The following morning, Merig, Barth, Larry, Gordo, and Kate gather at the training grounds, but Cormac and Deirdre are noticeably missing. As the group waits, a sense of curiosity lingers in the air, but the couple remains unaccounted for.

(M)Where the hell is Cormac?

(K)Deirdre isn't here either.

(B)Maybe they overslept, they were probably exhausted from gathering all of those sunflowers.

(L)Maybe, but I don't think we have the time to wait for them any longer. Ash can’t patrol by herself all morning.

(G)Agreed, we should get started.

(M)Alright, looks like those two are sitting this one out. Sweetheart, how do you think we should split up?

(K)Merig and I will go visit Charlotte, Barth. You go to Miss Silvia’s shop. Larry, you go to the butcher shop, and Gordo you go to the produce shop. Give them the information about Sean and my story. Merig and I will also go talk to Donna at her home. I would split up as well, but I don’t want to walk around the city alone.

(B)It’s okay, sis, we understand.

(L)It’s no big deal. Is there anyone else we should talk to?

(K)Actually, yeah, if someone wants to, they can go to the pub and talk to Sherry, since Sean was sitting at the bar when we first saw him.

(L)I’ll go and talk to her, no problem.

(K)Okay, we can all meet up back here when we’re done.

(G)Sounds good to me.

(M)Alright, if you see Sean while you’re out, let us know when we meet back up here.

(B)Will do. I’ll try to contain my urge to put my hands around his throat.

(L)Same, if I get the chance to have five minutes alone with him, he may or may not be alive when those five minutes are up.

(G)The guy has a face that I’d just love to sucker punch.

(K)I understand you guys but remember, we can’t act irrationally. I don’t want that bad image on the Royal Guards, especially since Sean is such a master manipulator, that I’m sure the citizens will be on his side.

(M)She’s right, if this guy can convince an entire town that Cormac is a villain, imagine if he can convince an entire city. It’s possible that everyone would turn against us and our reputation would be tarnished.

(L)I don’t disagree, but if he threatens any of us, we reserve the right to defend ourselves.

(M)That’s fine, just make sure there are witnesses, and don’t let him confront you alone.

(B)You got it, little brother. We know what he looks like so we can keep an eye out for him.

(K)Let’s get going, Larry is right. We don't have time to wait for Cormac and Deirdre.

(M)Alright, sweetheart, you all know what to ask the people we’re visiting, right?

(B)Yep, give them the description and ask if he’s mentioned Kate and all the other questions.

(G)Yeah, I remember.

(L)Got it locked away in my memory.

(M)Good, let’s head out.

(L)Aye, Commander.

As the group disperses from the training grounds, Larry makes his way through the winding streets of the city, his destination the local butcher shop. Inside, he finds Emmett the butcher, a tall, middle-aged man with dark hair peppered with some gray. He’s cleaning the shop, scrubbing down the countertops with a vigorous intensity, his face set in a determined expression. Larry's friendly smile breaks the solemn atmosphere, and he speaks to Emmett with a warm greeting.

(L)Morning, Emmett.

(ET)Good morning, Larry, you’re visiting me pretty early this morning. What’s the second in command coming to see a tired old butcher like me for?

(L)Well, I came here on official Royal Guard business and I’m here to ask some questions.

(ET)Sure thing, I'll do my best to answer your questions.

(L)Well, it's about a certain person that's here in the city. Have you by chance seen a tall man with dark wavy hair wearing dark clothes?

(ET)There are a lot of fellas that come in here with that description. You might have to be a little more specific.

(L)He was seen wearing black clothing the other day. His hair is short, just a little bushy. No facial hair.

(ET)Doesn’t ring a bell. No one with that description has come in here. I'm pretty acquainted with practically all of my customers.

(L)His face kind of looks menacing, but that’s the only other description I can give. Has anyone with that description come in to ask about Merig’s wife, Kate?

(ET)No, I can’t say they have. Is everything okay?

(L)For now, we think this man is looking for Kate.

(ET)Is Kate in some kind of danger?

(L)We’re under the suspicion that she is, this man is from her past and, let’s just say he’s scum and we think he’s out to hurt her.

(ET)That doesn't sound good. Is he a disgruntled former love of hers?

(L)Yeah, he wasn't very nice to her, if that tells you anything. He hurt her so badly that she lost an unborn child.

(ET)Oh my god, so he's that kind of person. Shame, give Kate my regards. We appreciate her in this city, she's very much loved here.

(L)Will do. It didn't exactly sit well with her seeing him in Tara after all these years. She's very much scared of this man.

(ET)Kate is such a sweet woman. Who would dare hurt someone like her? She’s always been so kind to me in my shop, she even helped me cut some meat one time. That woman is a lifesaver and sweet as can be. Merig found himself a good woman to marry.

(L)That he did, they both love each other. She’s always been willing to help people, and I honestly don’t know why anyone would even think of hurting her.

(ET)Some people are just evil, they aren’t worth being called human. You goblins in the guards sound more human than this guy.

(L)Couldn’t agree more. Merig is very protective of her, as you know.

(ET)After what happened last year, I don’t exactly blame him. I’m glad that all worked out for the better, though.

(L)Yeah, me too. The ones behind that incident have turned their life around and came here to serve in the Royal Guards and have sworn to protect the city. They’re also willing to protect Kate from this piece of shit and so are the rest of us.

(ET)I don’t blame you all, keep that woman safe. She doesn’t deserve any more trouble, and especially not from this guy you speak of.

(L)Well, if you see a man of that description, please let us know.

(ET)Sure thing, Larry, I’ll keep a lookout. I wish I could help more. I hope he doesn't cause any problems for Kate. We’ll do what we can to help her in this city. It’s the least we can do for what she’s done for us.

(L)I appreciate it and you’re doing more than you think to help us protect her. It seems Merig is the most concerned about the situation.

(ET)I can see why he would be. He protects her like his life depends on it.

(L)That he does.

(ET)Don’t let that bastard hurt her.

(L)Of course not, she’s safe with us. Thanks for your help. I gotta go talk to a few other people. I’ll see you later, Emmett.

(ET)See ya, Larry.

Larry steps out of the butcher's shop, making his way toward the pub, his next stop. At the same time, the bell above the door of the flower shop jingles, announcing Barth's arrival. He scans the shop for Miss Silvia but doesn't spot her until she gracefully appears from the back, a warm smile lighting up her face. With a cheerful tone, Silvia greets Barth, her friendliness radiating throughout the shop.

(SL)Good morning, and welcome to my shop.

(B)Good morning, Miss Silvia, it’s me, Barth.

(SL)Oh hello, Barth, forgive me. I forgot to put my glasses on again. Are you here to buy more flowers for that Sarah girl?

(B)[chuckles] Not this time, but I will soon. She absolutely loves the ones I got her that last time and she’s even kept them alive.

(SL)She must have a green thumb. I’m glad she loves them. I take it you’ve won her heart then?

(B)Not quite, Miss Silvia, but I hope to one day. I want to tell her how I feel, but I’m not sure what to say.

(SL)Say whatever your heart tells you to. It knows best. Sometimes you just have to be straightforward if you can’t find the words.

(B)You’re absolutely right, I’m just nervous and I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing.

(SL)Love can be a scary thing, but it’s also a very powerful thing and when we love someone, it can be a powerful feeling. But we have to keep it under control so it doesn’t get out of hand and if you have control of it, it can also be a beautiful thing. Don’t be scared. Balance it out and speak from the heart. Be courageous, life is about taking chances and especially with the one you love. I believe you can pour your heart out to her and she’ll be charmed by you.

(B)The wisest of words from the amazing Miss Silvia. I know I have to be brave. I’ll do my best. I recently took her out to dinner, and she kissed me on the cheek.

(SL)That’s a sign right there. She’s being courageous and taking the chance to let you know how she feels. Be just as brave as her and she’ll know how you feel, too.

(B)I guess I never thought about it that way. I’ll definitely remember that. Thank you, Miss Silvia.

(SL)Of course, dear, I do my best to give advice. So what brings you here to the shop, Barth?

(B)Oh, of course, I almost forgot. I’m here on behalf of the Royal Guards and I want to ask you some questions about someone who just recently came to Tara.

(SL)Well, I’ll do my best to be as helpful as I can, dear.

(B)Has a man with dark hair and clothes come into your shop recently?

(SL)Oh, it’s hard for me to see people without my glasses and I tend to forget to put them on when talking to customers. I’m so sorry, but I wouldn’t be of any help if it’s someone you’re looking for in particular. But when I have remembered to wear my glasses, I haven’t seen anyone of that description come in here.

(B)It’s no problem at all, ma’am. Your answer is a big help, regardless.

(SL)Is this man someone important?

(B)Well, yes and no. He's a horrible person from Kate's past. Her ex-fiancé from some years ago. He was very abusive to her, and he's recently come to Tara. We think he’s looking for Kate because he wasn’t exactly happy when she left him years ago, from what she told us.

(SL)Oh no, what did he do to her?

(B)He hurt her pretty badly and almost killed her when she lived back in her hometown. She had a miscarriage because of him and he spent some time imprisoned, but he’s here in Tara, which means he’s been released, or he escaped.

(SL)Oh my goodness, what a terrible thing to happen to such a wonderful person. Shame on him, I hope you catch him and put him away before he hurts Kate again.

(B)If he plans to hurt her, that’s our plan. If he comes into your shop, will you let us know?

(SL)I most certainly will. I’ll remember to put on my glasses from now on since this involves Kate’s safety. Get him before he gets the chance to hurt her and you keep that precious woman safe.

(B)Yes, ma’am, we’re doing just that. Merig and the rest of us have kept a close eye on her. Merig hasn’t left her side since we discovered that the man was here.

(SL)Good. How can someone be so cruel, especially to that sweet woman?

(B)That’s a good question, Miss Silvia, and one we’ve all asked ourselves since we first heard her story.

(SL)I hope the poor dear is okay.

(B)She’s okay for the most part, she’s just very nervous that he’s here.

(SL)I don’t blame her one bit. I’m sure she’s frightened by that man. Who wouldn’t be?

(B)I completely agree, Kate has every right to be afraid. If you see him come into your shop, please come to the Royal Guard headquarters and talk to one of us. We're trying to keep a very close eye on him, too.

(SL)I most definitely will, Barth. Thank you for letting me know all of this. I want to help keep her safe as well.

(B)Thank you, Miss Silvia.

(SL)Oh by the way, have you become captain yet?

(B)As a matter of fact, I have. Merig promoted me just the other day.

(SL)Oh congratulations, how wonderful! I bet you were excited.

(B)Very much so, I get to fight alongside my brother.

(SL)I know you and Merig will do great things. Brothers fight together.

(B)Yes ma'am, we do, and I'm proud to do so in this city.

(SL)Good, you always wear your achievements with pride. And hey, it just might impress Sarah if you haven't told her already.

(B)I haven't yet, but I plan on it. I don't expect to win her over with a silly rank.

(SL)You’d be surprised, Barth, I know you're not human, but women love men with high ranks. I'm not saying it will be the thing that wins her over, but it will be a factor.

(B)Maybe, we'll see about that, maybe it'll help me be more courageous. I know Cormac has captured your granddaughter’s heart.

(SL)Yes, he has and Deirdre seems very happy with him. I'm not her mother, nor can I control her life, but when I learned who Cormac was, I was a bit skeptical about her falling in love with him. But he has proven himself to be a good person, and I was very open to seeing that. The poor thing has been a mess for years since the incident in the forest. After that happened, I wouldn't dare ask her to forage flowers for me. I felt so guilty for what happened to her.

(B)It wasn't your fault, Miss Silvia. You had no idea it would happen.

(SL)But I should've asked Merig or Larry to accompany her. When I visited her at the healer, it broke my heart to see her injured the way she was. It took me a long time to forgive myself and sometimes I still look back and realize I could've done more to protect her.

(B)It'll be okay, we're glad she's alive and Cormac makes her very happy and she's smiling a lot. Not once has she blamed you for what happened.

(SL)That’s a relief to hear. It would break my heart if she hated me. I love her. She's my granddaughter and she can make her own life choices.

