The following morning, Kate and Merig rise early, ready to tackle the day as they make their way to the training grounds. Gordo is busy working with the training dummies, while Cormac hones his skills at the targets, with Deirdre observing him closely. As Kate and Merig arrive, they approach Cormac and Deirdre, who immediately shift their focus to the two. Deirdre's face lights up as she spots Kate, and she rushes over with open arms, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

(K)Good morning, you two.

(DD)[smiles] Good morning, Kate, Commander Flynn.

(M)Good morning, Deirdre, and Cormac.

(C)Good morning, I see you both decided to come and visit

(M)Yeah, Kate said she didn’t want to be stuck at home, so I decided to accompany her today. We wanted to come here first and see how you were doing. How’s your shoulder holding up?

(C)It’s getting better. I’m regaining my strength in my arms and my shoulder isn’t so tense when I shoot the bolts.

(M)That’s good, just keep at it and you’ll be ready to do some tougher training.

(C)I look forward to it.

(DD)How are you feeling, Kate?

(K)I’m trying to ease my mind. I feel safer here since it’s pretty much closed off to the public. But I don’t want to keep Merig here forever, so I do want to go to the pub this afternoon with you all.

(C)You’re safe here, Kate. Did you make sure he wasn’t following you?

(M)Yeah, I kept my ears and eyes open and my nose. When I walked to the restroom at the pub yesterday, I walked by him where he was sitting and got a good whiff of his scent, so I know what he smells like.

(C)I bet he smells like pure evil.

(M)Pretty much, but I didn’t smell him on the way here, so it’s safe.

(DD)I can’t imagine what’s going through your mind, Kate, just know that I’m here for you, too. My heart broke for you and I even shed tears last night thinking about you losing your baby. That's why I felt the need to hug you. I figured you needed it.

(K)Yes, I did, and thank you, Deirdre. It means a lot.

(DD)That's what I'm here for. If you want, we can go sit in the resting area while Cormac trains.

(K)Sure, if Merig wants to.

(M)Actually, we can all go sit and talk while we're here.

(C)Are you sure?

(M)Yeah, I don't think you've gotten a day off since you started your training.

(C)I'll take a break for a bit, but I do want to keep going.

(M)Gordo! Wanna come and sit with us!?

(G)Sure! I'll meet you all over there!

(M)Come on, let's go sit and relax.

(C)Sure thing.

Cormac sets aside his crossbow, signaling the end of their training session for now as he and the others head toward the resting area. Kate, Merig, Cormac, and Deirdre select their spots and settle in, eager to unwind. Meanwhile, Gordo pauses his work with the training dummies, removes his knuckle gloves, and joins the group, taking a seat among them to share in the moment of relaxation.

(G)Good morning, Kate, Merig. Did you decide to come hide out here?

(K)Yeah, I didn’t want to be at home all day, but I also wanted to be somewhere Sean couldn't see me.

(G)I understand, after you told us everything, I couldn’t really sleep last night. All I thought about was what you told us and my stomach was churning and I just felt dread.

(K)I’m sorry, Gordo, I didn’t mean to make you lose sleep over me.

(G)It’s not your fault, Kate, it's what that bastard did to you that made me lose sleep. I have my demons, but that scumbag is a demon lord.

(C)Exactly, I myself had trouble sleeping as well.

(K)Not you too, Cormac. Look, I know what happened to me was tragic, but I’ve been through years of healing and my life has been a million times better since I moved to Tara. Despite everything that happened last year, my life is perfect compared to what it was because of Sean. Feel bad for me, fine, but don’t let it affect you like it did me. I have you all here to talk to me and protect me. If I didn’t have any of you in my life, I would be scared much worse than I am now. I have a husband that is determined to keep me out of harm’s way and the rest of you who are willing to do the same. I appreciate it and that makes me worry less, but unfortunately, it doesn’t completely alleviate my fears.

(DD)I completely understand what you’re saying, Kate, you feel more secure, but not completely.

(K)Exactly, the anxiety from just knowing that he’s in Tara is through the roof. I feel I’m going to be looking over my shoulder quite frequently.

(M)You don’t have to do that, sweetheart. I have my hearing and smell to make sure he isn’t anywhere near us. I’ll go everywhere with you if I have to.

(K)Okay, my love, that helps me feel better about it. But I’ll be afraid to leave your side.

(M)You don’t have to, just stay with me, okay?

(K)Alright, as long as it doesn’t burden you.

(M)You know better than that, sweetheart, you’re not a burden and neither is protecting you.

(C)It won’t be a burden for us, either.

(G)It’s not a burden if it helps you, Kate, it would only be a burden if he approached you thinking he’s going to get his hands on you.

(C)Exactly and he isn’t going to get that privilege.

(M)Not a chance in hell.

(K)I also have my magic if he tries anything, I’m not afraid to use it.

(M)That’s true, I won’t stop you from defending yourself. Just be careful, honey.

(K)I will, my love, but as of now I’ll stay close to you and everyone else willing to protect me.

(M)Good, cause I won’t let him touch you.

(G)Neither will we.

(C)Absolutely not. I've got a score to settle with him, so I'll be glad to rough him up. My lack of sleep wasn’t just from hearing your story, Kate, it was also the memories that came flooding back from what he did to me.

(K)I’m so sorry, Cormac, I should’ve considered that.

(C)Don’t be sorry, what he did to me is nothing compared to what he did to you.

(K)That’s not true. I think both are equally tragic. Sean gave you something to remind you of what he did…I too, have something to remind me of what he did to me. I forgot to mention this, but I have a small box with the ashes of the baby that I lost. The baby wasn’t big when it was stillborn, but it wasn’t small, either. I was in my second trimester when I miscarried. I was at least sixteen weeks pregnant. The ashes were big enough to fit in a small wooden box that fits in the palm of my hand. I usually keep it hidden in one of the drawers on my side of the dresser. I’m so sorry that I’ve kept it from you, my love.

(M)Don’t even apologize, sweetheart, that urn belongs to you and it’s up to you what to do with it.

(K)Sometimes when I’m home alone, I’ll take it out and hold it while I shed tears. It was the hardest thing I had to go through and healing wasn’t easy and I’m never truly going to heal from it.

(M)I don’t expect you to. It was your child, and it was precious to you. Any mother would feel the same way.

(DD)He’s absolutely right, Kate, you have every right to grieve alone when you’re able to.

(C)So we both have something to remind us of our past.

(K)Unfortunately, but you see your reminder when you look in the mirror, so you can’t avoid it.

(C)No, but your reminder was alive but lost their life. You keep the ashes in a box that you can’t avoid, either.

(K)That’s true, I suppose. You know, Merig and Barth told me that I would give birth to a boy since goblins are biologically male. Ironically, the baby that I lost was a boy and oddly enough, I told myself that if I ever had a son…I wanted to name him Flynn. I realized before Merig and I got married, that I’d bear the surname and it made me proud to do so and his memory will forever live on for me.

(M)That’s right, sweetheart, if you are able to have children with me, we will pick a name together.

(K)That was my plan as well, honey. It’s not like I never want to have children. Being able to have a child after a miscarriage is a very significant thing for women. It’s okay if he’s not human. I will still love my son because I will have him with the love of my life, my goblin. I will be proud to be his mother and call him my son.

(M)As will I, I’ll be a proud father to our son.

(DD)That's so beautiful, I love hearing that. It's good that you have something to remember your son by. You'll be a wonderful mother and I know you'll love your little goblin son. It'll be so cute to see him as an infant.

(G)[chuckles] It definitely will be funny to see a mini-Merig causing chaos.

(C)He'll grow up to be just like him, I'm sure.

(K)He can take whatever path he chooses. I don't want to force him to become a Royal Guard.

(M)Me either. He can follow in my footsteps if he wants, but I won't force him, either.

(G)I understand, I'm sure he'll be strong either way, whatever weapon he chooses.

(C)Maybe he'll be an archer just like his father or a mage like his mother and Uncle Barth.

(G)Or a completely new weapon. Whatever it is, I'm sure he'll be a great fighter.

(DD)You and Merig will be one big happy family, along with the rest of us.

(K)You’re all family to me, you'd be a part of it.

(DD)We'd be happy to, you mean a lot to everyone here.

(K)And you all mean a lot to me.

(C)Oh, I almost forgot. After my training, I wanted to take Deirdre out to the forest. She wants to gather sunflowers and take them to the flower shop for her grandmother.

(K)Oh, Miss Silvia would love that, she always has a hard time keeping sunflowers in the shop.

(DD)Yeah, but I know exactly where they grow so I can get some for her. Now that Cormac will be with me in the forest, I don't have to worry about anything.

(C)That's right, Deirdre also said she would roast sunflower seeds.

(DD)Yep, if anyone wants any, let me know. I like to season mine.

(K)That would be wonderful, Deirdre. I love sunflower seeds.

(M)I wouldn't mind trying them. Are you sure you don't want to take the day off, Cormac?

(C)Nah, I want to keep up with the training. Deirdre and I will go out there later this afternoon.

(M)Alright, you both have fun and be cautious of bandits.

(C)Don't worry, I'll bring my crossbow with me. We'll be fine.

(M)Good, we’ll watch you train and go to the pub later.

(C)Sounds good to me. Are you ready to spar, Gordo?

(G)Sure, let's have some fun.

