The next morning, they awake to the bustle of preparations as they all get ready to head back to the city of Tara. Thomas and Joanna are present to see them off, and Merig has taken Sean captive once again. With Cormac's help, they restrain him and place him on a horse for the journey back home, before the group exchanges heartfelt goodbyes with Kate’s parents.
(M)Well, we're ready to head off.
(T)You all come back and visit anytime you like.
(C)Probably not me, since I shouldn’t even be here since I was exiled thanks to this piece of shit.
(T)Don't you worry, Cormac, we will personally have a word with the town about your bravery in rescuing my daughter. Don't think I didn't hear about what you did. You're a hero in my book and a part of our family.
(C)Really?
(J)Of course, dear, you saved our daughter and her growing baby’s life and the lives of our sons-in-law.
(B)I was pretty useless, I'll admit.
(J)Oh stop it, Barth, you protected the woman you love from harm. That's brave and heroic as well.
(T)That's right, son, we're proud of you, too.
(B)Thanks, Jo, thanks, Tom.
(A)It was great seeing you both again. I haven't set foot in this town in ages, but I'll definitely come to visit more. Larry and I even visited my parents last night, and I told them everything. They’re happy that I’m okay, and they seem to like Larry.
(J)Good, I hope you'll all come to visit whenever you can. Also, Cormac, we'd love to meet Deirdre. She sounds like a lovely woman.
(C)[chuckles] That she is. I love her very much and I'm sure she'll be happy to see me return home to her.
(J)Oh, I'm sure she will be ecstatic. Just love her and be good to her.
(C)Yes, ma'am, I wouldn't dream of hurting her.
(J)Good, such a gentleman. You be good to Sarah as well, Barth.
(B)Oh absolutely, I plan on it.
(J)I also heard about your engagement, Larry, and Ash. Congratulations to you both.
(A)Thanks, Jo, you and Tom will definitely get a wedding invitation.
(J)I look forward to it. You take care as well, Gordo.
(G)Thanks, Jo. It was good seeing you and Tom again.
(J)It was good seeing you, too.
(K)Well, we should probably get going. So, everyone, you know the drill. You gotta give my mother a mandatory goodbye hug.
(J)[giggles] I can't help it. You're all just so precious to me. I have to show my motherly love to everyone.
(B)Mom hugs are the best, Jo. I'll never take them for granted.
(J)I'm so happy to hear that, honey, come give your mother-in-law a big hug. You too, Merig.
Barth and Merig step forward, their arms wide open, welcoming Joanna into their embrace. She reciprocates, wrapping them in a tender hug, careful not to disturb Barth’s recent injuries. With a warm smile, she turns to Sarah, who stands just beside Barth and envelops her in a loving hug. Next, Joanna approaches Kate, sharing a sweet mother-and-daughter embrace followed by a gentle kiss on her cheek. Moving on, she reaches out to Larry and Ashley, offering them soft hugs while being mindful of their wounds. Joanna then turns to Gordo, opening her arms for a heartfelt farewell hug. Meanwhile, Cormac dismounts from his horse, leaving Sean secured atop while Gordo keeps a watchful eye. Joanna greets Cormac with open arms, and he readily returns her embrace. Finally, Thomas makes his way around, giving soft hugs to everyone before he and Joanna take a moment to glance at the group, cherishing the last moments of their goodbyes. With a final nod, the group prepares to depart, carrying the memories of their time in Tailltean and the love of Joanna and Thomas with them.
(J)Well, this won't be the last time we see you, but I’ll miss you all. Take care, okay?
(B)Of course, Jo, you and Tom do the same.
(T)We definitely will.
(J)We hope you all recover well. We know you've been through hell and we can only imagine your pain. We love every one of you and we send our love home with you.
(M)Thank you, Jo, we'll need it.
(K)We love you, too, Mom, and Dad.
(A)I'm sure you're excited to be grandparents.
(J)Oh, I can't contain it at this point, I'm so happy, I could cry.