(B)I can tell you that Cormac treats her with the utmost kindness and respect. He even took her out in the forest to spend time in nature again after so long and, from what she said, she had a wonderful time with him and he protected her. Cormac even killed the bandit who attacked her all those years ago. The bandit almost did something unspeakable to Deirdre, and Cormac did not show him mercy.

(SL)[sigh] I’m so glad to hear that, she now has closure and can feel safe again.

(B)Indeed, that bandit was notorious for sexually assaulting vulnerable women in the forest. He can no longer hurt women again.

(SL)Good, it seems my preconceived notions about Cormac were wrong. He's perfect for my granddaughter. I wish nothing but the best for them both.

(B)I do as well, Miss Silvia, we all do.

(S)Well, I won't keep you any longer, I'm sure you don't want to continue talking to a boring old woman like me.

(B)You cut that nonsense, you’re never a bore, Miss Silvia.

(SL)[giggles] I appreciate you stopping by, Barth. Oh, I almost forgot, I have something you might want to give to Sarah. I'll be right back.

Silvia pivots gracefully and makes her way to the rear of her shop, intent on finding a special item for Barth to deliver to Sarah. Barth stands by, his demeanor calm as he waits for her return. Moments later, Silvia reappears, her steps light as she approaches the front, cradling something delicate in her palm. As she draws near, she reveals the treasure to Barth, who gazes down in curiosity. In her hand glimmers a necklace, featuring a pendant of periwinkle encased in resin, suspended from a shimmering silver chain. She offers it to Barth, who takes it gently, examining it with a soft smile before he begins to speak.

(B)You made a necklace from a periwinkle?

(SL)I sure did. When you bought those periwinkles from me, you mentioned wanting to find a piece of jewelry for her next time. So I decided to cast one of the periwinkles in resin to preserve it and I made a necklace out of it. I kept forgetting about it and didn't know when I was going to be seeing you next, but now that you're here, I remembered I had it and wanted to give it to you to give to Sarah.

(B)Miss Silvia, I can't just take this from you.

(SL)Hush, not another word about it. You take that and you put it around her neck. The best thing that money can't buy is seeing someone happy, especially the ones we love.

(B)You’re absolutely right, thank you. How exactly did a city get so lucky to have someone like you living in it, Miss Silvia?

(SL)[giggles] That’s a story for another time, dear. You've got Kate to protect and that necklace to give to Sarah. You're a busy captain. Don't bother yourself with this old woman.

(B)You’re never a bother, but you're right, I have work to do.

(SL)Next time I see you, I want to hear good news.

(B)Hopefully, I'll have good news to give you. I'll see you later, Miss Silvia.

(SL)Goodbye, Barth, and good luck.

(B)Thank you, Miss Silvia, goodbye for now.

Barth gazes at the necklace for a moment before tucking it into his pocket, a smile spreading across his face as he steps out of the flower shop. He makes his way to the healer first to present the necklace to Sarah, before meeting up with everyone at the training grounds. Meanwhile, in the produce shop, Gordo enters and spots the shopkeeper, a woman named Karry. With her long brown hair neatly braided and dressed in her work attire, she busily arranges the vegetables. Gordo approaches her, greeting her with a warm smile.

(G)Good morning, Karry.

(KR)Good morning, Gordo, you caught me stocking some tomatoes. Are you here to do some grocery shopping?

(G)Not this time, Merig sent me here to ask some questions about someone in the city.

(KR)I see, are you looking for someone in particular?

(G)Yeah, he’s a human, tall with dark brown wavy hair cut short, wearing dark clothing. At least that’s what he was wearing when we saw him.

(KR)Let me think for a moment, you’ll have to forgive me, you know how many people come here in a day, so it’s hard to keep up with everyone’s appearance.

(G)Completely understandable. Has anyone by that description come in here asking about Kate?

(KR)Not that I can recall. What does he want with her?

(G)Let’s just say, it’s nothing good. We’re under the suspicion that he’s looking for her. He’s her ex-fiancé from back home in Taill and he was locked up for beating her half to death and made her lose her baby while she was pregnant.

(KR)[gasp] Oh my god, are you sure he’s human? Sounds like a monster to me. In fact, I’d say monsters are even kinder than him.

(G)Agreed, we heard Kate’s story, and needless to say, none of us were happy that he had the audacity to come here, especially looking for Kate.

(KR)How does Merig feel about it?

(G)He heard her story and was fuming not even halfway through. He's not happy at all and he’s practically guarding her with his life.

(KR)He’s so good to her and I don’t blame him for keeping her close. But I can't imagine how Kate feels, too.

(G)She’s very scared, and she’s glued herself to Merig.

(KR)I bet she’s probably paranoid now that her ex is here.

(G)Yeah, she said she’s been looking over her shoulder since she left the house this morning.

(KR)Poor Kate, I love her to pieces. She doesn’t deserve that, especially not after what happened to her. I really hope he doesn’t get a hold of her. Is he stalking her?

(G)We think so. He came into the pub the other day and we all just happened to be there with Kate. He looked around the pub for a bit as if he was looking for someone.

(KR)I bet he’s one of those guys who stalks the women who leave him.

(G)Actually, he did when Kate left him back in her hometown after he got violent with her. He was able to break into Ash’s home when she was staying with her back in Taill. He broke into the house and that’s how she almost lost her life and later, she miscarried her unborn child at the healer in Taill.

(KR)Such a tragedy, I can only imagine her pain and my heart goes out to her. Please send her my love and I’m so sorry I couldn’t be of more help to you.

(G)It’s not a problem at all, we just want to make some people in the city aware, especially the ones who know Kate the most.

(KR)Thank you for letting me know and thank you for protecting her. She’s very much loved in Tara. She’s helped me so many times, she even took over my shop while I was sick. I felt so bad putting that burden on her, but she did wonderfully, taking care of my customers. I’ll always remember that and I’ve always given her lifelong discounts and even produce at no charge for helping me.

(G)She’s a very selfless person and a forgiving one. She forgave me for my crimes last year. I’m sure you know the story.

(KR)Yeah I do, I remember you accompanying her when she would come here earlier this year. You’re a good person, Gordo, and you’ve been absolved of your wrongdoings and you’re here to protect us. We appreciate you here and we appreciate Kate as well.

(G)Thanks, Karry, we appreciate you in this city as well. What would Kate do without your amazing fruits and veggies? Her cooking is amazing and she couldn’t do it without your stock.

(KR)[giggles] Oh you’re too much, Gordo, but I do take pride in my produce. Only the best for my customers in Tara, especially for Kate.

(G)She definitely deserves nothing but the best and we will protect her from this man.

(KR)Good, you and the others are strong enough to take that man down.

(G)If he does hurt her, we won’t hesitate. We don’t want to initiate anything unprovoked. According to Kate, he’s very manipulative and can turn people against us. The reputation of the Royal Guards needs to be upheld.

(KR)I get it, trust me, we all know you are the good guys here. Just please, keep him away from Kate.

(G)We will. Merig won’t let him touch her, and neither will the rest of us.

(KR)Oh! I have some mushrooms for her that she wanted, here. Tell her it’s from me with love and send her my regards and I’m sorry about what happened to her.

(G)Thank you, Karry, I’m sure she’ll love these. Her cooking is amazing. We all love it.

(KR)It really is, I’ve tried her food before and it’s like nothing I’ve ever tasted. She puts my cooking to shame, but she uses my produce in her cooking so I’m glad I could provide that for her.

(G)Your produce is the freshest in Tara and we would go hungry without it.

(KR)You’re too kind, Gordo. It brings me pleasure to know I make my customers happy.

(G)It’s a good feeling when you bring people joy.

(KR)Very true, especially the ones you care about.

(G)I couldn’t agree more. Well, I do have to relay this information back to Merig.

(KR)I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more use to you all.

(G)Don’t even worry, just use the information I gave you and if you see him come into your shop, just come to us and let us know.

(KR)I definitely will. You all take care and tell Merig to hug his wife tight. I know he’ll protect her with his life. He’s done it once already. And please send Kate my love.

(G)I’ll pass the message to them. Thank you for your help, Karry.

(KR)I’m more than happy to help her, it’s the least I can do for what she’s done for us in this city.

(G)Of course, I’ll see you later.

(KR)Take care, Gordo.

(G)You as well, Karry.

Gordo swings out of the produce shop, his destination, the training grounds, where the rest of the group will be gathering. Meanwhile, Kate and Merig step into the fragrant embrace of Charlotte’s Sunrise Bakery. The sweet scent of pastries fills the air, but the atmosphere is anything but serene. A disgruntled customer stands at the counter, her voice rising with each passing second. Charlotte, ever the professional, attempts to soothe the woman's frustration, explaining that the beloved croissants are currently being made and won't be ready for quite some time.

(CH)Listen, ma’am, croissants take time to make, so you’re just going to have to wait. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

(AC)And you didn’t think to make more?!

(CH)Ma’am, I only have two bakers in the back besides myself, and they’re working on a lot. They are preparing the croissants as we speak.

(AC)This is unacceptable. Can’t they work faster?!

(CH)Are you aware of the process of making croissants? It is a slow process. You’re just going to have to come back later. Give me at least an hour and they’ll be fully stocked. We’ve only just run out, they are very popular here. Isn’t there anything else you would like?

(AC)No, I was looking forward to a croissant for breakfast and you’ve ruined that for me!

(CH)If you go to the pub, they usually have some for some of their menu items.

(AC)No, I wanted a fresh croissant. I’m not going to a dirty pub. Who knows what they do there?

(K)Excuse me, that pub is very well taken care of, and myself as well as the Royal Guards themselves rest there after a hard day’s work. Sherry takes very good care of her establishment, and I do not appreciate the vitriol you’ve spouted since we walked in.

(AC)And who the hell are you, hussy?!

(M)Ma’am, you will lower your voice and not speak that way to my wife. I’m the commander of the Royal Guards and you will treat Charlotte with respect. She is a very loved citizen of the city and her bakery is second to none.

(AC)I don’t care who you are, I will not wait for her to make the croissants!

(K)She has offered you a substitute and the croissants will only take an hour to make a full stock. It’s pretty early so I’m sure you can wait, or go to the pub and ask Sherry if she has any croissants, since this is where she gets them to make some of her menu items. I assure you that the pub is always spotless and the patrons are wonderful.

(AC)That’s probably where all the croissants went!

(CH)Not all of them, but Sherry does order quite a few in advance, so we make them to order and for stock here in the shop.

(AC)So a filthy pub is more important than your customers!

(CH)Sherry is also a customer, she pays for what she orders. This is also a first come first serve shop, so if you’re here and we’re out of something, you’re just going to have to wait or come in here earlier than this.

(AC)This is ridiculous. Who’s the owner of this place?!

(CH)You’re yelling at her right now, ma’am and Commander Flynn has already warned you to lower your voice. I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy if you carried on like this.

(AC)I don’t give a shit. I’ll be as loud as I want!

(M)Then I’m sure you’d love to spend some time in a cell for disorderly conduct. I’m sure you’ll care then.

(AC)You can’t do that to me.

(K)Actually, he can, hence his rank as Commander and most recently, his title as a knight.

(AC)No one asked you, bitch!

(M)Ma’am, this is your final warning to not speak to my wife in that manner. I do not take kindly to it and if you continue, I’ll have no choice but to apprehend you. This city is peaceful, and it doesn’t need people like you to cause trouble.

(AC)You married a Fomor? How disgusting. I can’t believe the queen would allow that in her city.

(K)She’s the one who officiated our wedding, so not exactly hard to believe. She’s a good friend of ours. It’s also none of your business who I married, as both of my parents gave us their blessing. Also, my husband here is the queen’s most esteemed Royal Guard as a commander and she knighted him herself. So I would show at the very least some respect, seeing as he protects you and the rest of the city from bandits and the like.

(AC)[scoffs] Fomors don’t get my respect and neither do you since you married one.

(K)I see what kind of person you are and unfortunately, Miss Charlotte here doesn’t take kindly to people like you.