Cormac and Gordo spring to their feet, excitement radiating from them as they head back to the training area. Cormac swiftly retrieves his crossbow from the target zone, while Gordo readies his knuckles gloves, both of them eager to engage in a sparring match. Gordo adopts a fierce fighting stance, and Cormac lifts his crossbow, signaling the start of their training session. With a burst of energy, Gordo darts around the training area, skillfully evading as Cormac releases training bolts in pursuit. Meanwhile, at the healer's, Sarah and Nessa are diligently caring for Quinton, the unfortunate soul who fell victim to banditry while delivering goods to Tara. The women expertly change his bandages and cleanse his wounds, methodically disposing of the soiled materials and ensuring the area is sanitized and safe.

(N)Alright, just lay down and rest. How are you feeling?

(Q)A little better today, still sore though.

(N)That’s to be expected. Just take it easy and if you need anything, just let us know.

(Q)Thank you both.

(S)Of course, sir, just relax and drink that pain-relieving potion I gave you. The soreness should go away.

(Q)Will do.

(N)So, how did it go, Sarah?

(S)How did what go?

(N)Don’t play coy. Your date with Barth yesterday.

(S)[blush] Oh uh, I had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to spend the whole day together, but he treated me to dinner and I enjoyed it.

(N)Why didn’t you spend the day with him?

(S)Well, I’m not sure if you heard about Kate’s past, but she told us everything yesterday.

(N)She told me about what happened to her. Yes, I almost cried when she told me.

(S)Well, her ex-fiancé is here in Tara and we spent most of the afternoon at the pub with her until he left.

(N)What, he’s here?

(S)Yeah, and she thinks he’s looking for her.

(N)Well, given everything she told me, I wouldn’t doubt it. I’m sure Merig isn’t happy about it, either.

(S)Oh no, he isn’t happy in the slightest. After Kate told us everything, Merig’s eyes turned red, and he looked furious. He wanted so badly to hurt that man, but he kept his composure. He’s very protective of Kate and he said he won’t leave her side and she's too scared to leave his side.

(N)I can imagine, Merig is very protective of her and she feels safe with him. He won’t let anything happen to her.

(S)I believe it, but it wasn’t just Merig that was angry. The rest of the goblins looked at the man with anger and hatred. They’re determined to protect her as well, but Merig and Barth are the most determined.

(N)She’s a part of their family now that she and Merig are married. Everyone else is family to her too, but Kate is family to Barth by marriage, so it means something different to him. He treats her as if she’s his own blood.

(S)I can understand that. I’ve been her friend since I was a teenager and Ash has been there since she and Kate were much younger. They practically grew up together. Ash is more family to her than anything, but to her, everyone in the group is family, no matter how long they’ve been in her life.

(N)I don’t disagree, she has a good heart, and she’s such a sweet person, which makes me wonder why anyone would do such a thing to her as that man did. She didn’t deserve such cruelty and violence, and that man should’ve been put away for life.

(S)I completely agree. Who knows what that man’s intentions are now that he’s in Tara? But whatever it is, it can’t be good.

(N)Well, if I know Merig, he won’t let him act upon those intentions. That asshole won’t even get his foot in the door before Merig pounces on him and rips him to shreds.

(S)I don’t doubt that. Kate was also talking to Merig about having children. But Kate doesn’t know if she can have any after her miscarriage.

(N)It’s hard to tell, she came to me not too long ago and asked me how likely it was that she’d get pregnant again. I told her only time will tell and if she and Merig make love a lot, then both she and Merig would find out. I’m wondering if her getting sick like she did is a sign that she’s pregnant again, but she also had a fever, so she could’ve just been sick from a stomach bug.

(S)That's true, I guess we’ll find out sooner or later. With the stress Kate is going through right now, it wouldn’t be good for her if she was pregnant. Which is also what Merig is trying to prevent. She doesn’t need the stress because of this man.

(N)I just hope for her sake if she is pregnant, that this man doesn’t go out of his way to hurt her. If he does and she’s pregnant, then Merig will definitely end his life.

(S)Let’s just hope that doesn’t happen. I’m sure she and Merig would love to have a child together.

(N)I hope it doesn’t happen either, and I’m sure they would love to start a family together, too.

(S)She said she would love to have kids with him and she’d love her goblin child unconditionally.

(N)Those two love each other more than anything, it’s a beautiful thing to see. It’s also a beautiful thing to see you and Barth in love. Don’t think I forgot about our conversation about your date with him. I want to know the details.

(S)[blush] Well, we just had dinner together like I said. There was a man sitting behind him that was really loud and Barth started to get really annoyed, so he took bits of his food and tossed it behind him at the man. It seemed to shut him up for a bit, but he just wouldn’t stop, so Barth kept doing it and it was very funny.

(N)[giggles] So dinner and a show, basically.

(S)[giggles] Pretty much. Barth thought our dinner was ruined, but I didn’t mind. But he did say he’d treat me to a quieter dinner next time, hopefully.

(N)So you two have already planned another date together.

(S)[smiles] I guess you can say that. Something else did happen.

(N)[gasp] Tell me.

(S)Well, I thanked him for the date and I don’t know what came over me. I hugged him and then…I kissed him on the cheek.

(N)[gasp] On the first date?

(S)It was just on the cheek, nothing serious.

(N)[giggles] I’m only joking. I hate that unspoken rule of no kissing on the first date. If the two love each other enough, it should be acceptable. But hey, you made the first move, that’s amazing. How did he react?

(S)I don’t think he was expecting it and he kind of froze and his face was all red.

(N)Oh, he loved it, I’m positive if he reacted that way.

(S)He went silent and didn’t say anything, so I’m assuming he did.

(N)Maybe he’ll kiss you on the next date.

(S)[blush] I just might die of embarrassment if he does. I just might run away because of my shyness and I don’t want to ruin the date.

(N)Hey, it’ll be just fine. I’m glad you both had fun.

(S)He also said I was beautiful. I talked about my self-esteem growing up and the people who put me down for no reason. He said those people were just jealous of me and that they said things to make themselves feel better.

(N)That’s true, people who aren’t happy with how they look will often target people they think are beautiful and tell them how terrible they look. The same goes for people who are beautiful who also put other beautiful people down because it means competition for them. They want to be the only beautiful ones and they want all the attention, so they put others down to avert the attention away from you. Beautiful people can either be the sweetest people or the most terrible people.

(S)Do you think I’m beautiful?

(N)I think you’re gorgeous, Sarah, and so does Barth.

(S)He said my skin is flawless and my curly black hair is beautiful. He also said my eyes and smile were beautiful. It made me feel really good about myself and he said I didn’t need makeup to look beautiful. He also said even if my skin wasn’t flawless, he would still think I’m beautiful.

(N)Oh, he’s definitely in love with you, honey, there’s no doubt about it.

(S)He’s just really sweet, that’s all.

(N)You’re still not convinced that he loves you, but one of these days he’s going to tell you.

(S)I guess I won’t know until then.

(N)Do you love him?

(S)Actually, I do. I love him a lot. At first, I wasn’t sure if I did, because I’ve never really been in a relationship.

(N)What do you mean?

(S)Well, the truth is…I’m still a virgin…it’s embarrassing to talk about.

(N)Really? One of the most beautiful women that I’ve ever seen, has never made love with a man.

(S)Like I said, it’s embarrassing to talk about. I don’t know what it was about me, but men just never approached me or anything. That’s what made me start to believe that people were right about how I looked and I thought no man wanted to be with me because of it.

(N)Oh honey, there’s nothing wrong with being a virgin and I’m not judging you, I promise. I’m just wondering how any man hasn’t made love to such a beautiful woman like you. My guess is that they were intimidated by your beauty and were probably too scared to ask you out.

(S)Maybe, but I was always the one to ask guys out to dinner and they always rejected me. That’s what made me think that all the things people said to me were true. That’s why I’m so shy around people. It really surprised me when Barth asked me out to dinner. I thought he was just being nice and showing his gratitude to me for healing him.

(N)That’s one reason for sure, but he can have more than one reason to ask you out.

(S)That’s true, maybe he is in love with me.

(N)He wouldn’t ask you out on a second date if he wasn’t. People don’t ask each other out on second dates if they don’t have at least some interest in the person. But I can tell that he loves you by the way he looks at you. It seems only the people around you can see how others see you and how they look at you. Barth definitely has that look in his eyes that says how beautiful he thinks you are and how much he loves you. He even remembered your favorite animal, and he gave you that bracelet as well as that small statue next to your flowers. If he didn’t love you or care about you, he wouldn’t have remembered.

(S)[smiles] Maybe you’re right, I feel like he loves me, but I don’t want to be wrong if I tell him how I feel.

(N)Maybe he feels the same, that’s why he hasn’t told you and because maybe he’s too shy himself. You never know, maybe he has low self-esteem just like you.

(S)That’s true, I just don’t want to assume that he loves me.

(N)That’s fine, I’m just telling you that it’s obvious that he does by the way he interacts with you. It was the same way with Kate and Merig. You could absolutely tell those two were in love. It was even obvious with Ash and Larry.

(S)The most embarrassing thing will be when I tell him that I'm still a virgin.

(N)Maybe he is too, you never know. You could be each other's first love. That would be a beautiful thing.

(S)[smiles] That’s kind of what I want. If I'm going to make love with someone, I want it to be with the one I love the most.

(N)That makes sense. Do you feel like Barth is the right one for you?

(S)I do since I do love him, even though he’s a goblin. Just like it doesn’t bother Kate or Ash, it doesn’t bother me either.

(N)Well then, it clearly doesn’t bother him that you’re a beautiful woman, and he even said that he thinks you are.

(S)I understand, my feelings just seem to keep growing for him and I can’t help but want to do certain things, like hold his hand or hug him when I see him.