(L)Hopefully, they'll be happy tears, Jo.
(J)Of course, now you all get going before I hold you hostage here.
(M)[chuckles] Alright, we'll get out of your hair.
(T)We'll see you soon. Goodbye, everyone.
(K)Goodbye, for now, you two.
(J)We love you, baby girl.
(K)Love you too.
With their farewells to Thomas and Joanna complete, the group mounts their horses and commands them, setting off toward Tara. Racing through the town and into the thicket, their steeds' hooves pound the forest floor in unison. With a shared determination, they ride at breakneck speed, and within hours, they arrive in the city. First, they hasten to Rath Castle and to the queen's throne room, where they recount their tale to Queen Eirawen. Her expression darkens as she listens, her gaze settling on Sean with a mixture of disgust and disdain. With a curt nod, Merig and Larry escort him away in restraints, condemning him to a lifetime of solitude in the queen's personal prison, reserved for the most heinous offenders. Next, the group heads to the training grounds, where they put their horses in their stables and unload the supplies. They deposit their gear and weapons at the armory, the familiar routine a comforting respite from their journey. Finally, they gather at the resting area, collapsing onto the benches with a collective sigh of relief. As they sit and talk, their weary faces slowly give way to smiles, the camaraderie and shared triumph a remedy to their frazzled nerves.
(L)Well, we’re home and so is our commander. Welcome home, pal.
(M)Thanks, buddy, I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you all.
(B)Hey, it was all Kate. Her dedication to you motivated us to come to your rescue, little brother.
(C)Obtaining these wounds was every bit worth it to us.
(G)That’s right, my arm got bit by a spider, luckily it wasn’t venomous.
(C)My leg got bit by a skeleton wolf.
(L)My arm got slashed up by a metal skeleton with a sword.
(B)Sean used me as target practice with his mana guns.
(A)Same here, it doesn’t feel good at all.
(K)And I feel so bad that you all got hurt.
(B)Don’t be, sis, you got hurt, too. That piece of shit. If Sarah wasn’t treating me, I would’ve stepped in and beat the life out of him. I’m sorry that I didn’t.
(K)It’s not your fault, Barth. I feel it’s mine because you all got dragged into this.
(C)No, you didn’t drag us into it, Sean did.
(B)Yeah, sis, once he threatened you, we made it our business and our duty to protect you.
(K)But it all ended up going to waste, and he beat me up really badly and almost killed another unborn child. I honestly don’t know if this one will make it and I’m so scared.
(A)It’s okay to be scared, hon, but we’re here for you.
(B)She’s right, sis, we won’t let you go through this alone.
(S)I’ll be there at the healer whenever you need us. Nessa and I will take care of you.
(M)I’m here, too, sweetheart, you know that.
(K)I know, my love.
(C)I’m here, too, you shouldn’t be alone during a time like this.
(G)It’s normal to fear the unknown, considering what you’ve been through. But I believe that your baby will be just fine.
(L)That’s right, he’ll grow up to be big and strong just like his uncle Larry.
(B)Hey, he’ll be my blood, he’ll be strong like his uncle Barth.
(M)Hey hey whoa, I’m the father, so he’ll be strong and brave just like me.
(K)Oh boy, here we go.
(G)Uncle Gordo will teach him how to kick ass.
(C)Listen, if anyone is going to be a good influence on this child, it’s going to be me, Uncle Cormac.
(M)You’re all wrong, he’s going to love me more since I’m the dad.
(B)I’ll teach him magic.
(A)You’re all wrong. I’ll teach him alchemy.
(S)You never know, maybe he’ll like healing people.
(K)He’ll learn whatever he wants to, he can choose his own path like I said before.
(L)That’s a good idea. You are mama, so you know best.
(B)That’s right and so does his dad. Whatever your son decides to do, I’m sure he’ll do great things in his own way.
(G)No doubt about that, let’s just hope he doesn’t choose the wrong path.