(CH)She’s absolutely right, Commander Flynn is very much respected in my bakery. And at this point, since you want to express your hate for him and his kind, you are no longer welcome here. You can leave peacefully and go find yourself a croissant elsewhere.

(AC)You can’t do that!

(CH)I can and I just did and if you have a problem with that, you can take it up with Commander Flynn. But I wouldn’t recommend doing anything irrational. Commander Flynn is much stronger and well-trained to deal with people like you.

(M)You can leave quietly or you can spend the night in a cell, your choice. Anymore vitriol toward Charlotte, myself, or my wife and you’ll be spending the night in a cell, regardless.

(AC)This is unbelievable. I just wanted a nice breakfast this morning!

(K)Well, sadly, acting like a child and throwing a tantrum is definitely not the way to get it, ma’am. And if you do end up going to the pub for breakfast, Miss Sherry doesn’t appreciate any hostility toward Fomors, either. So I wouldn’t say anything since there are a lot of Fomors that frequent her establishment.

(M)And with that being said, you’re welcome to exit through this door. Have a nice day, ma’am. I hope you can one day have a better attitude and have more respect for the people who protect you.

Kate and Merig step aside and part from each other, creating a path for the woman to leave. The two simultaneously hand signal the irate customer to leave, their gestures a silent plea for peace. With a final, disgruntled glare, the woman stomps away from the counter, passing between Kate and Merig and storming out of the bakery. As the echo of her departure fades, Kate and Merig turn back to Charlotte, their faces breaking into relieved smiles. A shared look of triumph passes between them as they approach the counter, eager to greet their friend.

(K)Good morning, Charlotte.

(CH)Good morning, you two. I’m glad you showed up. Thank you for the help. I’m sorry you had to see that.

(M)We’re happy to help, especially with that horrible woman.

(K)It’s a good thing we got here. We wouldn’t let you deal with her alone.

(M)She’s right, insulting Kate boiled my blood more than anything. I'll take insults from someone who hates Fomors, but I won't let anyone get away with insulting Kate, you know that.

(CH)I know, love, and it's good to see you both. What brings you here today and this early, too?

(M)We came here to ask you some questions, but first, I think you'll want to hear what's going on.

(CH)Is everything okay?

(K)Not exactly. Someone I know is here in Tara. I haven't really talked to anyone about this until the other day when we saw this person and I revealed my past to Merig and the others.

(CH)I can already tell this isn't gonna be good.

(K)Prepare yourself. I’ll make it brief. My ex-fiancé from when I lived in Taill is here in the city and he's not a good person. He was very controlling, and he beat me to a bloody pulp when I tried leaving him and I was at the healer for a week. My father rescued me and got me out of that situation. When I left, my ex stalked me relentlessly and eventually broke into Ash's house back in Taill. He strangled me, almost killing me. Luckily, Ash was awake and intervened, and she hit him over the head and knocked him unconscious. I ended up back at the healer not long after because I was feeling pain in my stomach. When I got there, they tried helping me, but the pain got worse and I began bleeding profusely. When I did, my unborn child came out of me and he was dead. My ex was finally put away, and it's been a few years since I've seen him, but he showed up the other day and I think he's looking for me.

(CH)...Okay, let me process all of that first, because holy shit, honey. How could someone do that to you? Is he even human?

(K)Unfortunately.

(CH)Wow, if that's what my fellow human does to someone so sweet and innocent, I want nothing to do with him. I'm ashamed to call him human. Even Fomors wouldn't want anything to do with him.

(M)You’re not wrong, myself and the other goblins would love to tear his limbs off.

(CH)I don't blame you at all. Making Kate lose her child, who was still growing inside her womb, is just evil. That breaks my heart and I'm so sorry, Kate.

(K)Don’t be sorry. Merig has done so much to help me heal from it. But seeing Sean at the pub the other day just reopened those wounds, and I'm really scared.

(CH)I completely understand, love. Everything will be alright, Merig won't let him hurt you.

(M)That’s right, sweetheart, and you know what I’ll do if he hurts you.

(K)I know, my love, it all just has to do with my trauma from what he did to me.

(CH)We understand, hon, if I was beaten half to death by a man, I’d be scared of him, too.

(K)So have you by any chance seen a man, kind of slim, about Merig’s height, with short, dark brown wavy hair and dark clothes?

(CH)Let me think for a second, there’s a lot of people who come in here daily, so it’s hard for me to remember everyone.

(M)That’s understandable, we had that in mind when we came here. Larry, Gordo, and Barth are asking others in the city, so we can make sure he isn’t trying to find Kate.

(K)Like I said, he stalked me the first time I left him, so I wouldn’t put it past him to do it again. I had no idea he was out of prison and I’m sure he’s doing his best to get to me if he’s here. The question is, how does he know I’m here?

(CH)Who knows, but if he’s that crazy, he’ll find a way to get to you, hon.

(M)Which is why we’re asking around, making sure he isn’t trying to get information on Kate's whereabouts.

(K)Odds are, he saw me at the pub, so my whereabouts have most likely already been compromised. I just don’t know what more he wants from me.

(CH)He wants power over you. He thinks he can have it even after all these years. He’s mad because he craves that power and control. Did he insult you or make comments about you that made you uncomfortable?

(K)Yeah, he did. He told me I was fat and that no one else would ever want me.

(CH)That’s his control, making people think they’re inferior. If he gets inside your head deep enough, he can make you believe it.

(K)Sadly, I did start to believe it, but I broke free from that and I feel and think differently about myself. I told Merig that I was afraid to let him see me naked since Sean made those comments about my body and it still gets to me sometimes.

(CH)Oh honey, you’re not fat at all, you’re just fine and you’re a beautiful woman. I’m sure Merig tells you that every day.

(K)[smiles] Of course he does and it makes me feel better about myself, he’s so good to me.

(M)It pissed me off so badly when Kate was telling her story and it took everything in me not to attack the bastard at the pub.

(CH)I don’t blame you, Merig, keep him away from her. She doesn’t need to be subjected to any of that again.

(M)Oh, he’s mistaken if he thinks he’s getting his hands on my wife. He’s going to have a nice wake-up call if he comes near her.

(K)Please let us know if you see him. I’m sure he’ll be asking questions if he thinks you’re associated with me.

(CH)Of course, hon, I’ll keep my eyes and ears peeled.

(M)If you see him, you can always come find us or speak to a guard and they’ll relay the message. I’ve posted guards all over the city for Kate’s safety.

(K)Sean is a very manipulative person, he’ll be friendly to you, but that’s just acting.

(CH)No worries, I can see right through people, you know me. I'll let you know if I see him.

(K)I’m sorry that I don't have a photo or anything. But if it helps, he has a few scars on his face from when my father gave him a taste of his own medicine.

(CH)I’ll keep that in mind. Your dad was very brave to intervene to save his daughter.

(K)Oh, Sean got another taste of his own medicine from my dad when he nearly killed me, so I’m lucky enough to have my dad.

(CH)I’d say, you don’t ever mess with Papa Bear’s cubs.

(M)I’ll give him a taste of medicine if he comes near Kate or touches her.

(CH)I don’t doubt that. I know you’ll put him in the ground if you have to and I won’t even feel bad for him.

(K)Honestly, neither will I. I just want him to leave me alone. I want to live my life in peace with my wonderful and loving husband and everyone else in my life.

(CH)I know you do, love, and you have Merig and the others to support you and help keep this monster away from you. Honestly, I think “monster” would be too kind of a label for him.

(K)I definitely agree, I’ve met monsters that were kinder than Sean. If people think Fomors are bad, wait till they meet him. I trust a Fomor over him and I’ll never trust him again. I married a Fomor, for crying out loud. You know I grew up with Fomors, so I never thought of them as evil to begin with, but you know what I mean.

(M)We understand, sweetheart, don’t worry. Thank you for your help, Charlotte.

(K)Yes, thank you, I’m sorry about my tangent.

(CH)Don’t even worry about it. I can understand the stress you’re under, hon.

(K)I am, but if it wasn’t for Merig, I would be having a meltdown, so he’s taken a lot of the stress off of me. He’s good at it and I feel much safer knowing he’s protecting me and I fully trust him not to let Sean hurt me, but that doesn’t mean I’m not stressed.

(M)I know, honey, as long as you know that I’m here and that I’ll keep you safe.

(K)I know you will, my love. I don’t doubt you one bit, which is why I’m much calmer than I would be if you weren’t here with me.

(M)Good, we should probably get going and meet up with everyone at the training grounds.

(K)Alright, honey, thank you again for your help Charlotte, we really appreciate it.

(CH)I wish I could’ve been more helpful. You stay safe, love.

(M)It’s no big deal, at least we made you aware of the situation, that’s all I care about.

(K)Exactly, I’m just glad he hasn’t tried to poison the minds of the people I care about.

(CH)Of course not, he could try all he wanted and he wouldn’t be able to fool me.

(K)Thank you, Charlotte, we’ll see you later.

(M)It was good talking to you. Thank you for your help.

(CH)It was good seeing you two as well, I love you both to death and I’ll do anything I can to help. You both take care.

(M)We will, we’ll see you later.

(CH)Goodbye for now.

Kate and Merig wrap up their heartfelt farewells to Charlotte before stepping out of the bakery, making their way to the training grounds to join the rest of the group. Meanwhile, Barth takes a brief detour to the healer's quarters to see Sarah and present her with the beautiful necklace crafted by Silvia. As Barth enters, he finds Sarah busy at her workstation, concocting medicines and potions. Her attention shifts to him and she looks up, her face lighting up with a warm smile as Barth closes the door softly behind him.

(S)Good morning, Barth, and to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?

(B)Good morning, I just came by while I was out getting potential information about Kate’s ex-fiancé. I was assigned to go see Miss Silvia, and I figured I would hurry over and see you.

(S)[smiles] How sweet of you, Barth, I really appreciate you visiting.

(B)Well, I also have something for you.

(S)[sigh] Don’t you think you’ve spoiled me enough?

(B)I told you I wasn’t done thanking you, remember?

(S)Of course, but you know you don’t have to.

(B)I know, but I want to and this one is going to be the most special.

(S)Barth, everything you’ve done for me is special and more than I could ask for.

(B)But I really think you’ll like this one the best.

(S)[giggles] Alright, what do you have this time?

(B)Stand up for me and turn around. When you turn around, close your eyes.

(S)[sigh] Alright then.

Sarah pauses her tasks, rising from her workstation to walk over to Barth. Following his request, she turns her back to him, her posture poised yet relaxed. With her eyes shut tight, she feels the air shift as Barth retrieves the necklace Silvia gifted him from his pocket. He delicately holds each end of the necklace, carefully draping it around Sarah’s neck as she brushes her hair aside. Once the necklace is secured, Barth gently pivots Sarah to face him, her eyelids still sealed, as he begins to speak softly.

(B)Alright, open your eyes.

(S)...[gasp] Oh my goodness, Barth, where did you get this?

(B)Well, Silvia made it and she gave it to me to give to you. I told her I wanted to find a necklace for you and she made this from a periwinkle and resin to preserve it. It was honestly a surprise to me as well, I had no idea she made it.

(S)I don’t even know what to say, it’s beautiful.

(B)So you like it?

(S)Are you kidding? I absolutely love it, Barth. Thank you so much.

(B)Of course, I thought you would appreciate it.

(S)Oh, I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know. I’ll wear it every day with the bracelet, it’s just so beautiful.

(B)Just like you.

(S)[blush] Thank you, Barth, I really do love it.

(B)Good, I’m glad.

(S)So what have people in the city said about Sean?

(B)Nothing yet, at least not from Silvia. Her vision isn’t great, as you know.

(S)She’s old, it’s not her fault.

(B)I know, I'll be meeting up with everyone at the training grounds after I leave here to see what they've found out.

(S)I really hope this man isn't going to hurt Kate.

(B)Oh, Sean won't even get a chance to touch her or anyone else. Merig will be out for blood if this asshole hurts her, though.

(S)I’m scared for her. She’s my best friend and I can’t stand seeing her so distraught. It still baffles me that he even hurt someone like her. She’s so sweet and caring, and he took advantage of her.