(N)That’s definitely love and I’m sure he has the same urges when he sees you. Just look forward to the next date and see what happens. You just might be surprised and he might kiss you.

(S)[blush] Maybe, I’m secretly hoping he does. But I guess I’ll see when the time comes. For now, I want to see if he does love me. I’ll be too scared to tell him how I feel, but I’ll eventually muster up the courage.

(N)Maybe he’ll tell you first. I’m sure that’s what you’re hoping for.

(S)Pretty much, he said he wants to plan another date and I’ll ask for the day off.

(N)I’ll happily give it to you, love, don’t worry.

(S)You’re the best. Oh, I have to make some more pain-relieving potions. I gave Quinton the last one.

(N)Alright, you do your thing, and I’ll go crush up some herbs for medicine.

(S)Sounds like a plan.

Nessa and Sarah bid each other farewell, each heading off to gather the necessary ingredients for their potion-making endeavors. They then make their way to their respective workstations to begin the preparation. Later that afternoon, Barth, Larry, and Ashley wrap up their routine guard shifts and settle into their familiar spot at the pub. Just then, Kate, Merig, Cormac, Gordo, and Dierdre stroll in, making their way to the table as they exchange warm greetings before taking their seats.

(L)Good Afternoon, Commander.

(M)Hey, buddy, how was the patrol today?

(L)It went surprisingly smoothly, nothing serious happened.

(M)How’s Barth fairing?

(L)He’s catching onto the routine pretty quickly. We even caught a bandit in a trap, and Barth took care of him.

(B)Hell yeah, I did. That’s the second bandit I’ve fought so far since I started, aside from the group that attacked that merchant.

(M)It seems you’re doing pretty well, wouldn’t you say, Captain?

(B)But I’m not Captain yet, am I?

(M)You are if I say you are. You’ve proven yourself to be an excellent addition to the guards. You’ve been training for a couple of months now and the queen trusts me so much that she allowed me to give ranks to the ones I think are worthy of it and I’d say you’ve earned it.

(B)[smiles] Are you serious?!

(M)I’m sure Sarah would be pretty impressed by it and she might even want to go on another date with you to celebrate.

(B)Actually, we’ve already talked about another date. I just have to let her know when, and she’ll get the day off.

(K)That’s wonderful, Barth. I’m so happy for you. You're the captain now. How was the date last night?

(B)It went better than I expected, but we kind of had a problem at the restaurant. Some asshole was behind me talking really loud and he wouldn’t shut up, so I tossed food at him and he didn’t even suspect it was me. Sarah found it funny, but I told her I’d make it up to her with another date and hopefully, it will be a more peaceful one.

(L)Sounds like it was fun. I would’ve just told the guy to put a sock in it, but you’re more passive than me, it seems.

(B)Well, I wanted to tell him to shut up, but I didn’t want to make a scene in front of Sarah. Besides, if it made her laugh, that’s all that matters.

(A)I can understand that you don’t want to make the date worse by instigating anything. We know you’re the aggressive type. You just understand that there’s a time and a place for it.

(B)Exactly, I don’t want Sarah to think I’m an impatient person, which I’m not. I just get annoyed at people like that asshole.

(G)I would’ve kept my cool too for the sake of the date. Some things just aren’t worth starting a fight over.

(C)I would’ve at least told one of the wait staff.

(B)I did, but he refused to leave when they asked him to. They were no help at all and just let the guy stay.

(DD)What rotten luck, you had the right to a peaceful dinner and someone just had to ruin it for you and Sarah.

(B)There’s always next time, and that’s practically guaranteed.

(L)Good for you for landing an unofficial second date, Barth, proud of you, pal.

(B)[smiles] Thanks, buddy, I'm proud of myself too. But enough about me. How are you doing, sis?

(K)[sigh] I'm alright for now, we haven't seen Sean yet today. Merig has really helped by giving me peace of mind. Honestly, my fear just comes from the trauma. I can't help it. Imagine being abused for so long, that you’ll come to fear the abuser just by the sight of them.

(L)We understand, Kate. Fearing someone who beat you is expected, especially in your case.

(C)It's kind of like the way you reacted when I first showed up here that day.

(K)But you didn't abuse me, although everything that happened last year made some of those memories resurface. I don't fear you, Cormac. I fear him because of what he did to me.

(C)I'm sorry, I wish we could do something about it.

(K)Merig is doing just fine alleviating my fear, but like I said, it doesn't completely go away.

(C)I get it, but what if he left Tara? He could've just looked around and didn't see you and realized you might not be here.

(K)I sure hope that's the case, Cormac, but again, he's persistent. If he asks the people around the city if they know me, I’m afraid they'll tell him.

(A)I don't think they would give that kind of information to a complete stranger.

(K)I’m sure he fed them a sob story or pretended to be someone of significance. He’s good at lying and manipulating people, that's what narcissists are good at.

(L)Unfortunately, you're right, we should probably ask around and make sure he hasn't approached anyone we know personally.

(M)That’s a good idea. Let's just hope they weren't manipulated into giving him any information.

(A)The people we know are smart, so I have faith in them.

(K)They don't know my story, though. The only one who knows outside of the group is Nessa. I told her when I asked her if it was possible for me to get pregnant again after what he did to me.

(B)As Larry said, we'll ask around. We have to tell the people closest to us about him so that they can be cautious of him.

(K)Yeah, we should definitely do that. What do you think, my love?

(M)That’s what we’ll do, we can do that tomorrow morning. We can each split up and go to each person we consider friends.

(L)You got it, pal. We can even inform the queen of what's going on.

(A)I’ll do the patrol tomorrow so you guys can do that.

(M)Sounds good.

(K)Oh, I forgot. Nessa isn’t the only other person who knows. Remember those days I would visit Eirawen and have tea with her?

(M)Yeah, why?

(K)I told her in confidence, so she knows who Sean is too. I told her he was put away, so she doesn’t know he's here. I'm not sure if I want to put that kind of stress on her, especially if he's not going to be here for long. I don't want to make a big deal out of it.

(G)But it is a big deal. She should know who's in her city that she has us protect.

(C)I would have to agree, especially if he is planning on finding you and hurting you.

(K)True, but we don't know for sure, so until we know that he's actually a threat, I don't want to cause an uproar in the city. We'll still ask the people we know if he's asked about me and get that information and determine if he's a threat that way. If he is, then we'll make it known to Eirawen.

(DD)I understand what you're saying and if you hide long enough, maybe he'll stop looking for you.

(K)That’s what I'm hoping for so that we don't have to worry about him.

(M)I understand what you mean, sweetheart. We'll continue to keep our eyes and noses out for him to make sure he's not going to hurt you.

(L)Right, we’ll keep our guards up. We’ll meet up here first thing in the morning and then leave to go talk to everyone. Then after that, we'll meet up at the training grounds.

(C)Sure thing, I’ll be here.

(DD)I’ll be here, too. I want to help Kate.

(G)Same, count me in, I’ll be up bright and early.

(B)I don’t want to give this asshole a chance to get to Kate. I’ll be here.

(A)Me neither, it was hard enough keeping her safe back home just by myself. I’m glad I’m not the only one this time.

(K)I’m sorry, Ash, I’m sure you got tired of having to do that.

(A)Hey, he’s the one that made it hard on me, not you. I got tired of him stalking you and trying everything he could to get to you. It wasn’t your fault, hon. I don’t blame you.

(B)It’s not your fault he was like that to you and sadly, abuse victims tend to blame themselves even after they escape their abuser.

(L)Exactly, you’re not the reason he did those things. It was he who raised his hands to you. You didn’t make him do that, Kate. He’s a piece of shit and he has no one to blame but himself.

(M)That’s right, sweetheart, you did what you could to be a good person to him and he took advantage of that. You didn’t deserve what he did to you. You’re too good of a person.

(G)Absolutely not. He deserves worse than what he did to you. I’m sure he blamed you for the things he did.

(K)He said that it was my fault that I couldn’t be a good wife to him and that he probably would’ve regretted marrying me. I asked him why he would want to marry me then if he thought that way. He told me that it was because I wasn’t going to find better and that he was settling for me.

(DD)[gasp] What a terrible thing to say. It wasn’t your fault at all. With the way I’ve seen you and Merig interact. You’re a phenomenal wife to him, Kate. And Merig is much better than he will ever be.

(B)She’s right, sis, you couldn’t be Sean’s definition of a good wife, which is someone he’s able to control and abuse.

(L)You didn’t put up with it anymore, so he thought he could beat you into submission and your dear old dad made him realize that he thought wrong.

(G)But he was so mad that he didn’t have that control anymore, he did what he could to drag you back to him so he could continue his abuse.

(C)I know I’m no saint, Kate, but Sean didn’t love you. He loved the power he thought he had over you. Once he lost that power, he did everything to get it back and if he’s persistent like I was then, he’ll do anything…he might even go as far as taking someone’s life.

(K)That’s what I fear the most. I already lost Merig once, and I brought him back. But what if I can’t bring him back again? Or what if I lose another person that I care about? There are so many scenarios rushing through my mind and that’s what makes me so scared. My biggest fear was losing Merig again, but it’s also losing the other people around me that I consider friends and family. You’re all a part of that, and I don’t know what I’d do with myself if that happened to either of you. That’s why I blame myself, because if he’s coming after me, he’ll hurt others to get to me and I can’t have that guilt over my head if any of you get hurt for my sake. That includes you, Cormac, you may not think you’re a saint, but you’re a lot better of a person than Sean is. You didn’t lay a finger on me in a violent manner when you met me for the first time, and you didn’t speak to me with hate or anger. You treated me like a decent person. That’s when I realized you weren’t a bad person, just troubled by the pain of your past.