(C)Yeah, Gordo and I might not be the best influences since we have a past of being bandits.
(K)Hey, you’ve denounced banditry and you’re here living a better life. I think you will all be great influences on our son.
(M)I agree, the rest of us goblins were in the bandit camp as well, regardless if we didn’t hurt anyone.
(L)He’s right, but hey, like Kate said, we’re living a better life and that’s all that matters.
(B)Agreed, I’m just glad Sean is put away.
(K)Me, too, I don’t feel scared anymore since he’s put away for good. Eirawen won’t let him escape or release him. I could see the scorn on her face when we explained everything.
(G)Yeah, I saw that, too. She looked scary.
(A)Well, think about it, Kate is her good friend and we’re her beloved Royal Guards. She doesn’t take kindly to anyone hurting or threatening us. She’s just that good of a person, not just a queen.
(M)Exactly, she’s been good to us and she always will be.
(K)She was delighted when I told her I was pregnant. I’m sure you all saw that.
(S)Yeah, she was so excited, she’s such a sweet person.
(A)She is and I’m sure she’ll want to hold a ceremony when the baby is born.
(K)[giggles] I wouldn’t doubt that and I wouldn’t mind if she did. I have time to think of a name.
(B)Maybe you can name him during the ceremony.
(M)That’s a good idea. What do you think, sweetheart?
(K)I think it’s a good idea as well. We have a lot to plan and think about in these next nine months. I’ll be making weekly visits to Nessa and Sarah. I’m just scared of losing my baby again, that’s all.
(L)We understand, Kate, I’m sure he’ll be just fine.
(M)I’m here, my moon, and so is everyone else.
(K)Thank you, my earth, and thank you to everyone else and for fighting alongside me to rescue my husband.
(B)That’s what we’re here for, sis, remember?
(DD)Cormac?!
(M)Well, that’s your cue, Cormac.
(K)Go show your woman some love. I’m sure she missed you.
(C)[chuckles] Of course, I missed her, too. The limping will be worth it.
Deirdre rushes through the entrance of the training grounds, her voice ringing out with excitement as she calls for Cormac. Spotting him at the resting area, she dashes toward him, her heart racing. Cormac, a grin spreading across his face, rises from his seat and hobbles over to her as quickly as his limp will allow. As Deirdre reaches him, she leaps into his arms, and though he stumbles slightly, he manages to keep his balance. Wrapping his arms around her, Cormac holds her tightly as joyful tears stream down her cheeks. They pull away and lock eyes, sharing a radiant smile, before Cormac tenderly cups her tear-stained cheeks and presses a soft kiss on her lips, holding her close.
(DD)You’re back, you came home.
(C)I told you I would.
(DD)I missed you so much.
(C)I missed you, too, Deirdre.
(DD)Are you hurt? You were limping.
(C)Yeah, I got hurt. We fought monsters in a dungeon. A skeleton wolf bit my leg.
(DD)Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it for you every day until it heals.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
(C)Only if you want to.
(DD)Of course, I do, Cormac, I’ll always be here to take care of you.
(C)I would very much enjoy your company again while you take care of me.
(DD)[smiles] I’d be more than happy to do that for you, sweetheart. Come on, I’m sure your leg is hurting just standing here. Let’s go sit down with the others.
(C)I just want to stand here and hold you and kiss you, my sunflower, can I do that?
(DD)Only if you want to.
(C)I’d love nothing more.
The two exchange warm smiles, and Cormac leans in to plant another kiss on Deirdre's lips, holding her tight. After savoring their moment of reunion, Deirdre wraps her arm around Cormac, offering him support as she gently turns him around. Together, they make their way back to the resting area, Cormac limping slightly with each step. Once they approach, Deirdre helps him settle back into his respective seat before settling down beside him. As Cormac drapes his arm around her shoulders, they clasp hands, their eyes drawn to the group nearby as Deirdre decides to speak up.
(DD)I see the rest of you got hurt, too. Are you all okay?
(G)For the most part.
