made Blake smile a bit as he lowered his mug.

“Blake, would you like to stay in the village, I know we don’t have a lot to offer you, but you are comfortable with those women, and they like you, actually a lot of the villagers like you,” The chief said with a smile, his expression was like some old grandpa watching his grandchildren at play. “They all think of you like some selfless knight that came in their hour of need, but they now think you need a home over thanks, so what do you say.”

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Blake noticed a few heads turn or lean their way and heard the shifting of people behind him, but he gave the chief an apologetic smile, “Sorry chief,” he started but his eyes found Hilda, Jackie, Phanna, and Miann all surrounding Granite and talking up a storm, “As much as I would like too, I have oaths I must hold to, and my path doesn’t end at this village, but it is definitely a place I am anchored too, so if you ever need help you can call on me.”

The chief let out a sigh, before laughing a bit, “Yeah, I had to ask for the village, but I am happy to hear you like our little part of the world, safe travels Blake.” he said before finding a few men to gather up the five that had tried to have a barrel to themselves.

Blake sighed and killed his mug, and turned around finding a seat, he spent the better part of a few hours talking to and getting thanks from different people including the women he rescued from the goblins, but they always stayed a bit away from him, not that he minded. Trauma is not an easy thing to fight, and fresh ones like the ones they were carrying now will be harder to battle, but Blake had faith in this village, they are a strong community.

His enjoyment of people-watching was cut short as Jade broke off and sat next to him with a mug in hand for him, and herself. “Hey, grumpy pants, you okay?” She asked before taking a drink of the wine.

Blake took a drink in time with her then leaned a bit away from her, “Yeah, not much of a dancer fancy pants.” he retorted, then smiled as she laughed, “How are you by the way, saw you dancing with someone.”

“Ho ho, are you jealous, mister Winters?” she asked with faked interest but broke as he smiled with a restrained laugh, “he is the seamstress’s grandson, he has apparently always liked me, and he came to my house after I saw you, and asked if I would consider marrying him…”

“And did you say yes?” Blake asked when she faltered, taking a sip of his wine.

“Well, I said that I would have an answer for him tonight.” Jade said before taking a long drink from her wine, and capping the gulp with a sigh, “I wanted to know what you think, I know you don’t think about these things, but if you were interested, would you marry me?” she gripped her mug tight and nervously scratched at the wood it was made from.

“You know I can’t, I am not looking to settle or stay here, I have oaths I must keep, and as much as I wish I could, I can’t,” he started then reached over and pulled her into a side hug, “But, I saw your dance with him, and I saw you were happy and you do like him too, it's a buried love and hard for you to show, but you do. So be happy, no matter with who, Jade.” he spoke with the tone his mother spoke to him with, a warm and rich tone of comfort that was carried on reassurance.

Jade elbowed him to get him to let go. “Dickhead…” she retorted but smiled a second later. “Yeah, you are right, he is kind and smart, but he is not strong. I am just afraid, I guess, that you will leave, and something as crazy as the troll will show up again.”

Blake thought and his eyes landed on Hilda, and he laughed at the suggestion he had. “Get Hilda to train him, she will push him to get better. I just showed her how to tap into the force that I use, but you may want to be close by if you do.” Blake said with a smile and drank a big gulp of his wine. “Besides, this whole class thing is stupid, anyone can handle a sword with training, sure they will never learn skills, but training can’t be disregarded, I am sure Hilda can handle the defense of your village now for sure, so she can teach others if they want.”

Jade let out a thoughtful moan at the idea, “I guess that is true, well I guess I have nothing to stop me now, but do me a favor Blake.” she said before turning a bit to him, “Don’t make my sister cry, she is mustering the nerves to approach you, she wants a lot from you, she wants you to stay, but she knows you won’t, so please, just make her happy while you are still here.”

“A bold request, and what would you do, if your sister asks me to give her a piece of me to bear?” Blake asked back, his eyes watching her intently, reading her as she thought over the answer.

“Well, I will be mad at first but if that is what she wants then I have no right to complain, and I would do my best to be a great aunt, not that I think I wouldn’t be, just will.” She said after a few seconds. “But would you do that, give her that much, you will not be here to raise her kids, doesn’t that bother you?”