(C)You’re absolutely right, Kate, I never thought about it like that. Condemning myself for what I did was all I could do after regretting what I did. I’m still condemning myself and working to forgive myself, even though you have. I didn’t hurt you because in my corrupted mind at the time, you didn’t personally do anything to hurt me. Merig and Larry didn’t do anything to hurt me either, but in my mind, at the time, they did.

(G)In Sean’s mind, you did something to him as well, Kate. You took away his control, the ability to have power over you, and you took his ability to hurt you to gain that power.

(C)Power can change you and so can pain, for the better or the worse. It can also turn you into a monster.

(K)Hey, if I can forgive Gordo, then I can forgive you. You both feel remorse even long after what happened, and you worked to make up for it. That’s why I have so much respect for you two. You’re a part of this group and we care about you.

(B)She’s right, I forgave you as well despite everything.

(M)So did I, and you’re both a part of the Royal Guards fighting bandits alongside us and keeping Tara safe.

(L)We’re back together as brothers again and I forgave you as well.

(A)You also gained new friends and colleagues…and even a girlfriend.[smirk]

(DD)[blush] Ash, you’re embarrassing me again.

(A)[giggles] I’m sorry, I had to. That was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

(C)Oh, that reminds me, we’re going to go out to the forest to gather sunflowers for Silvia’s shop. Deirdre wants to gather some for herself and roast the seeds to share with everyone.

(A)That sounds like fun. I’d definitely be interested.

(DD)I usually season them so they’ll taste really good.

(B)I wouldn’t mind indulging.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

(L)Me either, they’ll be useful if we get hungry doing our daily guard duties.

(DD)Wonderful, I’ll gather enough to last for a while then.

(C)It’s starting to get late in the afternoon. We should head out now if you want to.

(DD)I have to stop by Grandma’s shop first to get something to put the sunflowers in.

(C)Fine with me. I’ll go with you. I have to pick up my crossbow, anyway. We’ll see you all later, then, we’ll be back when we’re done.

(M)We’ll see you both when you get back.

(C)Alright, let’s head out, Deirdre.

(DD)[smiles] Okay, let’s go.

As they bid each other farewell, Cormac and Deirdre rise from their seats, leaving the warm glow of the pub and the hum of conversation behind. They make their way to the training grounds, where Cormac's trusty crossbow and horse await. Next, they'll swing by Silvia's charming flower shop to collect some beautiful baskets to cradle the vibrant sunflowers they'll gather in the forest. With Deirdre perched in front and Cormac sitting tall behind her, they set off into the forest on horseback, the wind caressing their faces and rustling through Deirdre's hair as they ride. Deirdre's eyes scan the landscape, searching for the telltale bright, tall yellow petals of the sunflowers, her excitement growing with every passing moment.

(DD)We’re almost there, just keep going on this path. They grow tall so I’ll be able to see them from up here. You can slow down if you’d like.

(C)Alright, I can do that.

(DD)Can I ask you something, Cormac?

(C)Sure, you can ask me anything.

(DD)Do you consider me your significant other?

(C)Well, you are significant to me, so I guess you can say that.

(DD)[smiles] I’m happy to hear that.

(C)Do you consider me your significant other?

(DD)[smiles] Of course I do, you’re significant to me as well.

(C)[smiles] I’m happy to hear that, too.

(DD)You seemed a little embarrassed talking about your past at the pub.

(C)It’s hard to talk about, especially when you’re around.

(DD)There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Cormac, it’s in the past.

(C)I just worry that if I mention certain things that I did, it would make you hate me.

(DD)What? Why would you think that?

(C)Because I still hate myself for what I did. Kate is right. I need to forgive myself, but it’s really hard to.

(DD)I wish there was something I could do to make you not think that way.

(C)I guess there’s nothing anyone can do. I fear I’ll have this guilt and inner self-hatred for the rest of my life.

(DD)Please don’t hate yourself, Cormac, you’re such a good person and everyone seems to like having you around, especially me.

(C)It’s not something I can help, sadly. I do feel remorse for everything that I did and remembering all of it, I just keep telling myself, “That wasn’t me”.

(DD)Exactly, that wasn’t the real you, just a troubled you, like Kate said.

(C)You’re right and I want to help protect Kate from even more harm from her former abuser. Like I said, I’m no saint, even compared to Sean.

(DD)Answer me this, would you ever hurt me like that man hurt Kate?

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

(DD)Then you’re nothing like that man and you are a wonderful person compared to him. He’s the monster, not you. That may be how you see yourself, Cormac, but that's not how I see you, and clearly, no one else sees you that way either. Kate sure doesn’t. She knows that’s not who you truly are, and she trusts you. I trust you too and I know you’re not going to hurt me because that’s not something you want to do.

(C)But I have hurt people.

(DD)[sigh] One day you’ll understand, Cormac, I wouldn’t be associating myself with you if you were still that person and neither would the others. You’re better than that now that you’re here and we’ve spent so much time together. You even said you’ve been much happier, and that this is the happiest you’ve been in a long time. I love seeing you happy and making you happy, just like you make me happy.

(C)[smiles] You’re right, and I’m glad you don’t hate me. I have been much happier, and it’s all thanks to you.

(DD)[smiles] And I’m much happier too. I’m no longer scared to be out here, thanks to you. Now I just want to help you not hate yourself anymore.

(C)I don’t want to hate myself anymore.

(DD)Then I’ll do whatever it takes so that you don’t.

(C)Thank you, Deirdre, that means a lot.

(DD)[gasp] I see the sunflowers, look!

(C)...I see them, too, let’s head over there.

As they round a bend in the forest path, Cormac and Deirdre catch sight of a sun-dappled clearing, where a sea of tall, golden sunflowers stretch towards the sky. Cormac guides his horse towards the opening, and as they draw closer, they dismount, their movements fluid. Cormac offers a steadying hand, and Deirdre grasps his shoulders, sliding effortlessly off the saddle. He catches her, his arms wrapping gently around her waist, and sets her down on the soft earth. They exchange a warm smile, and Deirdre's eyes sparkle with excitement as she snatches up her flower baskets secured on the horse saddle. With a joyful giggle, she hurries towards the sunflowers, their bright yellow petals shining like miniature suns. Cormac follows, his crossbow slung over his shoulder, and watches as Deirdre expertly wields a small dagger, cutting the stems with precision and placing the blooms in her basket. He sets down his crossbow and joins her, pulling out his own dagger to help with the harvest. Together, they work in comfortable silence, the only sound is the soft snip of their blades and the rustle of the sunflowers in the breeze.

(DD)Wow, I just noticed the sunflowers are so tall this year. Taller than the last time I remember gathering them.

(C)Yeah, there’s a lot of them, too. How many did you want to gather?

(DD)As many as these baskets can hold, I want to gather enough for Gram and to roast the seeds for everyone.

(C)Alright, well while we’re here, I wanted to talk to you about something.

(DD)Sure, is everything okay?

(C)I’ve just been thinking about some things and I wanted to talk to you about something important. I’ve been thinking about everything you’ve said to me since that day I first brought you out here and when I walked you home. I’ve also been thinking about everything we’ve been through and how much you’ve made me happy again, like we’ve talked about. I was just surprised when you said that I made you happy when we first came out here because that was my goal. But I realized that I wanted to spend more time with you and continue to make you happy, because…

(DD)...Because what, Cormac? I’m listening.

(C)I know, I just don't know what I’m saying at this point, because one minute I’m thinking about one thing and then there’s this voice in my head that tells me that I’m a piece of shit and it won’t stop. Ever since Sean showed up in Tara and after hearing Kate’s story, I’ve just felt so conflicted about myself because of what I did.

(DD)But you don’t need to be, remember?

(C)I know, but I don’t know what to do about it. It's as if I’m incapable of forgiving myself, even though I’m trying really hard. Even after hearing Kate’s words and her being so gracious as to forgive me. I still find myself wanting to apologize until I’m blue in the face, but I can’t do that because she said she forgives me. I promised that I would work on forgiving myself, but the thing is, I don’t know how.

(DD)I wish there was something I could do to help you forgive yourself. Just let those feelings go as Kate said, and continue being happy. You said you’re happier since you’ve been spending time with me, so let’s keep doing that. I’ll come and see you train every day and we can spend the rest of the afternoon together each day, if it helps.

(C)[smiles] I won't lie, I'd love it if we could spend every day together, it would help a lot. I think about you all the time, Deirdre, but when I do, that voice tells me that I’m wasting my time and that I don’t deserve you.

(DD)That’s not true, Cormac, you've done a lot for me and I think you deserve me in your life. I honestly thought the same for a while, since I've been so depressed for so long. I thought the universe was telling me that I no longer deserved happiness.

(C)That’s not true, Deirdre, you deserve it more than I do.

(DD)You think you don't deserve it, but that's just not reality. Your guilt is making you think that way, so you just need to not feel so guilty anymore.

(C)But how?

(DD)Just think about everything that Kate has said. Despite all of it, you still hold that guilt, but what she and Merig say matters more than anything. You said you were happy when they forgave you, but then your guilt weighed on you again. Every time they tell you all these good things about you and to forgive yourself, you understand what they say, but you still can't seem to do it.

(C)I honestly don't know why, and even more so since Sean showed up.