(B)There are evil people out there, Sarah. Evil people take advantage of good people.

(S)I understand that, but to be treated that way and hurt by someone you love would be awful to go through.

(B)It would be the ultimate betrayal and something I could never see myself doing, especially to the one I say I love.

(S)Me neither and Kate also lost her baby because of him and I can’t imagine how she felt. But I did shed tears when I was thinking about that and my heart ached for her.

(B)Mine as well, but she’s with Merig and he wouldn’t let this bastard get to her and Merig wouldn’t even dream of hurting Kate. One day, they’ll have a family together and they’ll be very happy.

(S)They’ll be amazing parents, if she’s still able to bear children, that is.

(B)Let’s hope Sean didn’t damage her to the extent that she’s no longer able to have kids. I’m sure she would love to be a mother again.

(S)She may have lost her baby, but she’s still a mother and no one can take that from her.

(B)Exactly, and I know losing a child is a mother’s worst fear. Kate would be a phenomenal mother.

(S)I’m sure Merig would be a brilliant father as well.

(B)There’s no doubt about that.

(S)Well, you should probably get going. I don’t want to keep you here. Merig might yell at you if you’re late getting back to the training grounds.

(B)Well, it’s a good thing I’m captain now, cause I pretty much have free rein.

(S)[gasp] Merig made you captain?!

(B)That’s right, he made it official the other day.

(S)Oh, Barth, I’m so happy for you. Congratulations, I’m sure you’re happy about it.

(B)Very much so, which means, as long as I’m still out on official Royal Guard business, I won’t get reprimanded.

(S)I really am happy for you, Barth. I’m sure you’ll do wonderful things as a captain.

(B)Well, since I’m here, I might as well ask. Have you seen Sean at all since we last saw him at the pub?

(S)No, I haven’t, and I’m kind of scared if he does come in here.

(B)Well if he does come in here, please let me know. And if he threatens you or hurts you, please tell me. I won’t hesitate to find him and set him on fire.

(S)I’ll let you know, I’m just nervous, that’s all.

(B)Hey, it’ll be okay, Sarah, I’ll have a guard come and stand outside if I have to and give them a description of Sean in case he decides to come here. I’ll do what I can so you don’t get hurt either while I’m not here.

(S)Okay, I really appreciate it, Barth. I just don’t want that monster near me.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

(B)Trust me, I won’t let him do anything to you if I can help it. He isn’t after you, but he’ll do his best to get to Kate, so it’s possible that he’ll try to get information from you about her. Just tell him you don't know anything, don’t give him any information.

(S)I understand, I’ll let you know if he comes here.

(B)Thank you, Sarah, just stay as calm as possible.

(S)I’ll try my best. On a brighter note, I’m really looking forward to our next date.

(B)[smiles] I am too. I have something special planned. It’ll be a lot of fun.

(S)[smiles] I can’t wait, I was thinking we could do it this weekend. I’ll let Nessa know if you’re able to.

(B)That’ll be perfect, we can spend all day together.

(S)Sounds like a plan, Captain.

(B)Alright, well I’ll see you later, Sarah. I’m glad you love the necklace.

(S)I really do. Thank you again. I’ll see you later, Barth.

(B)[smiles] I look forward to it.

(S)[smiles] Me too.

With a final embrace, Barth and Sarah part ways. Barth turns and leaves the healer building, stepping out into the bustling world. His destination, the training grounds to meet up with Merig and the others. Meanwhile, Larry has taken it upon himself to pay a visit to the local pub. The familiar scent of ale and wood fills the air as he pushes through the door. His eyes land on Sherry behind the bar, and he makes a beeline for her. A warm smile spreads across his face as he approaches, and Sherry, sensing his presence, turns to him and mirrors his friendly smile as Larry speaks.

(L)Good morning, Sherry.

(SH)Good morning, Larry, causing trouble this morning?

(L)Always, just out conducting guard business.

(SH)Is everything alright?

(L)Not exactly, I need to ask you about a patron who came in the other day. He came in wearing dark clothing, tall, short, and dark wavy hair.

(SH)Yeah, I remember him. He sat in the seat to the left of you.

(L)Did you get a good look at him?

(SH)Yeah, when I asked him what he wanted, he asked for an ale. I saw he had small scars on his face. I assumed either an animal attack or he got into a fight with someone.

(L)[chuckles] Yeah, he sort of did a long time ago.

(SH)Do you know this guy?

(L)Not personally, but Kate and Ash do. He's Kate’s former fiancé from years ago back in Tailltean, before Kate and Ash came here.

(SH)I take it that's not a good thing.

(L)No, it’s not. Those scars on his face were from when Kate's father gave him a good beating for doing the same to Kate when they were still together and she tried to leave him.

(SH)My god, Kate? He abused her?

(L)Hard to believe, isn't it?

(SH)Kate is a lovely woman, and this city loves her. With her bright smile, I would've never suspected it.

(L)Neither did any of the rest of us, but she told us the entire story. He beat her half to death when she tried to leave him because he was controlling. Her father stepped in and did the same to this asshole. Kate was at the healer for a week and recovered, then went to stay with Ash back in Taill.

(SH)Please tell me he left her alone.

(L)Nope, he stalked her and was eventually able to break into Kate's room, where he proceeded to strangle her and almost killed her. He got another beating from Kate's father, then went to prison and he'd been there until now.

(SH)And now he's here in Tara, probably after her.

(L)That’s our assumption. In addition to that story, after he attempted to kill her, she started experiencing abdominal pain and went back to the healer. When she did, she discovered she was pregnant and miscarried her baby.

(SH)[gasp] Oh how terrible, that breaks my heart. Such a shame that happened to an angel like Kate. How does Merig feel about this?

(L)He’s pissed. He wants to bury this asshole in the forest.

(SH)Can't say I blame him. If that man is here, then he knows Kate's here. Her and Merig's wedding was public and was all over the news boards and papers in each town and city around Uladh. It wasn't a secret. Invitations were also sent back to Taill from what Kate said and odds are that the man heard about it. He either escaped or was released, it’s hard telling.

(L)That makes sense. Did he say anything to you? Did he ask you questions?

(SH)No, he just drank his ale and was constantly looking around the pub like he was waiting for someone.

(L)Or looking for someone, most likely Kate.

(SH)That means he's looking to hurt her again. Keep him away from her, please.

(L)We’re doing just that. Don't worry, she’s practically glued to Merig. That's how scared she is.

(SH)That poor thing, Merig, is her world and her shield. After seeing what he did to Jeff last year, I wouldn't put it past him to do the same to this bastard.

(L)I don't either, and I won't try to stop him this time.

(SH)Good, because the only thing an abuser deserves is death, especially since he murdered her unborn child. What an evil thing to do to someone you claim to love. If that's love, then who needs hate?

(L)My thoughts exactly, Sherry, Merig, is guarding Kate with his life. He's opened his eyes, ears, and nose since he got a good whiff of that man’s scent. He'll be able to smell him coming a mile away.

(SH)Good, Merig will not show mercy if that man lays a finger on her.

(L)No, he will not and I'll enjoy watching.

(SH)So, are you just waiting for him to make a move?

(L)Pretty much. We're waiting to see how much audacity he has to even look in her direction. When he does, that's our cue to assert ourselves as the Royal Guards and for Merig to assert himself as Kate's husband and protector.

(SH)I see, he'll probably shit himself when Merig points his arrow at him with his shiny new bow.

(L)Oh, for sure, Merig will not play nice when it comes to Kate. The sad part is, that Kate and Merig talked about starting a family, but Kate doesn't know how much damage that man caused when he made her lose her first child.

(SH)It’s hard telling, but I hope she's able to get pregnant again.

(L)She said she wants to, she and Merig will be great parents.

(SH)Oh absolutely, a little goblin child would be so cute. Weren’t Merig and his brother born from a human?

(L)That’s right, but they were separated from their parents at a young age, so they haven't seen them in a long time.

(SH)Poor things, I'm glad they're happy here. Merig and Kate are so happy together. And he proposed to her in my pub. That was a tremendous honor and so beautiful.

(L)It was a beautiful scene indeed, and it was an honor being the best man.

(SH)I bet it was. It was also an honor that you proposed to Ash, as well. You're all special to me and seeing you all happy makes me happy. When's your wedding?

(L)Ash and I are waiting to plan for now, we're in no rush.

(SH)That’s understandable. You're both so busy with guard work.

(L)Exactly, but we've already talked to the queen, and she doesn't mind giving us time when we need it to plan the wedding. We're just waiting. Ash wants a fall wedding, so that'll be fun.

(SH)I can hardly wait. So, have you all been asking around about this guy?

(L)Yeah, this was the last place I needed to go. I should've come here first, but we also wanted to get info from others in the city who know Kate.

(SH)I understand. I'll keep an eye out for him and I'll let you know if he comes in when you're all not here.

(L)Thanks, Sherry, I appreciate it.

(SH)Not a problem, love, you all show this guy who’s boss, and don’t let him touch Kate.

(L)Trust me, he’ll know when he meets Merig, especially if this guy thinks he’s getting his filthy hands on Kate. He’s got another thing coming.

(SH)Do you want me to turn him away if he comes back?

(L)No, if he comes back, let us know. We don’t want him to know that we’re onto him.

(SH)Alright, I’ll keep an eye out for him.

(L)Also, if he asks you for any information about Kate, don’t tell him anything.

(SH)Of course not, I wouldn’t want to cause problems for her. She’s too special to me and to this pub and city. We all need to protect her and we won’t let this bastard get to her.

(L)Thank you for your help, Sherry. I have to get back to the training grounds and meet up with Merig and the others to see what they’ve found out.

(SH)Alright, Larry, you all be careful, and if you have to, send a guard or two over here.

(L)I may end up doing that. I want to try not to cause panic, so we’ll be as discreet as possible. I’ll see you later, though, Sherry.

(SH)No worries, I’ll see you later, Larry.

Larry strides away from the bar, his footsteps echoing as he heads toward the exit, leaving the pub behind. He makes his way to the training grounds, eager to join the others. After some time, at the training grounds, Gordo stands by the resting area, patiently awaiting the arrival of his friends. Moments later, Kate and Merig step onto the grounds, followed closely by Barth and Larry. Spotting the approaching group, Gordo shifts his focus to them, a welcoming smile spreading across his face as he greets everyone.

(G)I was wondering how much longer I was going to have to wait. I was tempted to start fighting the training dummies for fun.

(B)I mean, you did only have to go to one place, so of course you got done before the rest of us.

(G)I actually talked to a few other people, but they didn’t have any information, no one did. What about you all?

(B)Well, I went to see Silvia at the flower shop, but she hasn’t seen Sean. And I even went to see Sarah and Nessa at the healer and he hasn’t been there either, so they don’t know anything.

(M)We went and talked to Charlotte and she hasn’t seen him either. She said she’d watch for him, though.

(G)So did everyone I talked to. Karry sends her regards to you, Kate. And she also gave me these mushrooms to give to you.

(K)Oh my goodness, thank you, Gordo. Karry is such a sweetheart. She’s always been so nice to me since I moved here. I may visit her soon to thank her for this.

(M)We’ll go together, I don’t want you going alone.

(K)Of course, my love, I don’t want to go alone either.

(B)Silvia sends her love as well.

(L)I talked to the butcher and stopped by to talk to Sherry as well. Emmett hasn’t seen Sean and Sherry said he just sat at the bar drinking his ale. She said he did look around as if he was watching for someone and that makes me believe that he was looking for Kate.

(M)I wouldn't doubt that. I did catch him glancing all around the pub when we first saw him.

(G)Yeah, I saw him doing that, too.

(B)He’s definitely looking for Kate if that’s the case.

(M)Wait, Barth, you went to the healer and talked to Sarah and Nessa?

(B)Well, Nessa wasn’t around, so I just talked to Sarah.

(L)Did you just go there to ask questions or did you go for the purpose of seeing Sarah?

(B)Listen, I can explain.

(G)Oh, this should be good.