(L)Barth got the worst of it. The poor guy used himself as a shield to protect Sarah from mana bullets.
(DD)Oh my goodness, I’m glad you came out alive, Barth, you too, Sarah.
(B)Me too, Deirdre, but I’m glad we all got out alive.
(A)But hey, there’s good news.
(DD)What’s the good news?
(K)I’m pregnant.
(DD)[gasp] You’re pregnant?! That’s so exciting! How far along are you?
(K)About eight weeks, I was keeping it a secret until the right time. But I had to say something or Sean would’ve hurt me badly and I would’ve lost my baby again. He still beat me pretty badly, as you can see.
(DD)What a horrible person, did you catch him?
(M)We sure did. They broke me free of my possession and we gave him a good beating as well. He’s in the queen’s prison, a place special for him.
(DD)Good, he can rot there for all I care.
(B)Merig will be able to go in and have fun with him and give him his daily beatings.
(M)Maybe weekly, I don’t want to have to go in every day, considering I have my pregnant wife to take care of.
(G)I’m sure Kate would be against that, though.
(K)Not this time, Gordo, not after what he’s done to me and everyone else I care about.
(G)I don’t blame you, then.
(C)I’d be happy to join you in giving him his weekly beatings considering what he did to me as well.
(K)You deserve justice, too, Cormac. I’m sure Merig wouldn’t mind if you had your fun as well.
(M)I don’t mind at all. In fact, I encourage you, Cormac.
(C)Thanks, Merig, it would help me relieve my anger and frustrations I have toward him. But there’s something I have to say and I don’t want to keep it from you, Deirdre.
(DD)What’s wrong, sweetheart?
(C)Something happened last night while we were staying at an inn in Taill. My beautiful sunflower, I hope you don’t get mad at me.
(DD)Why would I do that?
(C)Well, do you remember us talking and you asking me if I planned on visiting my former lover?
(DD)...You didn’t, did you?
(C)No, I didn’t, but she visited me while I was getting settled in my room at the inn. She’s a night owl, and she saw us riding into town last night. I got treated at the healer and settled at the inn to sleep. The next thing I knew I got a knock at my door and it was her. I said some not-so-nice things to her since she tried reconciling with me. I told her that I wanted nothing to do with her because she played into the lie that I was a monster and didn’t think for herself. She knew me better than that, but she believed Sean over me.
(K)I remember you mentioning her when you came to visit me at home while I was sick. I’m so sorry, Cormac.
(C)[sigh] Don’t be, her name is Victoria and I’ve moved on from her. But we were together when I lived back in Taill before Sean betrayed me. She believed Sean when he framed me for killing him or ordering the bandits to kill him. She helped exile me from the town and she thought she could reunite with me while I was in Taill after all these years. I told her the truth, and she seemed surprised that I would tell her to leave and that I didn’t want to see her. I told her that I hope she’s miserable for what she did to me because she didn’t deserve happiness. That’s the same thing she told me when she left me.
(DD)Cormac, I didn’t know she said that to you.
(C)Trust me, I wasn't expecting her to show up at the inn. I swear it, Deirdre, and nothing happened other than me practically yelling at her and telling her that I wanted nothing to do with her.
(DD)I believe you, honey, don’t worry, I’m not upset.
(C)I told her about Deirdre and told Victoria that I lost all love for her. I told her that I resented her, but that I moved on and how much happier I am with Deirdre and being here in Tara. I still have disdain for both her and Sean because of what they did to me. I didn’t lay a hand on her, though. I just raised my voice because she had the nerve to even contemplate talking to me after everything.
(DD)I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’ll spend as much time with you as you need to get your mind off of it.
(C)I’m fine, I promise, but I would love to spend time with you for the next few days if that’s possible.
(M)Considering what you all have been through just to rescue me, I don’t see why not. You all need to heal from your wounds, so I’ll be taking over.
(B)You should take time off, too, little brother.
(M)Someone has to be here to watch over the other guards. Larry, you’re second in command, but you’re injured, so you can’t do it.