(DD)You also keep comparing yourself to that horrible man, but that’s just not you, Cormac. There’s nothing to compare yourself to because you two just aren’t the same. He continues to be a monster, while you changed your ways and you’re no longer that monster that you think you are. And you certainly didn’t do those things that man did to Kate. Like Merig said, what he did was unforgivable compared to what you did.

(C)You and everyone else have been saying that, but I just can’t bring myself to believe it. I killed Merig when Kate was my target, so Sean and I both took a life.

(DD)But Merig is alive again because Kate brought him back.

(C)Well, what if she couldn’t bring him back? What if I hadn’t said anything about her necklace?

(DD)But you did because you were a good person underneath all of that anger and other negative emotions.

(C)I still have those negative emotions, only now it’s toward myself.

(DD)I’m sorry, Cormac, it’ll take time, but I’m sure you’ll eventually understand.

(C)I guess you wouldn’t understand since you’re such a wonderful person, and I don't deserve you, but…I love you, Deirdre.

(DD)...Cormac…

(C)...Just forget I said that.

(DD)Cormac, wait.

With a discouraging frown, Cormac adds a final sunflower to the basket, then sheathes his dagger and walks away, his enthusiasm for the task seemingly lost. He doesn't stray far from Deirdre, instead choosing a nearby tree to lean against, his eyes fixed intently on the ground. Deirdre's brow furrows in concern as she notices Cormac's sudden change in demeanor. She sets down her dagger and approaches him, her footsteps quiet on the forest floor. Standing before him, she looks up at Cormac with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with deep concern. Cormac's gaze lingers on the ground, but eventually, he meets Deirdre's gaze, his expression softening slightly as he takes in her empathetic expression.

(DD)I think you deserve me. You’ve done things for me when you didn’t have to. You were kind to me and you listened to my story about what happened to me, and you sympathized with me. Most of all, after so many years of fear, depression, and isolation, you made me happy again when we were at Kate and Merig’s wedding. It was the most fun I’d had in a long time and it was the first time that I broke out of my shell that I confined myself to. I wanted so badly to break out of it and something was stopping me, and I tried so hard to get help and to find people that cared for me. Ash, Kate, and Sarah were those people who care about me and I’m so happy to have them in my life. I wanted to get to know you after our first encounter at Gram’s shop. But I was so scared, and I knew that I had to have more courage than I did so that I could finally talk to you. Kate invited me to her wedding, but I was reluctant until she told me that you would be there, I realized that was the time to stop being so afraid, and I took that opportunity to meet you. I went to the wedding and the reception. That’s when I approached you and asked to dance with you. You told me about your injury and I felt bad, so we didn’t go too fast while dancing because I didn’t want you to hurt yourself more. But I still had a lot of fun. I told you my name, and you said you might not remember it because you were bad at remembering names. You told me that I could find you at the pub in the afternoons when I asked if we could see each other again. After that night, I told myself that I wanted to see you again and that I would go to the pub. I was lucky enough to see you the day I showed up, and I was surprised that you remembered my name. We spent a lot of time together while I was caring for you, and you helped me to not be afraid anymore and to break free from that shell that I hated being in. And now look at me. I’m out here in the forest, the very place where those bandits hurt me. And because you’re with me, I’m not afraid anymore.

(C)But I was once one of those bandits, yet, you don’t fear me.

(DD)Of course not. You’ve never given me a reason to fear you, Cormac.

(C)They were under my leadership though, and that’s what makes me feel like a piece of shit. I didn’t know that happened to you and I could’ve stopped it.

(DD)No one could’ve stopped it, because no one could’ve predicted that it would happen. You weren’t there, therefore you didn’t know it happened. So how could you have stopped it? We all wish things could’ve been different had we been there to stop the inevitable, but in reality, no one could’ve stopped it. It’s what fate had in store for me, and even I couldn’t have stopped it on my own, because I wasn’t strong enough. Those bandits had all the power over me because they were stronger and they prey on the weak.

(C)That still shouldn’t have happened to you and I’m sorry.

(DD)You have nothing to be sorry for, you’re not the one who did it to me. Like you said, you wouldn’t hurt me.

(C)No, I wouldn’t, because I love you.

(DD)[smiles] I love you too, Cormac.

(C)...You do?

(DD)[blush] Yes, I do. I’m in love with you and I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while. Is that the important thing you wanted to talk about?

(C)[blush] Yeah, I’m in love with you, too. I wanted to tell you and I thought this was the perfect time. I honestly didn’t think you felt the same.

(DD)[smiles] Well, you thought wrong, Cormac, and I honestly thought the same.

(C)[smiles] Well, you thought wrong, too, Deirdre, because I can’t stop thinking about you and how much I love you. I wanted so badly to tell you, but those negative emotions stopped me and I don’t want them to overtake me and control my life. I thought that someone as amazing and beautiful as you could help me understand and realize that I’m not such a piece of shit as I say that I am. And to be honest, you do help me and I forget about all of it the moment I see you and I feel good about myself. You quiet the voices that tell me that I’m a monster.

(DD)Because I don’t think you are. If I did, then I wouldn’t tell you that I love you. I told you the last time we were out here that you were the light that made me see in the dark world that I was living in. Now see the light again and I see how beautiful the world still is. I see all these sunflowers that have bloomed and I’m so excited to harvest them with you. I trust you and I trust that you’ll protect me like you said you would. I need you, remember? I need and want you here with me.

(C)I remember I will never forget anything you’ve told me, Deirdre. I promised that I’m not going anywhere and I intend to keep that promise to you. Nothing bad will happen to you if I’m here.

(DD)I’m not going anywhere either, Cormac, I’ll never forget what you’ve told me either. You told me that I don’t have to be afraid anymore, and I’m not as long as you’re here. You told me you’d be here with me so I could do what I love again.

(C)It’s my way of thanking you for everything you did for me, and because I love you.

(DD)[smiles] Such a wonderful thing to hear. I love you, too.

(C)You’re right, it is…Do you want to be with me?

(DD)I already am with you, remember? You said I was your significant other, and I said you were mine, which means we’re together.

(C)[chuckles] Of course, how could I forget? I just thought I’d ask you because I want to be able to tell you that I love you every day.

(DD)Then yes, I want to be with you, Cormac, so that I can tell you that I love you every day, too.

Their gazes lock and a warm smile spreads across their faces. Deirdre steps closer to Cormac, her hands delicately resting on his chest. She leans in, pressing her ear against him, eyes fluttering shut as Cormac envelops her in a tender embrace. Taking a slow, deep breath, Deirdre finally speaks, her voice a soothing whisper, accompanied by her gentle smile.

(DD)Your heartbeat is very soothing, and your arms around me make me feel secure, and I don’t fear anything. I don’t want to leave your arms. I want you to hold me forever.

(C)I want to hold you forever too, and never let you go.

(DD)We’re together now, so you don’t have to.

(C)I love you, Deirdre.

(DD)I love you, too, Cormac.

Deirdre pulls back, her ear leaving the warmth of Cormac's chest, and gazes up at him with a tender smile. Her right hand raises to his cheek, her fingers tracing the scar on the left side of his face. She stands on tiptoes, her face slowly coming closer to Cormac’s, her lips closing in on each other. Deirdre’s lips brush against his in a soft, gentle kiss. Cormac's eyes widen, but he doesn't resist, his arms remaining wrapped around her as he slowly closes his eyes, deepening the kiss. After a moment, they break apart, Cormac's hands then cradle Deirdre's face, his thumbs stroking her cheeks. He takes a step closer, moving slightly away from the tree and turning around to lean Deirdre against it, their lips meeting once more in a more passionate kiss. The world around them melts away, leaving only the beat of their hearts and the soft rustle of leaves. But their tranquility is short-lived. A sudden rustling nearby shatters the silence, breaking them from their kiss. They quickly turn their heads to the sound, their eyes locking in a flash of worry. Their gaze darts back to each other, Deirdre’s eyes wide with concern. Without a word, Cormac releases her, striding swiftly to retrieve his crossbow near the sunflowers. He loads a bolt with practiced ease, his movements fluid and deadly. Returning to Deirdre's side, he stands guard, his eyes scanning the underbrush, ready to face whatever danger lurks within.

(DD)I’m scared. What if you get hurt?

(C)It’ll be okay, just stay right here.

(DD)Cormac, don’t leave me.

(C)Hide somewhere and don’t move.

(DD)Okay, please be careful.

(C)I'll be fine.

Deirdre nods and darts away in the opposite direction from Cormac. After a few moments of running, she seeks refuge behind a thick tree and a tangle of bushes. She crouches low, holding her breath, and strains her ears to detect any sign of movement. Suddenly, the rustling has stopped, replaced by an unsettling stillness. Meanwhile, Cormac moves stealthily in the direction they heard the rustling, his crossbow at the ready, scanning the underbrush for any sign of danger. Deirdre remains frozen, her heart pounding in her chest, as she waits for what feels like an eternity. Finally, she slowly and cautiously stands up from her hiding spot, peeking around the tree, but Cormac is nowhere to be seen. A flicker of worry crosses her face, but she remains calm, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of him. She gives up and continues to hide, waiting for Cormac to return. Just as Deirdre turns back, a sword tip is pointed in her face almost touching her nose, and her heart skips a beat. She looks up to see a familiar bandit, his sinister smile twisting his features, as he lowers his sword and takes a menacing step closer. Deirdre recognizes the bandit as Thornton, her eyes widen in horror, her voice caught in her throat, as she freezes, paralyzed with fear. Thornton's voice drips with malice as he speaks, his words dripping with sadistic pleasure.

(TH)We meet again, do you remember me?