(B)Silvia made a necklace out of a periwinkle. When I first bought Sarah flowers, I mentioned to Silvia that I wanted to find a necklace for her. Well, I went to see her to ask her questions and before I left, she gave me the necklace that she made herself and coated the flower in resin, and made a necklace out of it. I went to give it to Sarah, and I also asked questions about Sean while I was there.

(K)Oh, Barth, that’s so sweet of you. I bet she loved it.

(B)She absolutely did and I’ve got a date with her this weekend. I even told her I became captain, and she was very happy for me.

(L)Trying to impress her, huh? I did the same with Ash and it worked, so I won’t fault you for doing that.

(M)I’m not upset about it. I tried my best to impress Kate in many ways.

(K)[smiles] It worked for you, too. Look where we are now.

(M)[smiles] And I couldn’t be happier

(G)I’m glad Sarah appreciated the gift.

(L)And you scored another date with her, impressive. I just wish Merig had that set of balls like you do.[smirk]

(M)You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?

(L)You know I like joking with you about it, pal. I don’t mean anything by it.

(M)Yeah, yeah, I built up courage, remember that.

(L)[chuckles] I know you did, pal, and you’re living happily ever after with your wife.

(M)Congrats on your date, Barth, I’m sure you’re excited.

(B)Hell yeah, I am. I’m going to tell her how I feel, too. I’ve got something planned. Hey Merig, you said you and Kate were dancing in the sky on your first date, right?

(M)Yeah, why?

(B)How did you do that?

(M)It’s an ability, I’ll tell you how to obtain it later.

(B)Sounds good. I know what I want to say to her while we’re on the date. I want to fly her over the city. It’ll be so fun, I just hope she doesn’t freak out.

(M)It’ll be fine, just talk calmly to her and hold on to her to make her feel secure.

(L)If Merig can say all the right things, so can you, Barth.

(B)Oh yeah, I’ve got this. It’s a surefire way to win her heart.

(K)Well, with that necklace, I wouldn’t be surprised if you already did. When Merig gave me this necklace, he practically had my heart in the palm of his hand. As if he didn’t already, but you know what I mean.

(B)I hear you loud and clear, sis, I understand my mission.

(M)Anyway, we only seemed to get information from one person. But it confirms that Sean is looking for Kate, but the question is, how does he know Kate is here?

(L)Simple, your wedding.

(M)What do you mean? What about our wedding?

(L)You sent invitations back home, did you not, Kate?

(K)I did, to my mom and dad, and a few others.

(L)Well, I’m sure the word spread around Taill that you were getting married. You said you grew up there, so everyone there must know you.

(K)That makes sense and it was a public wedding.

(L)Also, it was on headlines and bulletins. Your wedding wasn’t exactly a secret, a lot of people heard about it.

(M)That explains it, but that still begs the question as to how Sean managed to get out of prison.

(L)That would be a mystery, even to me. Maybe he somehow escaped. Also, Sherry gave me some information that I think we need to consider and pass on to the people we talked to today. Apparently, he has small scars on his face. My guess is he got them when Tom gave him his beatings after what he did to Kate.

(K)I didn’t see him up close after he beat me the first time when dad took care of him and it was too dark to see his face when he strangled me. So I never really knew how much damage my dad did to him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did get some visible scars from both incidents.

(B)Wouldn’t doubt it, Tom looks like the kind of guy who can do some damage to someone.

(K)When I saw him beaten and bloody, I realized how much damage he could do. It made me feel safer and I should’ve stayed with my parents after the first incident, but I didn't want to rely on them.

(M)It’s understandable, sweetheart. What happened to you was not your fault, regardless.

(B)That’s right, sis, even if you had stayed with your parents, I’m sure he would’ve done the same and broke into their house to hurt you again. Which makes me believe more that he’s just crazy.

(L)Same here and if he’s that crazy, I honestly don’t think he’ll care that we’re protecting Kate. He’ll still try to get to her, even if he gets the life beat out of him. These kinds of obsessed people are just that stupid to try to do that. They don’t care if they get hurt as long as they get what they want.

(M)Well, Sean isn’t getting what he wants. Kate is my wife and I’ll be the one to beat the life out of him if that’s what it takes.

(L)I know you will pal. I’m just telling you the extent people like him will go. He won’t even care if he hurts the people around Kate. As long as he thinks he can get his hands on her, that’s all he cares about.

(K)Don’t worry, my love, I belong to you and I want nothing to do with him ever again and I’ll tell him as much.

(M)I know, sweetheart, he just pisses me off thinking he can get his filthy hands on you.

(K)And he won’t, like you said, so don’t worry, remember? Just try to stay calm, okay?

(M)I’ll do my best, honey.

(B)I told Sarah to let me know if Sean shows up and does anything to her or threatens her. I’ll have a field day with him if he does.

(L)I’ll be the same way with Ash, I told her at the pub if he touches her, he’s dead.

(G)So no matter what, he’ll try his hardest to get to Kate, which means putting guards in the city was a good idea, Merig.

(M)I’ll be putting guards at every corner of the city like I did last year. Heavy security, but not enough to cause panic. We don’t want to worry anyone.

(B)We just need to keep our eyes and ears open. What are we going to do about the morning patrol?

(M)Well, we’ll just keep doing like we did yesterday. Larry and Barth, you and Ash continue doing patrols outside of the city. Gordo and Cormac will remain here inside, and I will go everywhere with Kate.

(L)We have to make sure he isn’t watching us. If he’s as good of a stalker as Kate says he is, then he’s probably seen Kate and the rest of us.

(G)Which means, he’s probably already watching us and Merig is the only one who has his scent to be able to know if he’s around.

(B)That means we have to find a way to get his scent, which means we have to get close to him. There's no telling what I’ll do if I do that, but I’ll control myself.

(L)Same here, but this is to protect Kate, so we’ll do it.

(G)I guess that’s our next mission. Get his scent and make sure he’s not stalking Kate.

(M)Sounds like a plan. If Cormac ever shows up, we’ll let him know.

(B)I'm still wondering if he slept in.

(L)I wouldn’t doubt it. He and Deirdre have been spending a lot of time together, but I’m glad he’s enjoying himself.

(G)Yeah, those two are perfect for each other and she’s changed him. It’s good to see him happy and in love.

(M)It really is and Deirdre is happy as well.

(B)I’m happy for them both.

(L)Deirdre reminds me of how Kate acted around you when you first got together, Merig, as if you were the only goblin in the world that could ever make her happy.

(K)[smiles] Well, it’s true, he is and he always will be. Not even a human man could make me as happy as Merig does. I am the moon to my earth.

(M)And I’m the earth to my moon.

(L)The perfect pair.

(G)...Uh, I don’t think our plans will be of any use anymore. We’ve got company.

Gordo diverts his gaze from the group, his eyes narrowing as they fixate on the entrance of the training grounds. The others, puzzled, follow his lead, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern as they try to identify the intruder. As the figure steps into view, recognition dawns, it's Sean. In an instant, the four goblins spring into action, positioning themselves protectively in front of Kate, weapons at the ready, as Sean draws nearer. They form a barrier, glaring at him with fierce determination, effectively blocking his advance. Sean halts, a smug grin spreading across his face, while an uneasy silence envelops the scene. Behind the goblins, Kate cowers, clutching Merig tightly, her eyes wide with apprehension as Sean finally breaks the stillness with his voice.

(SE)Hi Kate.

(M)Don’t talk to her, you should leave if you know what’s good for you.

(SE)It’s been a long time, Kate.

(M)I said don’t talk to her, stay away from her! I’m the commander here. Now leave!

(B)I think he has a listening problem.

(L)You heard the commander. Get the hell out of here.

(G)We heard what you did to Kate.

(SE)I see you have these Fomors protecting you.

(K)Please leave, Sean, I don’t want you here.

(M)I’m losing my patience with you, I said leave and stay away from my wife.

(SE)So it’s true, you married a Fomor, didn’t you?

(K)Yes, Sean, I did, and it’s none of your business.

(SE)[chuckles] I’ve seen you around the city. I just thought he was your chaperone.

(L)What’s it to you, asshole? I believe Merig told you not to talk to her. Now leave, or Larry Dugan is gonna slash you to ribbons.

(G)Gordo Berkus has the urge to punch your lights out.

(M)Merig Flynn will put an arrow right between your eyes.

(B)And big brother Barth Flynn will set your ass ablaze.

(SE)These Fomors will turn against you, Kate, trust me.

(B)What the hell did you just say, asshole?

(K)That’s not true, Sean, I trust them over you and they wouldn’t turn against me.

(L)That’s not going to happen. Kate is family, and we will protect her from you.

(G)We were enemies once, but she showed me the error of my ways and she’s a trusted friend. So you can eat shit, you bastard.

(B)She’s my sister-in-law, and I’d never do such a thing.

(M)She’s my wife. I love her, and I’ll protect her with my life from pieces of shit like you.

(K)These guys aren’t to be trifled with, Sean. They’re trained Royal Guards and they’re much stronger than you. Do what you guys have to do. Just please make him leave.

(B)Don’t worry, sis, he’s not going to lay a finger on you, he can’t be that stupid.

(M)Just stay behind me, sweetheart, he’s not coming any closer to you.

(L)If we have to, we will fight you, Sean. I don’t think you want to find out what will happen if you take another step.

(G)We won’t tell you again. Turn around and leave and don’t ever come back here again.

(M)If I have to look at you for another minute, I’ll shoot you with an arrow.

(K)How did you even get out of prison, Sean?

(SE)[chuckles] They let me out early.

(K)I kind of find that hard to believe since you had a ten-year sentence, and it’s been just over five years since you got put away.

(SE)It’s true, they felt that I learned my lesson and just let me go.

(M)It seems your hometown has failed you, sweetheart. How exactly did you find out that Kate was here?

(SE)Well, when I was still there, I heard it from the guards in Taill. I also saw in the headlines, your wedding was public and very popular.

(K)And what exactly are you doing here?

(SE)I wanted to see how you were doing since I last saw you.

(B)You knew she got married, and you had the audacity to still come here?

(L)I’m convinced your reason for being here is not just to see how Kate’s doing.

(M)I’ll bet anything that you thought you could come here and try your best to take her away by force. Well, too bad, she’s my wife, not yours, and NO one is taking her from me.

(G)You’re probably pissed because you don’t have anyone to treat like shit like you did Kate.

(B)You honestly thought that no one would be here to protect her from you?

(L)She has an entire army of Royal Guards to protect her and her husband as the commander to make that happen.

(K)Did you come here to hurt me, Sean? Tell the truth, what are you doing in Tara?

(SE)...[smirk]

(M)I’ll take your silence as confirmation.

(SE)You’ll regret marrying this Fomor, Kate, and I told you that you’d regret leaving me.

(B)Is that a threat?!

Merig's eyes immediately flash a deep crimson, a telltale sign of his fury, as his face twists into a mask of rage. With a swift motion, he reaches at his side quiver, snatching an arrow and nocking it to his bowstring. He takes aim, the arrow poised dangerously close to Sean's face, his glare piercing as he locks eyes with him. Meanwhile, Larry points his sword toward the left side of Sean's head, his expression dark and menacing. Barth gathers energy for a fire bolt spell, his focus is unwavering as he prepares to unleash it upon Sean, while Gordo stands ready, fists clenched and primed for a fight. In a low, seething, maniacal voice, Merig addresses Sean, his tone dripping with anger and madness.

(M)And just what the hell do you think you’re going to do to my wife?

(K)I regret nothing, Sean. I gave myself to Merig, and he treats me with love and care, unlike you.

(L)We know Tom gave you a good beating and we’re prepared to make him proud by giving you a beating of our own.

(B)Merig and Kate are married whether you like it or not, you have no control over her anymore.

(G)We know you hate Fomors and I’m sure it pisses you off that Kate married one. Well, sorry about your luck, but I’m not sure Kate and Merig give a damn if it pisses you off.

(M)Not in the least. In fact, I’m glad it pisses you off. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to do a damn thing about it. Accept it and move on, you’re not going to touch one hair on Kate’s head!