(L)It’s just my arm, my legs are fine. I’ll take over. Don’t worry about it, pal.
(M)I think we all need some time off. I’ll talk to another one of the guards and see if they can take over. I at least want to check in on them daily while we relax for a few days.
(L)Sounds good to me.
(B)Also, for those of you who don’t know, Sarah and I confessed our love while we were in the dungeon.
(DD)[gasp] I was waiting for you two to confess! Congratulations, to you both, I’m so happy for you!
(C)Yeah, Barth, I thought you’d chicken out.
(L)See? I’m not the only one.
(B)If I wasn’t as injured as I am, I’d be zapping both of your asses.
(G)Don’t worry Barth, I had faith in you.
(B)Thanks, buddy, you’re the only one out of these goblins.
(M)Hey, I had faith in you too. I was the one telling you not to wait like I did. You’re a lot braver than me, and I told you that.
(B)Thanks, little brother, but hey, despite everything that happened, some good came out of it and we’re home and we’re happy with our women.
(G)Well, I’m home, and I’m happy.
(L)Hey, I’m sure some woman will come along and steal your heart, too.
(K)I believe that, and you deserve it, Gordo, you’ve been a hero twice now.
(G)It was nothing, Cormac was the hero, too.
(C)I had to be, otherwise Sean would’ve killed Kate and her baby. When I saw Kate lying on the ground with Sean pointing that mana gun at her, pulling the trigger on my crossbow was my immediate reaction. Something told me that I had no other choice and that if I didn’t, she would’ve died. I thought about the night Merig died in Kate’s arms and that I targeted Kate and had intentions of killing her. Since Merig was possessed, he couldn’t do anything to save her, and neither could anyone else since they were injured, and I saw that. I had no choice. There was no one else that could save her from that again, but me. And I made it my responsibility to prevent Kate’s demise. It was up to me. I felt that her life was in my hands and my conscience was screaming at me to do something, so I made the decision. If I hadn’t, Kate wouldn’t be here and I couldn't live with myself if I did nothing and I felt that I had to right the wrong that I did back then. I wanted to make it right by saving her life this time rather than trying to end it like I planned to when I was still that monster of a person. I actually feel good about myself again.
(K)[smiles] You’ve truly forgiven yourself, Cormac, congratulations.
(M)She’s right, you understand now, even though we forgave you a long time ago. All it took was time, and for you to be the hero that we knew you could be.
(L)Absolutely, pal, you did good.
(C)But it wasn’t just me, it was Gordo as well. He brought Sean down after I shot his hand while his gun was pointed at Kate. It was ultimately a team effort, so I can’t take all the credit.
(G)You saved Kate’s life. I just kicked his ass, so he didn’t hurt her any further.
(K)And that’s just as heroic, Gordo, and still worthy of praise.
(M)She’s right again and to thank the both of you, I have decided to give you both your ranks.
(G)Ranks?
(C)But I haven’t even finished training, I’ve barely started.
(M)That’s okay, you’ve proven yourself more than worthy of it. Gordo, you’re now my lieutenant in the Royal Guards. And Cormac, I’m making you sergeant.
(C)Really?
(M)[nods] You deserve it for saving my wife and child’s life and everyone else’s life. Had Sean killed her, he would’ve killed the rest of us.
(K)He’s right, those were Sean’s intentions, and he made that clear.
(G)Well then, it’s settled, we can’t argue with it, Cormac.
(C)[chuckles] I guess not. Thank you, Merig, I’ll wear the rank with pride.
(G)So will I, you won’t be disappointed.
(M)I know I won’t be, but for now, let’s relax. We’re home, we’re happy, we’re with our women. And in nine months, I’m going to be a father, so Kate and I have a lot to plan and think about.
(K)That’s right, I’ll be going in the morning to see Nessa for a check-up and see how my baby is doing.