(DD)It’s you, you're the bandit that attacked me and stripped me of my clothing. You gave me a scar on my back and you were going to leave me naked and bleeding. But the commanders of the guards rescued me and they chased you away along with the others.

(TH)[chuckles] So you do remember, fancy meeting you out here, then.

(DD)How could I forget? You left a scar on me that reminds me every day of what you did to me and I've been afraid to leave the city or even my own house because of you. But I met someone, and he helped me not be afraid anymore and he’ll protect me from you.

(TH)We’ll see about that. I have unfinished business with you. Since those guards saved you the last time, they ruined my plans for me.

(DD)And what exactly do you plan on doing to me? What more could you possibly do to hurt me? And how much more damage could you possibly do? You and your fellow bandits held me to a tree and stripped me of my clothes, and you even molested me with your filthy hands. Then you took your sword and slashed my back, and I bled so much. So what more do you plan on doing?

(TH)[chuckles] Like I said, I wasn’t quite finished with you. Now that I have you alone, I can continue where I left off.

(DD)Is this what you do as a bandit? Do you find innocent women in the forest and rape them?

(TH)Why do you have to say it like that? I just like to have fun with pretty humans like you.

(DD)Well, sorry about your luck, because you're not going to have your fun today and especially not with me.

(TH)Unfortunately for you, you don't have a choice. And if you scream, I'll slash you up again. Now be a good human and take off your dress. Don't make me do it for you. I remember the feeling of your soft breasts, and I'll finally get to feel them again after all these years.

Thornton advances toward Deirdre, his menacing smile and aggressive posture unwavering as he sets his sword aside. In a swift motion, he reaches behind him and unsheathes a dagger, raising it and pointing it at Deirdre, lightly pressing the sharp tip against her throat. Deirdre glares defiantly at him, her hands reluctantly moving up to tug at the fabric of her dress, pulling it down from her shoulders. Just then, Cormac emerges from behind the tree, his loaded crossbow drawn and aimed squarely at Thornton, Cormac’s eyes blazing with fury. Thornton's attention shifts, as well as his expression to one of horror, panic flickering in his gaze as he backs away from Deirdre and lowers his dagger. Instantly, Deirdre redirects her focus to Cormac, halting her disrobing and hastily adjusting her dress back into place. Cormac strides closer to Thornton, his crossbow still aimed at his head. Cormac glances back at Deirdre, speaking to her in a gentle, reassuring tone. He then turns his attention back to Thornton, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper filled with rage.

(C)Keep your dress on, Deirdre.

(TH)Cormac?

(C)Hello Thornton, it's been a while. I couldn't help but overhear you threatening to rape this woman. I also heard what you did to her all those years ago when I was still the leader at the camp. You stripped this woman's clothes, even though she told you she had nothing of value. But you took some things from her that were more valuable and precious to her than anything in this world. You took her dignity, her humility, and her smile. Because of you, this woman has suffered from anguish and pain. And that scar on her back that you gave her is a reminder of that. You also violated her and I bet you got off on her fear and weakness. You might as well have already raped her. I would've never let you do something so heinous, not even under my command. When she told me what happened to her, I was livid, furious, and outraged. And you know me when I'm angry, Thornton, I don't show mercy. Now, I'm going to kill you for what you did, and you better pray to Cichol, that the underworld will have mercy on your cursed soul.

(TH)Cormac, no don't, please.

(C)Give me one good reason why I shouldn't. Gordo told me you do this to women for the hell of it. Well, it stops now and you'll never rape another woman again.

(TH)You and Gordo are sympathizing with these filthy humans? You're not the leader anymore, go ahead and kill me. I don't give a shit.

(C)Yet you still fear me. I can smell it and see it in your eyes. I may have given up a life of banditry, but I'll still protect the ones I love and care about. Unfortunately for you, you've threatened to rape the woman I just confessed my love to, and I promised to protect her from pieces of shit like you. I no longer care for you filthy bandits and I'm doing much better things with my life. I'm protecting the city and this woman that I love. I may not be a bandit anymore, but I can still put fear into you bastards. I'm still as ruthless as I was at the camp, especially when you threaten the ones that I protect and I won’t lose any sleep over killing you.

(TH)I’ll fight you for my life.

(C)[chuckles] You know damn well I'll just end up killing you. You've challenged me before and it resulted in you begging for your life like you are now. I'll tell you what, I'll give you a ten-second head start and I'll only use this one bolt that’s already in my crossbow. If you manage to avoid my bolt, then I'll let you live. But if you don't, well that would be a pity, wouldn't it? Goodbye, Thornton, it was nice knowing you.

(TH)You bastard, you still think you're a badass, don't you?

(C)Your ten seconds start now. One, two…

Thornton's eyes bulge in terror as he spins around and sprints away from Cormac and Deirdre. Cormac methodically counts to ten, his gaze steady as he lines up his crossbow, concentrating intently before releasing the trigger. The bolt hurtles through the air, swiftly closing the distance to Thornton, striking him squarely in the back of the head, killing him instantly. He stops in his tracks and crumples to the ground, now lifeless. A smirk creeps across Cormac's face as he lowers his weapon, turning to Deirdre with a softened gaze, their eyes meeting in a shared moment of understanding. He tosses the crossbow on the ground and strides toward her, tenderly brushing his hand against her cheek in a gentle caress as he approaches.

(C)I guess all that target practice paid off.

(DD)You saved my life, Cormac, thank you.

(C)I told you that I'd protect you, and I meant it.

(DD)I knew you would. I told you that I trust you.

(C)I'm sorry you had to see me like that, and I can understand if you're afraid of me after seeing that side of me. I promised myself that the ruthless part of me would only come out when I'm protecting others, especially the ones I care about the most.

(DD)[smiles] No, Cormac, I'm still not afraid of you. I know you only did that to him because he threatened me and you were protecting me.

(C)Well, he's gone and he'll never hurt you again, Deirdre. No one will.

(DD)That means we can keep gathering the sunflowers.

(C)Only if you still want to.

(DD)[blush] I do, but I also want you to kiss me again.

(C)[smiles] I want to kiss you again, too.

The two share radiant smiles, lost in each other's gaze, as Cormac tenderly cups Deirdre's other cheek with his hand. He gently guides her back against the sturdy trunk of a tree, leaning down to kiss her softly, their lips dancing together amidst the backdrop of nature. After savoring the moment, they finish gathering sunflowers, their baskets filled with vibrant yellow blooms. With their bounty in tow, they make their way back to the city, stopping by Silvia’s shop to drop off a portion of their floral treasure. Finally, they head to the pub, where their friends are still gathered, eager to unveil their splendid harvest. As Cormac and Deirdre step inside, their faces beam with joy, Deirdre cradling the basket of sunflowers. The two approach the group table, as Deirdre sets the basket down on the table. The thud draws the group's attention, as they turn to greet the happy couple.

(G)Wow, when you said you were going to gather sunflowers, you meant it.

(A)Holy shit, that’s a big basket.

(K)No kidding, it looks like you hit the jackpot, Deirdre.

(M)Wow, that’s a lot of sunflowers, more than I’ve seen in my lifetime. Even the village back home didn’t grow this much.

(B)Yeah, no kidding, Mom and Dad would get mad at us for picking the seeds from the ones that the neighbor grew. I take it you two had fun out there.

(L)Judging by the abundance of sunflowers in that basket, I’d say so.

(DD)We had lots of fun. I dropped off another basket that was just as full as this one back at Grandma Silvia’s shop. She was very delighted that I harvested them and brought them to her.

(K)Oh, I bet and that’s a lot of sunflower seeds to roast.

(DD)I know, right? I’m so excited, I can’t wait to take them home and get started.

(A)If you want, Kate and I can come over and help you.

(DD)Oh, that would be wonderful if you two are up for it. Maybe Sarah can come over too if she’s not busy, but if she is, it’s no big deal.

(K)I’d definitely be up for it, we can spend some woman time together.

(DD)[smiles] Absolutely, it’ll be fun.

(M)So, did anything happen while you two were out there?

(C)...Uh, well…

(G)I’ll take that as a yes, are you two okay?

(C)For the most part. Deirdre did get threatened by a bandit.

(K)Oh my god, are you okay, Deirdre?!

(DD)I’m fine, Cormac came to my rescue. It was the same bandit that attacked me and gave me the scar on my back.

(G)Thornton, please tell me you didn’t let him get away, Cormac.

(C)No, I didn’t…he’s dead.

(B)Are you serious? Did you kill him?

(C)Yeah, I did. Deirdre is my witness.

(DD)It’s true, he shot him with a single bolt in the back of the head.

(C)I gave him a ten-second head start.

(B)Damn, Cormac, I remember that tactic. You make them think they can escape by giving them a head start, then hit them with one good shot. Your aim is just that good.

(C)Yeah, it felt good to use it on him.

(L)Still as ruthless as ever, Cormac, only it’s toward those bandits this time.

(C)Pretty much, he was going to rape Deirdre had I not stopped him. He was forcing her to strip when I showed up.

(K)[gasp] Oh thank the gods you were there, Cormac.

(M)I would’ve done the same if it was Kate.

(L)I would’ve done the same if it was Ash. I never liked Thornton. I remember telling him what a piece of shit he was, but he was proud of raping women.

(G)I never liked him, either, even Cormac and I disagreed with what he did. We even threatened him if he continued, but he never listened.

(C)Now I remember, he even wanted to do things to Kate when she was there. I remember I had to knock some sense into him and he left the camp that night to cool off.

(M)If he had done anything to her, I would’ve killed him myself.