(K)They’re right. I don’t care how you feel about my marriage, Sean. I belong to Merig, not you. I love him and I’ll never be with you again for as long as I live. Merig and I are one. We’re connected and our marriage is bound and there’s nothing you can do about it. You can’t hurt me anymore, and Merig will make sure of that. He protects me and he won’t hesitate to kill you. Now leave and get out of Tara and if you don’t, the guards will happily escort you and make you leave this city.

(SE)Are you truly happy here, Kate? Or are these Fomors the ones controlling you?

(K)No, Sean, they’re not controlling me, they’re protecting me. I’m happier than I’ve ever been thanks to Merig, who treats me with love and makes me feel like I’m worth something and much more. You did none of those things and treated me like I was lower than dirt and it left me questioning my own self-worth. But Merig reminds me every day how beautiful I am and how much I’m worth the love and respect that he gives me and I give it to him in return. That’s love, Sean, something you know nothing about. You pretended to love me, but you betrayed my love and almost killed me. But you managed to kill something that was growing inside of me.

(SE)What does that mean?

(K)It means I was pregnant, Sean, and I lost the baby when you hurt me. It was a boy. You killed my son and you deserve to rot in the underworld!

(M)And I’ll be glad to send you there.

(B)It’ll be a team effort. I’m eager to light him on fire.

(L)And maybe I can give you a nice little cut on your face. Sound familiar?

(G)The spikes on my knuckles would be good for gauging your eyes out.

(M)My beautiful shining moon, what would you like for us to do?

(K)Do what you have to, my love. I just want him out of Tara. This is my peaceful home, where I want to spend the rest of my life with my wonderful husband and, hopefully, someday have a beautiful family. You’re not going to stop me from being happy, Sean, because that’s what I deserve. You made me feel nothing but misery and pain, but Merig makes me feel happy and loved. These Fomors you hate so much have shown me nothing but kindness, and I trust them because they have ensured my safety. I don’t want you here, Sean. Please leave quietly. My husband will do whatever is necessary to protect me.

(M)You heard her, it’s time for you to go. Larry, you and I will take a few guards and escort Sean out of the city.

(L)Aye Commander. It seems you’ve overstayed your welcome, asshole. Turn around, let’s go.

Merig and Larry continue to point their weapons, and Sean, still wearing a confident smirk, turns around as commanded. Together, the trio make their way toward the entrance of the training grounds. There, they find three Royal Guards who will accompany Merig and Larry in escorting Sean through the bustling city and beyond its north entrance protective walls. Upon reaching the north entrance, they step into the embrace of the forest, leaving two guards stationed at the entrance to prevent Sean from slipping back inside. Merig forces Sean to walk a little beyond the entrance, halting abruptly as he orders Sean to turn and face him. With a fierce glare, Merig lowers his bow, steps closer, and approaches Sean, their faces now mere inches apart. In a low, commanding, and serious tone, he addresses Sean directly.

(M)As the commander, I have the power to ban you from ever entering this city again, so leave and never return. And if you do, there will be consequences, and if you ever come near my wife again, I won’t hesitate to shoot you with my arrow. I do daily patrols out here. Nothing gets past me, and I’m sure the bandits will have fun with you.

(L)We knew your intentions with Kate and you were sadly mistaken if you thought you would carry out your revenge on her. She left you for a good reason. Get over it. She’s with someone who takes care of her and treats her with love and respect. But like Kate said, you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?

(M)Goodbye, Sean, enjoy your miserable life somewhere else, because it sure as hell won’t be in my city.

Merig steps back from Sean, turns his back to him, and starts to walk away. A sly smile spreads across Sean's face. With a swift motion, he produces a small, rolled-up piece of parchment from his pocket and discreetly slips it into the back pocket of Merig's light armor, his eyes glinting with mischief. Sean then turns to walk away, his smirk still plastered on his face as he disappears into the distance, leaving Merig and Larry to head back to the city entrance. As they make their way back to the training grounds, the sound of whistling pierces the air. Sean's horse comes galloping through the trees, its mane flowing in the wind. Sean mounts the horse with ease and rides off into the forest, with Merig and Larry hoping to never see him again. Meanwhile, inside the city, Merig and Larry return to the training grounds, where Kate is deep in conversation with Barth and Gordo. Her eyes slightly light up her somber face as she notices Merig's approach, rushing to him and removing her glasses. Merig opens his arms, and Kate flings herself into his embrace, her face burying in his chest. They hold each other tightly, the world around them melting away. As they pull back, Merig's gaze softens, cupping her cheeks as his fingers trace the tears streaming down her face. He wipes them away, his touch gentle as a feather. Their lips meet in a tender kiss, the air around them charged with emotion. As they break apart, Merig's voice whispers sweet nothings to Kate, his words a gentle caress.

(M)Everything is okay, he’s gone.

(K)I’m sorry, my love, I had no idea he would show up here.

(M)It’s not your fault, sweetheart, it just further confirms that he was here looking for you.

(L)He most likely followed us here, which means he was stalking us.

(B)It also confirmed his intentions, and he was here to hurt Kate.

(G)Yeah, he didn’t exactly deny it when Kate asked him if that was his intention.

(M)So he really did think he could come here and take my wife away from me. Little did he know how wrong he was.

(L)Well, he got his reality check and he won’t be coming back here.

(B)Are you okay, sis?

(K)I’m fine, just shaken up, that's all. It pissed me off when he suggested I was being controlled. That’s just how much he hates Fomors.

(G)He acted as if it was his business that you married one.

(L)He really is crazy and obsessed. I honestly thought Merig was going to impale him with his arrow.

(M)I was very close when he reminded Kate she’d regret leaving him and marrying me. He confirmed that he really was out for revenge against her.

(B)Oh, that pissed me off. We should’ve ended him right then.

(G)I was ready to throw punches when he said that.

(L)He really had the balls to threaten her like that, just shows how much power he thinks he has over Kate.

(K)That’s how manipulative he is. He’ll try to convince me that the people around me will hurt me, especially the people who care about me.

(M)Well he’s wrong, honey, none of us have any intentions of that.

(K)I know, my love, he can’t manipulate me anymore. Thank you, my love, and thank you all for protecting me and getting rid of him.

(B)Of course, sis, we told you we weren’t going to let him touch you and we meant it.

(L)That’s right and the guards outside will make sure he doesn’t come back. We’ll have guards at all entrances and at every corner to make sure he stays gone.

(M)I also told him that we’d be patrolling the area each day and make sure he doesn’t try anything stupid. Barth, now that you’re captain, I’m putting you in charge of making sure he doesn’t come back. Communicate with the guards every day at the entrances and within the city and if he comes back and tries entering the city, you call the shots and determine what needs to be done.

(B)Sure thing, little brother, he definitely won’t be getting back into the city if I’m out there.

(M)Did you all get a good whiff of his scent?

(B)Yep, that’s how I’ll know if he tries coming back.

(L)I caught his scent, too. He smells like obsession and misery.

(G)I got his scent, too, and it’s not a pleasant one.

(B)I’ll keep my eyes, ears, and nose open when I’m out in the forest.

(G)Cormac and I will keep watch inside.

(M)Now that he’s gone, I’ll be able to go out there with Barth and Larry each morning. Sweetheart, are you going to be comfortable being home alone and around the city?

(K)I should be fine, honey. I feel much safer now that he’s gone. I’ll come here when Gordo and Cormac are here or at the pub, just to be safe. I don’t want you to continue taking time out of your day if you don’t have to, since Sean is gone now.

(M)You know I don’t mind, but if that’s what you want to do. I feel better leaving you alone, but I’ll have guards outside of the house, just in case, as well as everywhere else.

(K)Okay, my love, we can’t be too careful. Like I said, he’ll do whatever it takes to get to me, but I feel like I can breathe again now that he’s out of the city.

(M)It’ll be okay, sweetheart. We’ll be diligent and make sure he stays gone. He can’t hurt you anymore. I told you I’d protect you.

(K)I know, honey, I didn’t doubt you for one second. I didn’t doubt the rest of you, either, and I appreciate everything.

(L)That’s what we’re here for, remember?

(G)I told you when I joined the guards, I made it my job to protect you and the rest of the city.

(B)We gotta keep you safe the most, sis, considering what just happened.

(G)And that’s what Cormac is training to do as well, and you know how ruthless he is.

(L)I’m still wondering where he and Deirdre are.

(M)Me too, but it doesn’t matter now.

The conversation flows among the group, when Cormac and Deirdre round the corner of the entrance, their faces etched with panic as they step into the training grounds. Spotting Merig and the others gathered near the resting area, they hurriedly approach, their heads hung low in shame and embarrassment, the air electric with dread. The group hears the footsteps of their arrival and shifts their attention. Merig strides forward, a smug grin plastered on his face, arms crossed defiantly. Cormac and Deirdre approach and halt before Merig. Cormac stands frozen, his eyes downcast, as if bracing for impact. Deirdre's eyes are filled with regret as she addresses Merig in a soft, anxious voice, trembling with a mix of fear and desperation.

(DD)G-Good m-morning, Commander Flynn.

(M)Good morning, you two. I was wondering when you were going to show up.

(C)We’re sorry, Merig.

(DD)I’m so sorry, Commander Flynn, it's my fault. I’m the reason we’re late getting here. I can explain.

(B)[chuckles] Oh, this should be good.

(L)I have a sneaking suspicion about this.

(G)I’d love to hear this explanation.

(M)Well go on, explain.

(DD)[sputtering] W-W-Well w-w-we uh uh uh, p-p-please don’t be angry with us.

(M)Hey, it's okay, Deirdre, I'm not angry. Take a deep breath and speak calmly, okay? I'm not going to scold you. You two aren't in trouble. We did worry about you, though.

(DD)[sigh] My apologies, sir, it's a little embarrassing.

(M)What’s so embarrassing, Deirdre?

(K)It’s okay, honey, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. You can tell us what happened. Merig was only joking.

(DD)Right, I'm sorry, it's my fault we're late. We've only just woken up.

(B)We?

(L)As in the both of you?

(G)Together?

(DD)Yes…Cormac stayed with me at my house last night.

(K)Uh oh, I know where this is going.

(L)Oh, don't tell me.

(M)It’s alright Deirdre, there's nothing wrong with that. You can continue.

(DD)Well, uh, Cormac walked me home last night, and he helped me inside since I had the heavy basket with the seeds in it. So he came into my home and we talked for a bit. He was going to leave, but he kissed me…but then I didn't want him to stop and then…I took him to my bedroom.

(L)[laughs] I knew it!

(B)You two didn't, did you?

(G)I think that tells us everything we need to know.

(K)Cormac, Deirdre…did you two make love?

(C)[blush] I guess there's no hiding it.

(DD)[blush] Yes, Cormac and I made love together last night in my bed. I'm so sorry, it's the reason we’re late.

(M)[chuckles] You know what? I'm not even mad. There's no need to apologize, Deirdre.

(K)I’ll have to agree, that's actually exciting to hear. I'm so happy for you two.

(L)Yeah, I feel compelled to say, congratulations.

(B)I’m honestly not surprised. I had a feeling it would happen soon.

(G)Once you told us you confessed to each other, I knew it was only a matter of time. I just didn’t think it would be that soon.

(C)Are you really not upset, Merig?

(M)Listen, you're both adults, I'm not your parent. I'm happy for you two, truly I am.

(C)But, we were supposed to meet you all here to get information about Sean.

(B)Yeah, about that.

(L)We already went around town and talked to everyone. The only one that had info was Sherry. Then when we met up back here, Sean showed up not long after. The bastard followed us here.

(C)What, what happened?!

(G)All our suspicions were correct. He was here looking for Kate and his intentions were not good.

(M)He planned on getting his revenge on Kate, and do who knows what with her.

(B)Ignorance is bliss. He didn't try anything when we came between him and Kate. But he did talk shit and tried to convince Kate that we Fomors would turn against her.

(C)That’s what he wants her to think since I'm sure that's what he thinks I did to him.

(L)Wouldn’t doubt it, he wasn't exactly happy that she married a Fomor, either.

(K)I told you guys, he hates Fomors.

(C)So what did you do with him? Did you have to fight him?