Blake shifted a bit a took the last drink of his wine while he thought over the answer, “I do a bit because I would want to be a father, but I was raised mainly by my mother, and all of you have shown me the same level of care and compassion as she did, I am sure that any children I leave behind will grow up happy, loved, and healthy. And I couldn’t ask for more than that.” he said, getting her to smile and kill her mug.

“Ok, then Blake Winters, I will entrust you with my sister for now, but you better be back for their crowning ceremony at least.” she said before leaving her mug behind and joining back into the dancing.

Blake let out a sigh and scanned the crowd, but didn’t find Granite, or anyone that he felt strongly about aside from Jade. but he didn’t put much to it as the night was dwindling down and a few had gathered their family members and had made their way home, a few were abandoned after a blanket was thrown over them, mainly those too big to be carried easily. [this village is something else indeed]

Then his thoughts were interrupted as a pair of hands landed on his shoulders, and the visage of Miann stepped in front, a familiar cup in hand and a length of cloth in the other, her face was apologetic. Blake glanced over his shoulder to the strong hands of Hilda, her face was also sorrowful.

“Any chance we can talk about whatever this is?” Blake asked after a second as he turned back to Miann but got a shake from her, “So, drink and blindfolding, and then what, you will lead me somewhere?” which got her to nod. “Ok give me.” he reached out to the cup and drank the supplement before coughing a bit as the aftertaste of it didn’t mix well with the taste of the wine.

Blake let himself be blindfolded and led for the better part of ten minutes, the path was one he knew but he still was not sure where he was going. The bits of scenery he could make out in the blindfold told him they were heading deeper into the village. But he was finally deposited in a room, that smelled of picked flowers, and was floored in wood, and a warmth of a fireplace was on his skin from ahead of him, the sound of the door closing was all he could hear before he heard her.

“Can you walk forward, please,” Granite’s voice calls from in front of him, the tone sheepish and nervous, but clear with direction.

Blake took slow steps forward until a pair of hands stopped him, he felt them press against him, their path was inviting, and they undid his belt before undoing the front of his padded tunic, pulling it free, he tried to lean in and find her lips, but got a hand instead, that caressed his cheek, the touch soft and tender. He felt granite’s hands work their way down his undertunic, feeling his muscles against the fabric, making their way down only to lift the tunic off too. Her breath on his skin is a bit hot even with the heat of the fireplace near them, but her hands are a bit cold on his skin, her fingers find his scars, like those on his arms, and her interest in them is a bit uncomfortable to him but he doesn’t stop her. Then as she seems to stop, he feels her lips press against one that runs across the inside of his arm, a cut that he finds particularly painful, yet the pain feels soothed like she was devouring his anguish, her lips imparting a soft comfort to him.

“Granite, what do you want?” He asks slowly but gets no answer as his blindfold is removed, his eyes take a second to adjust to the shift in light, and his eyes fall on hers, her azure eyes that show her love in full, then his gaze shifts down, and across her body, she was dress in nothing but her skin, that pale porcelain skin that is soft and sensitive, her brown hair braided back and freeing her face. Her lightly freckled face was rounded a bit along the jaw but held a beauty that is uncommon, and her stance was a bit sheepish as his eyes linger on her breasts a bit then he glances about.

Their ware standing over a wide assortment of soft hides, behind her was a roaring fireplace that shrouded her in shadows, but the heat was enough to beat back the cold of the night, next to them was a large bed with room enough for both, bedded in fine sheets.

She leans forward and up to kiss him, her breasts pushing on his chest, as her hand comes up and around his neck, one hand reaching up and deep into his hair, their kiss a tender and slow one, as he brings his hands around her and pulled her in, and time melts away to a blur for the long kiss.

Before she pulls back and locks her eyes on him, her breath had a ping of the wine on it, but not too much, she was still in control and her actions showed it. “I want you, but I know you wouldn’t stay, so help me give you a reason to come home, and to me.” she finally says, her voice ignited something deep as words from long ago lit a new in him.