(B)I even beat the shit out of him once for what he was doing, and he clearly didn’t learn his lesson.

(C)All that matters is Deirdre is fine and Thronton can’t hurt anyone anymore. I’m sure the predators in the forest will have their dinner tonight.

(A)Oh definitely, I don’t think anyone here wants to clean up that mess.

(L)Hell no, the hawks can pick him clean, or a bear can have him.

(K)I’m glad you’re both okay.

(C)We’re fine, we didn’t run into any trouble after that.

(M)Good, I’m sure you’re shaken up, Deirdre.

(DD)A little, seeing that bandit made the bad memories come back. But now that he’s gone, I feel much safer.

(B)He deserved it. I don’t feel bad for him one bit.

(G)Same here, he’s better off dead now that I think about it.

(L)I won’t disagree with that.

(K)It’ll be okay, Deirdre, we’re here and Cormac is too.

(DD)He’s helping me a lot, so no worries. I also thought it might be important to tell you all that Cormac and I have confessed our love to each other.

(C)It’s true, we’ve mutually decided that we are together.

(K)[gasp] Oh my goodness, that’s wonderful, congratulations!

(A)I was waiting for this, I’m happy for you both.

(B)Same here, you’ve got more courage than I do, it seems.

(G)Congrats to you both. We wish nothing but the best for you two.

(M)You confessed out in the forest and that’s where I first told Kate that I love her and we shared our first kiss.

(K)[smiles] That’s right, my love, I’ll never forget.

(L)That’s awesome, pal, but I kind of thought you two were already together, but I guess that shows how little I know.

(DD)I kind of said the same thing, but I guess he wanted to make it a verbal agreement between the two of us to make it official.

(C)I can’t help it, I’m a bit old-fashioned.

(B)I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

(DD)I don’t think so either.

(A)Well, we’re all happy for you both. We were kind of waiting for you two to become a couple. It was painfully obvious that you love each other.

(K)I’m just glad you both had the courage to confess to each other.

(L)Yeah, I’m impressed. If only Merig had that courage in the beginning.[smirk]

(M)You know I could say something, but I love you too much to hurt your feelings, so I’ll let it slide.

(L)You know I’m just yanking your chain, pal.

(M)Yeah yeah, so what are your plans now, Cormac, Deirdre?

(DD)Well, I figured we would spend some more time with you all and then I’d go home and take these sunflowers with me. If you want, you can eat these seeds uncooked with no seasoning, but I’m sure you all want them roasted and seasoned.

(K)Well, if you want, we can spend some time harvesting the seeds and putting them back in the basket. It’ll save you time and we can all help if everyone wants to.

(DD)Would you? That would be wonderful, but it’s okay if some of you don’t want to.

(A)I think it’ll be fun.

(L)Yeah, I think it’ll be therapeutic, it’ll create conversation and we can all spend time together as a group.

(B)Yeah, I wouldn’t mind, it looks like there are a lot of sunflowers in there, so I’m sure you don’t want to do it all by yourself.

(M)Yeah, there’s no reason why we can’t help, that’s what we’re here for.

(G)Count me in and we can dispose of the flowers unless you want to keep them.

(DD)I want to keep one to remember our harvest and you all can have one too as a memento.

(C)That sounds like a good idea, sweetheart. I wouldn’t mind taking one home.

(K)Merig and I will take one home.

(M)I wouldn’t mind at all.

(A)Larry and I can take one, too.

(L)Fine by me.

(B)Sure, I’ll take one home.

(G)Same here.

(DD)Wonderful, thank you all so much for your help, it means a lot.

(K)Of course, we’re more than happy.

(A)Absolutely, let’s get started.

Deirdre sets the vibrant basket of sunflowers at the table's center, and she and Cormac settle in beside each other, their shoulders touching. Together, they and their companions pluck a flower from the basket, and the gentle rustle of petals fills the air as they begin to remove the sunflower seeds. The warm glow of the pub envelops them, fostering a sense of camaraderie and comfort. As the evening wears on, the group bids each other farewell, and Deirdre gathers the basket of sunflower seeds, topping it with a single, bright bloom. Cormac walks her home, the soft sound of cobblestone beneath their feet the only sound. Upon arriving at her cozy abode, Deirdre unlocks the door, and Cormac opens it wide, allowing her to enter first. As they step inside, the door creaks shut behind them, enveloping them in a warm, golden light. Deirdre glides into the kitchen, the basket of sunflower seeds cradled in her arms, and sets it on the countertop. She then returns to Cormac, her eyes sparkling in the soft light, and approaches him with a gentle smile. With a tender gaze, she bids him goodnight, the air between them filled with a sweet, unspoken understanding.

(DD)Well, those seeds are ready for me to roast tomorrow after we help Kate and Merig go around the city and talk to everyone.

(C)It’ll be fun walking around the city and spending time with you and I’m sure you’ll have fun roasting those sunflower seeds.

(DD)[smiles] I can’t wait, I’m so excited. I’ll be up bright and early.

(C)And I’ll be here so we can walk to the training grounds together.

(DD)Sounds like a plan. Thank you again, Cormac, for helping me gather those sunflowers and saving my life.

(C)Gathering the sunflowers was nothing and the most important thing is that you’re okay. Thornton can’t hurt you or any other woman again. I told you I would kill anyone who hurts or threatens you with harm.

(DD)I know, Cormac, it’s okay. I’m not upset with you. You did what you had to, and I understand.

(C)Also, I’m sorry about what happened before that. I’m just trying really hard not to hate myself.

(DD)You have no reason to, Cormac, you mentioned the fact that you took a life just like Sean did. But you helped bring back the life that you took. Kate told me that you were the one who told her that her necklace would bring Merig back. She said, looking back at it. She thinks of you as the hero.

(C)She said that?

(DD)Yeah, she did. She was still angry at you, but she said it was from everything that happened. Listening to her story, and her saying what happened with you, also brought back her memories. I can see why she was angry with you. But she said she let go of that anger and realized that you were the one who helped her bring Merig back to life. That may not erase what you did, but you made it right that night and those are her words, not mine.

(C)I see, she really does forgive me, then.

(DD)Yeah, she does, and you keep saying that Kate bringing Merig back is no excuse for what you did. But what you don't understand is if you hadn't said anything to her about her necklace, she wouldn't have been able to bring him back. But you regretted what you did, and you wanted to help bring him back and you did just that.

(C)You're absolutely right. Kate brought him back, but I told her how to when I saw her necklace. I used a similar stone to revive Sean, only for him to betray me. That's how I knew. I told Kate that I let go of that pain from his betrayal after I saw Merig die and realized what I did to him. Now all of that pain manifested into self-hatred.

(DD)Then let that go, too.

(C)What do you mean?

(DD)Well, it’s simple, if you can let go of that pain that Sean caused you, then you can let go of that self-hatred that everything you did caused you. Everyone forgives you and you earned that forgiveness. They even said you have no reason to continue to hate yourself. I myself think you have no reason to hate yourself because I don’t hate you. I love you, Cormac.

(C)[smiles] I love you, too, Deirdre, and honestly, you make me hate myself less. Hearing from you that you love me, just makes the self-hatred lessen.

(DD)Good, ‘cause I don’t want you to hate yourself anymore, Cormac, there’s so much about you to love. You’re strong and determined, protective, kind, sweet, and everything else I can think of.

(C)You don’t hate anything about me?

(DD)No, I told you that I love you and I meant it. I don’t say things that I don’t mean, especially when it comes to love.

(C)That’s good to hear, and it’s good to hear that stuff come from Kate. I just have to let go of my self-hatred, just like I did with the pain of Sean’s betrayal.

(DD)That’s right, that self-hatred also causes you lingering pain, too. Let that pain go just like you did before.

(C)But something drastic happened for me to let go of that pain and it took seeing someone I care about die in the arms of the woman he loves and I caused that. I agree that I told her about the stone in her necklace and that’s what brought him back and to know that she acknowledges that, makes me realize that I’m not such a piece of shit as I think I am.

(DD)Now you’re understanding, just think about everything Kate and Merig have said to you and everything everyone else has said to you.

(C)I am and it all makes sense. I let go of that pain before and opened my eyes to what I had become. I regretted it and only cared about the person I hurt that I didn’t mean to.

(DD)If you think about it, something drastic did happen and now you’re saying that you hate yourself less.

(C)What do you mean?

(DD)We confessed our love for each other and we kissed in the forest and now we’re together. Now you understand and you hate yourself less because you’re letting that pain and self-hatred go.

(C)You’re absolutely right, Deirdre. I guess this time something good happened to make me understand that I need to let go of these negative emotions, like Kate said. She said spending more time with you will make me let go of these emotions. She also said that the good I experience will outweigh the bad and that something good would happen to make all of this self-hatred go away. And you’re right, something good did happen.

(DD)[smiles] That’s right, now you understand, I told you I would do anything to make you not hate yourself anymore, and I meant it. You deserve me, just like I deserve you, and you deserve the good in life, no matter what you think.

(C)[smiles] We’ve made each other happy, and we’re bringing good into each other’s lives. Good things are happening to us, even though we’ve suffered. We met for a reason because we needed to be happy again.

(DD)I took the initiative because I was tired of being miserable and I wanted to get to know you. I was hoping to get to know you more, and I did, and I wasn’t disappointed.

(C)I wasn’t disappointed either. When I met you, I thought about how beautiful you were. Seeing you smile and having fun dancing with me made me smile. You were patient with me and we were both happy. I wanted to get to know you more, too, after that, and here we are after you took the time to care for me for three long weeks. I thought you would’ve gotten tired of me by the third day, but you didn’t and I’m so grateful for you, Deirdre.