(M)Now that I think about it when I touched your belly in the dungeon and last night in bed, I could hear a heartbeat. I know your heartbeat anywhere and it wasn’t yours. I know that for a fact. It was loud and clear as day, but I thought it was just me hearing things.
(K)What do you mean?
(M)[smiles] Honey, I heard our child’s heartbeat…it was a healthy heartbeat, so our son is going to be just fine
(K)[smiles] I’m so relieved to hear that, I thought it was just me hearing it, too.
(M)Do you hear it, too?
(K)Yeah, I do, I am the mother after all. We’re all connected, it seems.
(B)Such a beautiful thing, isn't it?
(L)Yeah, I just might shed a tear.
(A)Same here, we can’t wait to watch your belly grow.
(S)It’ll be beautiful to see.
(DD)Absolutely, and as your fellow women, if Merig isn’t around, we’ll be here for you.
(K)[smiles] I really appreciate it. I’m so lucky to have you all. After everything I’ve been through, it’s just the breath of fresh air that I’ve needed. And I’m just glad we’re all safe and sound at home and I have my husband back.
(B)It’s what you deserve, sis. You deserve love and happiness.
(C)He’s right, just like you all told me before Deirdre and I got together.
(G)As your friends and practically family, we’re here to help you be happy, just like you’ve done for us.
(L)Absolutely, this will be a time to heal, but also a time to lift each other up. That's what we’re supposed to do as one big happy family.
(M)And I’ll be here the most, my moon, and everything will fall into place.
(K)Thank you, my love. You all deserve love and happiness as well and it’s just as much my job as it is yours to help make you all happy. But for now, let’s relax these next few days.
(B)And you’ll be relaxing these next nine months, sis. That means no lifting anything heavy or doing any magic training. Also, no stress, it’s bad for the baby.
(K)Since when did you become an expert, Uncle Barth?
(B)I just know these things, okay? It’s my job as your brother-in-law.
(K)Okay, okay, I get it.
(M)It’s my job to know these things as well and I’ll be doing the heavy lifting, so don’t worry. I’ll also be the one to take care of you during these nine months.
(K)You don’t have to, honey, you have so much to deal with.
(M)I told you, sweetheart, I can always have someone take over for me. It’ll be my job as a father and a husband to help you and take care of you.
(L)Yeah, once I’m healed, I’ll do my job as the second in command.
(K)Alright then, I guess I can’t argue. I’ll be practically pampered the whole time.
(A)Take advantage of it, hon, your husband is willing to pamper you.
(M)She’s right, take advantage of it.
(K)But you’ll need pampering as well. I’ll do what I can because I know I’ll be a pain with the pregnancy hormones.
(M)It won’t bother me at all, I’ll be here no matter what.
(K)You’re the best, I love you, my earth.
(M)I love you, too, my moon. And soon, our star.
(K)That’s right, our star will be born and shine brightly with the moon and earth.
(M)I can’t wait.
(K)Me either.
(B)We should celebrate at the pub.
(K)Sounds good to me.
(A)Kate needs a baby celebration. Who’s up for it?
(L)Hell yeah, everyone in the city should hear the good news.
(S)Agreed, it will be so much fun.
(G)Just remember, no alcohol.
(DD)That’s right and a good diet is good for the baby as well.
(C)Let’s celebrate, then.
With a shared sense of joy and camaraderie, the group rises from the resting area, Deirdre supporting Cormac and Sarah assisting Barth as they make their way to the Bright and Sherry pub. The rest of the day unfolds with laughter, delicious food, and lively dancing, cherishing each other's company as they celebrate Kate's pregnancy, and the victory in the fight with Sean. As the sun dips below the horizon, the group bids each other goodnight, making their way to their respective homes and looking forward to a well-deserved rest. Cormac accompanies Deirdre to her home, where she carefully tends to the wound on his leg. As night falls, they snuggle under the blanket, their bodies entwined, sharing soft, passionate kisses. In a moment of quiet intimacy, they pause, gazing into each other's eyes, their faces aglow with love and contentment. Deirdre breaks the silence with her soft voice as she speaks, her words filled with emotion, as she and Cormac bask in the warmth of their love.