(B)I wish, luckily, he didn't get aggressive when we shielded Kate. Merig had an arrow aimed at him, and Larry had his sword pointed at him. I had my magic charged and Gordo was ready to throw fists. Sean knew what he was up against.

(C)Typical coward, he had me fight those bandits when he accused me of killing him. He barely did anything and practically threw me to the wolves. I should've realized then that he was a piece of shit.

(G)In a situation like that, you find out someone’s true colors

(M)We had a standoff with him until he practically threatened Kate, reminding her that she'd regret leaving him. That's when Larry and myself along with a few guards, escorted him out of Tara. He's no longer welcome in my city, but I've still got guards at the entrance and inside in the city just in case.

(C)Good, you can never be too careful. Are you alright, Kate?

(K)A little shaken up still, but I'm fine. I feel better knowing he's gone. I can relax, and Merig doesn't have to be glued to me. Although I didn't mind it, I always love spending time with my husband.[smiles]

(M)[smiles] I didn't mind either, sweetheart. I told you I'd do anything to protect you.

(C)So what's the plan if he comes back?

(M)He can try, but he won't succeed. We'll be spending more time patrolling outside of the city and we'll be taking Gordo with us as well. I'll need all the help outside that I can get.

(G)I’ll be happy to help.

(C)That means I'll be training solo here.

(M)I’m sorry, Cormac, but this is for Kate's safety.

(C)It’s fine, I'll be alright, I still need to work on my strength, anyway.

(DD)[smiles] Hey, I’ll still be here to keep you company, hon, don't worry.

(C)[smiles] I know you will, sweetheart, and if Kate wants to, she can still hang out here if she gets bored at the pub.

(DD)That would be fun, wouldn't it, Kate?

(K)[smiles] Absolutely, I'd be happy to, if I don't feel like going to the pub.

(C)What surprises me is that Sean didn't even try to put up a fight. He may be a coward, but he'd at last try something to start a fight.

(B)Maybe he really thought he had no chance, especially with the four of us ready to fight him. Besides, Merig was the most aggressive, and Sean probably knew he was serious about ending his life if he had to.

(M)Those were my exact intentions if he didn't leave quietly.

(C)I guess that makes sense. Let's just hope he isn't up to something more malicious. I wouldn't put it past him, given who he really is as a person.

(K)He didn't even know that he made me lose my baby. I had to tell him since he was put away before it happened, but he seemed like he didn’t care. And Cormac, you'll be glad to know that those beatings my dad gave him left multiple scars on his face, which is another thing that I didn't know.

(C)[smiles] Yes, I'm very happy to hear about that.

(L)I also threatened to cut his face, and I hinted at you, but he didn't seem to understand.

(C)He probably doesn't know I came here. I'm sure if he tries sneaking back in here, he'll see me when I confront him. I'm getting my strength back, so I won't hesitate to pummel him.

(K)Don’t strain yourself too much, Cormac, I don't want you hurting yourself.

(C)Trust me, Kate, it'll be well worth it.

(B)We should probably prepare for it, then. I'm excited to be in charge of making sure he doesn't come back.

(C)Oh, I'm sure you'll have fun with that.

(B)You bet your ass, I will. He won't get past me. We all got a whiff of his scent, in case he tries anything stupid.

(C)I already know his scent, which would've been useful to you all when he was still here.

(DD)Again, I'm really sorry, I feel terrible about what happened.

(M)Don’t feel bad, Deirdre. We had enough of us to go around town to talk to people, so don't worry. Although, a certain someone had to make an extra stop because he's still trying to win a woman's heart.

(B)Hey, reprimand me all you want, little brother, that stop was completely worth it and I regret nothing. I gave her a necklace that Miss Silvia made from a periwinkle and resin, and she absolutely loved it.

(DD)Oh, I bet, that was sweet of you, Barth. Grandma likes making jewelry from flowers sometimes. She says it preserves the beauty of them.

(B)I also have another date with Sarah this weekend and I'm going to tell her how I feel.

(DD)That’s wonderful, Barth. Congratulations, I'm sure you're excited.

(B)Very much so, I've got a plan, and it's going to be perfect.

(C)I'm happy for you, buddy, you got this. You'll win her heart and you'll live happily ever after.

(B)[chuckles] Here’s hoping, I might have already won her heart with that necklace.

(C)Well, let's hope that's the case.

(M)Alright, let's prepare the guards and whatever precautionary measures we need to take. I wouldn't let our guards down yet, especially not with his threat of revenge on Kate.

(L)Alright, Merig and I will prepare the guards inside. You prepare them outside, Barth. Gordo, you assist him.

(G)Sure thing.

(B)Alright, buddy, we've got this.

(C)And Merig, if you and Larry need me, I'll be here at your disposal.

(M)Sounds like a plan to me. Let's get this done and go home.

(L)Aye, Commander.

(K)Before we go, I wanted to show you all something.

(M)What is it, sweetheart?

Kate delves into the pocket of her cardigan, retrieving a small wooden box that rests delicately in her palm, her other hand shielding it protectively. The group huddles around her, their eyes wide with intrigue, eager to glimpse the mystery she holds. With a hesitant glance at the box, Kate lifts her gaze to meet theirs, a quivering smile gracing her lips, yet a shadow of sorrow lingers in her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she begins to speak, her voice tinged with melancholy, as tears shimmer in her gaze.

(K)This tiny box is my baby, the one I lost. It has his ashes in it. I figured I’d show you all how small it is.

(DD)Oh my goodness, that’s how tiny he was.

(K)Well, his body was bigger than this, but yes, I got to hold him when I miscarried and I cried so much before he was taken from me and cremated. They gave me this tiny box a few days later and told me his ashes were in here. I took this box, and I held it in both of my hands and I sobbed for what felt like hours. Ash was there, and she held me while I cried.

(B)I’m so sorry, sis, that should’ve never happened.

(L)Your baby was innocent and didn’t deserve to die.

(C)I can’t imagine your pain as a mother. All I feel is sadness when I look at this box.

(G)You’ve kept it secure for this long, you even wrote his name on it.

(K)I did, and this box brings me comfort when I hold it.

(M)I’m glad it does, sweetheart. I’m glad it helps bring you peace. But I’m sorry you lost him. I’ll always be here to help bring you peace and comfort as well, especially when those memories resurface.

(K)I know, my love, and I really appreciate it. I just thought I’d show you what Sean did. The life that he took is in this tiny box. He probably doesn’t even care that I lost him or that he made me lose him.

(B)Sean most definitely doesn’t care. He felt no remorse when you told him.

(L)He won’t, as long as it hurts you in some way, he gets off on that. Sick son of a bitch, he deserves everything he gets.

(M)Agreed, he didn’t deserve you, like Deirdre said. You deserved a lot better, and Barth is right. That should’ve never happened.

(K)You’re right and I found better when I came here and found you, my love, and everyone else here. I accept what happened and I’m doing a lot better and that’s all that matters. This is just a reminder of what I overcame and that I’ve become stronger because of it, even though it never should’ve happened.

(B)You’re a very strong person, sis, and we’re glad we could be of support.

(DD)Exactly, you’re a wonderful friend to me, Kate. I will always cherish you and Ash, and Sarah.

(G)We will, too. We’ll never turn against you like Sean thinks.

(C)Absolutely not, Kate, he’s dead wrong and we’re always here for you.

(L)That’s right, we cherish you like you cherish that box with the remains of your son. You’re never alone, Kate, and if you ever need a good cry, we’re here.

(B)Without a doubt, sis, you said you cry alone with this in your hands, and now that we know the truth. We don’t ever want you to feel you have to cry alone. We love you, Kate, and we’ll cry with you.

(K)Thank you all, you have no idea how much that means to me. I love you all and I hate crying in front of people.

(M)We’re not just anyone, sweetheart, I’m your husband and you know you’re always welcome to cry in my arms. I won’t let you grieve alone anymore.

(K)Thank you, my love. I appreciate everything you all do for me. We should probably get going. I’m sorry I’ve delayed you all.

(L)Don’t be sorry, Kate, this is more important and we can take our time.

(M)He’s right, honey, you showed us this because it’s important to you, so it’s important to us too.

(DD)He’s right, I want to hug you again. Can I?

(K)Of course, hon, I do need it right now.

Kate and Deirdre exchange a bittersweet smile, even as tears still stream down Kate's cheeks, her head bowed in sorrow. Kate sobs softly, her head hung low as she clutches the small box against her chest with both hands. Deirdre wraps her arms around Kate in a comforting embrace, joined by Merig and the others as they form a tight-knit group hug to offer Kate solace and support. Eventually, they all depart from the training grounds, and Merig and Larry carry out their important task. They set up guards around the city to prevent Sean from entering again. Each entrance is carefully guarded and patrols are stationed at every corner, establishment, and even at Kate and Merig's home. Later that night, inside their home, Kate has changed into a soft, comfortable robe while Merig is in the process of removing his new Royal Guard light armor uniform. He catches Kate’s eye, casting her sultry gaze and a playful smirk. She glides across the room, gracefully approaching Merig and stopping him before he can continue undressing. Kate's fingers brush against Merig's, his hands pause as his gaze is drawn to hers. His eyes widen as he takes in her expression, the passionate tension between them growing as Kate speaks.

(K)You know, we’ve been talking about making love while you wear this armor and we have yet to do so. How about tonight?

(M)[chuckles] I was thinking the same thing, but I didn’t think you felt up to it after what happened today.

(K)I feel a lot better now that Sean is gone from Tara and I trust you and everyone else, as well as the guards, to protect me and the city and prevent him from coming back.

(M)Can I ask you something?

(K)Of course, honey, you can ask me anything.

(M)You don’t think we would turn against you, do you?

(K)No, honey, of course not. Why would you ask that?

(M)I don’t know, it’s been on my mind since Sean tried to convince you that we would.

(K)Don’t listen to him. He was just trying to poison my mind, but he can’t do that anymore, not as long as I’m with you. You're my husband and I love you. I know you would never do such a thing.

(M)You’re right, I wouldn’t.

(K)Alright then, I told you he hates Fomors, of course, he would say something like that. Don’t let it get to you, my love, because I don’t hate you. You’re not doubting yourself again, are you?

(M)No honey, I promise, I was just worried that he would try to convince you that I hate you or would turn against you.

(K)Merig honey, I don’t think that for one second, I’m not going to let him manipulate me like he did when we were together. He can’t get inside my head that easily anymore, especially since I’m with you. You don’t hate me, do you?

(M)No, of course not. You’re the love of my life, and I love you more than anything.

(K)And you wouldn’t turn against me, would you?

(M)Of course not, you’re my wife.

(K)And I don’t believe you hate me or would turn against me, so he hasn’t manipulated me, okay? He just wants to hurt me and control me again.

(M)And I won’t let him do either of those things.

(K)I know you won’t. I trust you and love you with all of my heart. I belong to you, my earth, and no one can take me away from you or manipulate me into leaving you or turning against you. We are intertwined, our souls are connected, and our bond is unbreakable. If Rachel couldn’t take you away from me, then Sean definitely can’t take me away from you, so don’t worry, my love.

(M)[smiles] I understand what you’re saying and you’re absolutely right. I belong to you, my moon, and no one can take me away from you, either. We gave ourselves to each other, and we are bound together, and I want to be with you for the rest of our lives. I want to have a family with you if you’re able to.

(K)I do too, but if I can’t, there’s nothing I can do.

(M)I know and I will still love you the same and be with you even if you can’t. You’re still my wife and I won’t love you any less if you can’t have my offspring.