(DD)I really did miss you and I wondered if you were still alive.
(C)I missed you, too, sunflower. I was hoping I would make it out alive so I could come back home to you.
(DD)And you came back when you said you would.
(C)I did. You were all I thought about when I was gone.
(DD)You were all I thought about, too. How bad does your leg hurt? I saw your wound when I was cleaning and dressing it.
(C)It’s just sore, the pain-reducing potions that Sarah gave me do help, though.
(DD)Good, I don’t want you to be in pain, not if I can help it.
(C)As long as I’m with you, all of my pain goes away and I don’t think about it.
(DD)I’m glad I can help you take your mind off of it.
(C)I love you, my sunflower.
(DD)[smiles] I love you, too, you call me "sunflower". I like that a lot. I should give you a nickname, too.
(C)[chuckles] Only if you want to.
(DD)How about Mac?
(C)...
(DD)Cormac, honey? Is that not okay? Did I say something wrong?
(C)No, sunflower, I’m sorry it’s just, that’s what she called me.
(DD)I’m sorry, my love, I don’t want to bring you any painful memories.
(C)The only painful memory she gave me was exiling me. I have no more romantic feelings toward her, just the pain she caused me, along with Sean and the people in my old town.
(DD)Okay, honey, I won’t call you that, then.
(C)You know what? You’re more than welcome to give me that nickname. I won’t stop you since I’ve moved on. She lost the right to call me by my nickname and I told her as much when she came to see me at the inn. So I’m passing the right on to you, it’ll help me get past the pain since it’s you, the woman I love with all of my heart, my sunflower.
(DD)I’m so happy that I can help you move on from everything. You know what? I’ll change one letter in your nickname, so it’s not as painful for you.
(C)Deirdre, sweetheart, it’s fine if you call me Mac.
(DD)I know, but I want to give you a nickname of my own.
(C)Are you sure?
(DD)Absolutely, I’ll call you Mic.
(C)[smiles] I love it. It’s perfect. You’re perfect in every way.
(DD)So are you, and I’m looking forward to our life together.
(C)So do I, you’re everything to me.
(DD)You’re my entire world and just think, you get to spend the next week or so with me so I can take care of you again while you heal from your wound, just like I did the first time.
(C)I would love that very much, sunflower. I look forward to spending time with you. I may not be able to make love to you, but I’ll enjoy your company.
(DD)[smiles] Hey, don’t be sorry. I’m not upset with you. Besides, I can always make love to you while you’re recovering.
(C)Are you sure?
(DD)I’ve made love to you before, haven’t I?
(C)[chuckles] You’re absolutely right, but for tonight, I just want to hold you and kiss you.
(DD)Alright, sweetheart, I’m sure you’re tired, so just hold me and kiss me and I’ll make all of your stress melt away.
(C)You’re already doing that just by being here, honey. Thank you for everything.
(DD)That’s what I’m here for. Now let’s not waste this time together and kiss me.
(C)With pleasure, I love you so much, my beautiful sunflower.
(DD)I love you, too, Mic.
Cormac and Deirdre's eyes lock in a deep, loving gaze, the love between them stronger than ever. Cormac gently pulls Deirdre closer, his lips meeting hers in a tender, passionate kiss. They lose themselves in the moment, their hearts beating as one, as they hold each other tight, savoring the warmth of their love. Meanwhile, the rest of the group enjoys a well-deserved respite, relaxing in the comfort of their own homes, their weary bodies and minds rejuvenating after the perilous journey. The injured ones begin their journey to recovery, surrounded by the love and support of their companions. As the night wears on, Cormac, Merig, and Larry each find solace in the arms of their beloved women, their hearts full of joy and gratitude. One by one, they drift off to sleep, wrapped in the warmth of each other's embrace, their dreams no doubt filled with visions of a brighter, more peaceful future.