(K)I’m glad to hear that, because I wouldn’t want you to leave me if I can’t have children. I know I’m broken and I’ve been beaten and abused and it’s affected my mental state, but I’ve gotten better now that I’m here and with you. I was told that no one else would love me or want to be with me and, for the longest time, I believed that. When you first asked me if you could make love to me, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I really didn’t think that you wanted to see me naked and vulnerable and I didn’t think you wanted to be intimate with me because of what I was told and the comments that he made about my body. You doubted yourself when we were planning our wedding and, to be honest. I doubted myself when you first told me that you were in love with me that night of my birthday. You gave me my necklace and then you told me how you felt and I honestly couldn't believe it. After what I had been through with Sean, I didn't think I would find someone who truly loved and cared for me and didn't beat me or tell me I was worthless. You didn't know my story, so you didn't know how broken I was and I realized that my life was becoming perfect when we got together. You made all of that pain that I felt from what he did to me just lessen each time you told me you loved me or touched me or kissed or made love to me. You are nothing like Sean and I just wanted to forget all about him and the pain he caused me, physically and mentally. For a while, I did forget when you showed me the love that I didn't think I deserved, just like you didn't think you deserved me or my love. I did my best to show you just how much you deserved me and my love, because of what you did for me and I didn't want you to feel the same way I did. I wanted you to know how much I love you because you showed me that I deserve love and how much you love me. We deserve each other and we belong to each other and we show each other our love every day and that lets me know that I'm not as worthless and undeserving of love as I think I am and the things that Sean told me were a lie. He wanted me to think that I was worthless so that he could control me because he was obsessed with me to the point that he beat me because I wanted to leave him. And he took it as far as taking the life that was growing inside of me.

(M)I know, sweetheart and I'm so sorry that happened. If I were there, I would've stopped him.

(K)I know, my love, and you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I fell in love with you because you treated me with kindness and you protected me and told me how beautiful you thought I was. You never once said anything negative toward me and you never hurt me. We spent so much time together and I would watch you shoot your arrows to try to impress me.

(M)[chuckles] I did my best to swoon you.

(K)[giggles] And it worked. You're strong and brave and vigorous, but most of all, you're gentle and kind and loving and caring, and so much more. You did everything to make me smile and laugh and I was so in love with you, but I didn't think you felt the same.

(M)Little did you know.

(K)Exactly. Ash told me that maybe you would confess your love for me on my birthday and I honestly didn’t think you would, but in the back of my mind, I was hopeful. When you confessed, I was over the moon and it was the best birthday gift ever. I was so happy and I didn’t hesitate to do anything with you. You kissed me for the first time. We went on our first date. We made love for the first time and I was more than happy to do those things with you. I thought it was all just a dream. But every time I saw you and you looked happy to see me, I was happy to see you and realized that it was real and my life was perfect. When you died in my arms, I thought I lost everything, because you are everything to me. You are my heart and soul and my happiness in this life and despite everything that happened to me, I wouldn’t trade my life for anything because all the love you’ve shown me and the good that has happened to me because of you outweighs all the bad. The pain that Sean put me through disappeared for the most part. I’ll never truly eradicate the pain of losing my child, but you made the pain of me getting beaten and nearly killed go away. Of course, I’m still scared of him, but you made me less scared because you protected me from him and you’re still doing that. I truly can’t see myself with anyone else but you, Merig, and I would be completely lost without you.

Kate's eyes glisten with a red hue, tears spilling down her cheeks like a gentle rain. Merig gazes down at her, his expression filled with remorse, his eyes softening as he envelops her in a warm embrace. After a moment, he releases her, tenderly using his hands to brush away the tears that stain her face, his touch gentle and soothing. Leaning closer, he plants a delicate kiss on her lips, then draws back, their eyes locking in a deep connection as they exchange a heartfelt smile.

(M)I worry about losing you too, my moon because I feel the same way. I thought I lost you when you were literally taken from me last year and I wanted to do everything to get you back, even if it meant risking my life because I love you that much. Before you were taken, I did everything to prevent it and I worried so much about losing you. I made the mistake of thinking that I didn’t deserve you, but I never once thought about leaving you and I still can’t fathom it. I gave you this necklace as a symbol of my love for you and the ring that I proposed to you with. I’m with you forever and I’ll never leave your side or betray your love. I made it clear when we made love in the forest on our honeymoon and when our souls became one.

(K)I know, my love, and I made the same thing clear to you and I’m so grateful for you being here with me, no matter how broken I am.

(M)You’re not broken, at least not to me, and you are not worthless either. You are worth everything to me, Kate and I’ll never tell you otherwise. All those things Sean did and said are not love, he doesn’t love you. He wants to control you and beat you. There’s a difference. When I first told you that I love you, I meant it and I never lied about it and from then on. I made it my goal to remind you how much I love you every day and how beautiful I think you are. I couldn’t believe it when you said you love me and it was a big surprise to me that a woman as amazing and wonderful as you would ever love a Fomor like me. When I made love to you for the first time, I thought your body was perfect in every way. I didn’t see one flaw, and it was an amazing feeling and experience to touch you and kiss every inch of you. You were the first and you will be the only woman that I want to make love to.

(K)It feels good to hear you say those things to me. Sean stopped saying sweet things like that to me and started saying horrible things to me. It really hurt to hear the things he said.

(M)You don’t hurt someone you love and make love to, whether it is physical or verbal. I didn’t know your past, but I was ready to make you feel good about yourself while being intimate with me and telling you how beautiful you are so that I could make you happy. I think you’re the most beautiful, gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen and if you had any pain, I wanted to take it away. Now that I know what you went through, you’ll never go through that again, Kate, because what he did to you was unfathomable and unforgivable. I told you I would rather die than use my hands to cause you pain. That’s not what these hands are meant to do to the woman I love. That goes for the words that I speak to you. I’m only meant to tell you that I love you and you’re beautiful, among other things, but never to put you down. I’ve shown and given you the love that I’m supposed to and the love you deserve because that’s what love is and I don’t plan on showing you anything different. I will continue to show you the love that you deserve. You’re my heart and soul, too. That piece of shit can’t hurt you anymore, not if I have anything to do about it. You have nothing to worry about.

(K)I understand everything you’ve said, my love. I know that I deserve love and I deserve you and this life. I thank the universe every day that I’m not with Sean anymore and that I’m here with you, receiving the love and care that I longed for but didn’t think I was worthy of. Believe it or not, I didn’t think I was worthy of your love either, but I didn’t want to tell you that, because as time went on, I realized that I was worthy because you made that so. You told me that I was worthy just by the things you said and did for me, so I just didn’t say anything. Then you told me that you didn’t think you were worthy, and I told you the same thing by the things that I said and did for you and you eventually understood.

(M)That’s right, my moon, and here we are, we have a home together and we’re married. You’re Mrs. Flynn and we’re going to be together forever, and I’ll never stop showing you the love and care that you deserve. You are more than worthy of my love just as much as I’m worthy of yours, and you will receive nothing but my love. I meant every word when I said my vows to you, and I don’t intend to break those vows.

(K)I don’t intend to break my vows to you either and I’ll never stop showing you my love as well. You’re right, we’re going to be together forever and that’s all I want is for us to show each other our love forever.

(M)That’s all I want too, but for now, I want to make love to you and I did promise you I would make love to you wearing my new light armor.

(K)[smiles] That’s right, make love to me, my husband, my knight, my goblin, my earth.

(M)As you wish, my wife, my human, my moon.

The two lovers gaze deeply into each other's eyes, their smiles radiating with affection and desire. Merig's hands glide down Kate's body, gracefully settling on her hips as Kate embraces him, and they continue their passionate kiss. After a moment, Kate breaks away and takes Merig's hand, leading him towards the bed with an eager excitement in her movements. Facing each other at the edge of the bed, Kate tenderly traces her fingers over Merig's body still covered in his light armor. Merig gently cradles Kate’s chin with his hands and continues to plant soft kisses along her lips. Kate then pulls back and smiles eagerly as she lays back on the bed, positioning herself with anticipation. Merig still stands, smiling and gazing down at her with adoration. With a playful gesture, Kate motions and beckons for him to join her. Merig climbs onto the bed, still dressed in his light armor, and positions himself between Kate's legs. Sitting up on his knees, he intently gazes down at Kate as he gently grabs her hips and pulls her closer. Lowering himself to hover above her, he showers her with kisses on her lips before trailing down to her neck, while caressing her legs and body. As she lets out sighs of pleasure, Merig pulls away briefly, meeting Kate's gaze as she places her hands on either side of his face. A mischievous and devilish grin spreads across Mergi’s lips as his eyes turn the familiar vibrant crimson. She can’t help but smile and continues to caress his face as she speaks. Even in this moment of transformation, there is nothing but love and tenderness in his signature maniacal voice, as he responds sweetly to Kate.

(K)It’s been a while since you’ve shown me these red eyes, my love. Not since our honeymoon.

(M)[chuckles] It has been a while, I’ll be happy to make love to you like I did then. I want to taste you again.

(K)Yes, my love, I would love that very much. It would relieve all the stress I've been under, and to be honest, part of me is afraid Sean will try to come back to Tara.

(M)There’s no need to fear, my beautiful shining moon. I told him if he comes near you again, I’d kill him.

(K)I know you would, and I loved it when you showed him these red eyes of yours. It felt good watching him squirm in fear, and I felt much safer.

(M)I felt it was the only way to get him to leave. He knew he couldn't fight me and win. That's why he complied and left with his tail between his legs.

(K)You’re absolutely right, my earth. Others fear these red eyes, but for some reason, they bring me peace and ease my mind. I guess it's because you've used them to protect me, so I feel much safer when I see them, and you've never used them against me.

(M)That’s right and I never will. I'm only meant to protect you. I'm glad I could bring you peace because that's all I want for you. I want to take away all of your stress and fears.

(K)Then do it, my love. Please take all of my stress and fears away.

(M)Of course, I will. We're married, so what's yours is mine, even your burdens.

(K)Your burdens are mine as well, and the burdens you put on yourself, especially the burden you took on to protect me.

(M)That’s my job, not a burden. Just as it's my job to show and give you the love that you deserve.

(K)[smiles] You know what? You're absolutely right, and you deserve my love as well, and it's my job to show and give it to you.

(M)[smiles] I love it when you give me your beautiful naked body. It belongs to me. You belong to me, my moon.

(K)Yes, of course, my love, I'm sure you're eager to make love to me. I love giving myself to you, because I trust that you won't hurt me, and I thank you for that.

(M)Even in this state, I wouldn't dream of hurting you, and I'll never give you a reason to not trust me. I love you, my beautiful shining moon.

(K)And I love you, my brave, strong earth. You belong to me and I belong to you. Make love to me as you wish. Have your way with me, my knight.

(M)With pleasure.

The two lovers share a tender smile as they gaze deeply into each other's souls. Merig lowers himself, his breath warm against Kate's skin as they share an intense, passionate kiss. With a gentle hand, he unties the sash of her robe and reveals her naked body, as he pulls away to admire her with his lustful eyes. A rush of desire courses through them both as Merig's fingers trace up her torso until he reaches her breast, which he takes in his palm and licks with slow, deliberate strokes. Kate's soft moans only urge him on as he moves down to her belly, tracing kisses from above her belly button to her chest. When he reaches her other breast, he repeats the same gentle attention. He cups it before his lips follow in a delicate caress, lapping his tongue at her soft breast with hunger and eliciting more sweet sounds from Kate. He then rises to meet her gaze, his hand tenderly stroking her cheek before their lips meet again in another heated kiss. Merig trails more kisses down Kate's neck, then licks up to her cheek, tasting more of her sweetness. The room is filled with the sweet scent of their passion as they break apart for a moment, their mutual desire is palpable in the air. With a mischievous grin, Merig sits up on his knees between Kate's legs, gazing down at her with desire. He readies himself for intimacy and readjusts his armor in his lower region for easier access. With one hand on each of Kate's hips, Merig makes love to her slowly, then begins to move with a rhythm that drives them both wild. As they make love, their bodies move together in perfect sync, their moans of pleasure mingling in the air. After a while, in a moment of intense intimacy, they both reach the peak of ecstasy as Merig lets out a familiar laugh that echoes through the home. With sweat-dampened skin and ragged breaths, Merig hovers over Kate and lowers himself onto her, their bodies pressed together while she looks up at him and smiles with satisfaction. They gaze into each other's eyes, still filled with love as they catch their breaths. Afterward, Merig removes his armor and changes into something comfortable while Kate slips into a soft nightdress. They cuddle together in bed, with Merig holding Kate close under the blankets. In the quiet of their shared space, they continue to stare into each other's eyes, lost in the depths of their love, before drifting off into a peaceful sleep in each other's arms.