(DD)I’m grateful for you too, Cormac, I was patient because I care about you and I took care of you for the same reason. I never got tired of you and I still haven’t.

(C)Give it some time, you will.

(DD)I don’t think I will, because we’re together and I love you. You’ve done nothing to make me tire of you. You broke me out of my shell and you saved my life. How could I ever hate you or get tired of you? You’re my light in the darkness, remember? You make me happy again and I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.

(C)[smiles] I’ve never been so happy with anyone like I have with you. I’ve only ever been with one other woman and she believed Sean’s lies that I was a monster and a murderer. Then she left me.

(DD)Then she didn’t really love you if she could believe such lies.

(C)But I did become a murderer, but not intentionally.

(DD)I still don’t agree with what you did, but I understand that you didn’t mean for any of it to happen. But it doesn’t matter anymore. Since you’ve been forgiven, now let that self-hatred go. Forget the past and worry about what’s happening now, especially since we’re together, so now we have to focus on our relationship.

(C)You’re right, I have to let these negative emotions go if I want to move on with my life, especially now since you’re in it and you’re a part of it.

(DD)That’s right, I love you, Cormac.

(C)I love you too, Deirdre. I should probably get going.

(DD)[smiles] Will you kiss me before you go?

(C)[smiles] Of course, that was my plan.

Cormac's eyes lock onto Deirdre's as he draws closer, his movements fluid and deliberate. He gently cradles her face, his thumbs tracing the soft curves of her cheeks, and Deirdre's smile blooms like a flower. Their lips meet in a tender, sweet kiss, the world around them melting away. As they break apart, their eyes linger, burning with a soft, lustful fire. Deirdre's gaze is a siren's call, beckoning Cormac deeper. The air is charged with tension, heavy with the promise of passion. Cormac's chest rises and falls with slow, measured breaths, his eyes never leaving Deirdre's face. The silence between them is a palpable thing, a living, breathing entity that pulses with desire. Deirdre is the first to break the silence.

(DD)I don’t want you to stop and I don’t want you to leave.

(C)I don’t want to leave either.

(DD)Then stay here with me and you can kiss me and hold me all night.

(C)I want to do more than that. I want to make love to you.

(DD)I want that, too. Will you make love to me, Cormac?

(C)As long as it’s what you want, I want it too.

(DD)Then do it, take me to my bedroom and make love to me.

With a quick, excited pull on Cormac's hand, Deirdre leads him up the stairs. The air is heavy with anticipation as the two enter the bedroom and stop to face each other. Cormac gently grabs Deirdre, cradling her face as their lips lock in a passionate kiss that lingers long after they've crossed the threshold. Cormac's hands slide down to Deirdre's hips, his touch sending shivers through her body. He begins to undress her slowly, his fingers teasingly pulling up her dress before finally slipping it off of her completely. Cormac then removes his own clothes, as they both stand naked, exchanging warm smiles while admiring one another. Deirdre's gaze drifts to the scar on Cormac's chest and reaches out as she gently touches it, tracing its jagged edges with her fingertips. Leaning forward, Deirdre bestows a soft kiss on the scar. Her lips brush against it as Cormac closes his eyes with contentment at the feeling. Deirdre pulls back and gazes up at Cormac with adoration in her eyes. As Cormac opens his eyes and meets her gaze, his hands move and softly cradle her cheeks as he continues kissing her, their bodies moving closer and closer to the bed. Finally, they break apart momentarily as Cormac steps aside and sits on the edge of the bed. He gently pulls Deirdre closer, her back facing him, as he gazes at her naked body from behind and caresses her. Cormac's worshiping gaze falls upon the large scar on her back, admiring it as he gently touches it. He inches closer before he showers her scar with gentle kisses, eliciting a soft sigh of pleasure from her. After a moment, Cormac pulls back as Deirdre turns to face him, looking down at him, her soft gaze warm and affectionate. Cormac remains seated on the bed, his passionate gaze meeting hers. The two smile warmly as Deirdre caresses Cormac's face. His hands begin to explore her torso, planting more soft kisses along the way. After a moment, Deirdre pulls back from Cormac's embrace and gracefully climbs onto the bed. She lies down on the pillows before Cormac joins her and positions himself between her legs, hovering above her. She lies down beneath him as he hovers above her, their eyes locked in an intimate gaze. Deirdre reaches up, gently placing her right hand on the left side of Cormac's face, tracing his scar with a smile before she speaks.

(DD)I want you to let go of your pain and your self-hatred. Promise me you will.

(C)I promise I don’t feel that way being with you.

(DD)Good, I’ll do my best to make it all go away

(C)I’ll do the same for you.

(DD)Make love to me and all of our pain will disappear.

(C)I’ll do anything to make you happy because it makes me happy being with you.

(DD)It makes me happy being with you, too.

Cormac gazes deeply into Deirdre’s, both of their eyes full of longing and desire, as he leans in and presses his lips against hers. They share a passionate kiss, melting into each other for a moment before Cormac breaks away to trail soft kisses down her neck. Deirdre responds by wrapping her arms around his shoulders, and her legs around his torso, pulling him closer as Cormac begins to move and make love to her. Her voice fills the air with moans of pleasure, matching the rhythm of their movements as they continue. After some time, as they reach the peak of their passion, Cormac and Deirdre lock eyes once again, breathless and flushed with desire. A satisfied smile spreads across Cormac's face as he speaks to Deirdre, his voice filled with love and adoration for her.

(C)It’s gone, Deirdre, you were right. I don’t feel the pain or the self-loathing anymore, none of it exists anymore.

(DD)I knew it would go away. All you had to do was make love to me, and I would’ve made it go away.

(C)You did, you made it all go away. Thank you, Deirdre, I love you so much.

(DD)I love you too, Cormac, I’m glad I could make your pain go away. You made mine go away, too. I don’t feel it anymore.

(C)Good, you’ll never feel pain again, I won’t allow it.

(DD)And I won’t allow you to feel pain, either.

(C)I want to make love to you again.

(DD)I want that, too.

The two lovers share a warm smile as Cormac lowers himself onto Deirdre once more to plant a tender kiss on her lips. He then pulls away and rolls onto his back, while Deirdre sits up and climbs on top of him with effortless grace, straddling his body. She lowers herself onto his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers, her hands resting above his broad shoulders. Cormac's hands find their way to her hips, guiding and supporting her movements. Deirdre leans down to kiss him before sitting up and looking down at him. Deirdre gazes down at Cormac with adoration in her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. Taking his hands from her hips, she guides them slowly up her body, pausing to let him feel every curve and dip of her skin. She then places his hands on her breasts, letting out a sigh of pleasure as he gently squeezes and caresses them. As passion ignites, Deirdre begins to make love to Cormac, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony once again. Their love-making is slow and passionate, each movement filled with tenderness and desire. As they reach the peak of their pleasure once again, their moans of ecstasy fill the air. When they finally finish, they lie in Deirdre's bed, intertwined and naked, their bodies still buzzing with the intensity of their shared passion. Cormac holds Deirdre close, his arms wrapped protectively around her, the warmth of their bodies radiating through the blanket that covers them. They exchange tender kisses, lost in the moment and completely consumed by each other's love. Eventually, their lips part and they gaze into each other's eyes once again, their hearts overflowing with emotion. Deirdre breaks the silence, her voice filled with love and contentment as she speaks to Cormac.

(DD)So, have you finally forgiven yourself?

(C)Yeah, I have, I now understand and I believe that I deserve happiness and love as everyone said.

(DD)Good, because it’s true. You became a better person, so this is your reward, happiness, and love.

(C)I understand and I feel that’s why we met.

(DD)I believe that, too, and we’ve healed each other’s pain, which is what we needed.

(C)I guess I’m just now realizing that, thank you, Deirdre.

(DD)I should be thanking you, too. I couldn’t let go of my pain, either. Seeing you take the life of the one who hurt me took all of it away. I know that may sound cruel to some people, but that just shows that they don’t know what I went through. The thought of knowing that he can’t hurt me ever again brings me peace. I can breathe again since my shell has finally broken and I’m not afraid anymore. I’ll always have my scar, but it will no longer be a painful reminder, but a reminder that I am still here and I’m happy again.

(C)I’m glad I could be the one to take your pain away. You don’t deserve it.

(DD)You don’t deserve pain either and I won’t let anyone hurt you again.

(C)You’re right, I don’t deserve it and I don’t want that pain ever again. I only want you. I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again, either. And I’ll kiss your scar every time we make love.

(DD)I only want you, too, Cormac, and just like you told me, I’m not going anywhere. You have me, I'm all yours. I’ll kiss your scars too.

(C)I’m glad to hear that because I don’t want you to leave me.

(DD)I don’t want you to leave me either, maybe you can live here with me.

(C)That’s something for us to think about and plan. I’d love to be with you every day.

(DD)[smiles] Me too, we can kiss, hold each other, and make love every day if we want.

(C)[smiles] I would definitely love that.

(DD)Me too, I'd love to lie here and have you hold me, you're so warm.

(C)It's a goblin thing, our body temperatures are higher than humans. I'll keep you warm if you need it.

(DD)That would be perfect for the winter. It'll be an excuse for us to cuddle up in the bed and have me in your arms.

(C)My thoughts exactly, I'll enjoy every second of it.

(DD)Me too, but for now, we can enjoy what's happening at this very moment.

(C)You're right, because of you, I don't hate myself anymore. I love my life here with you and everyone else, and I want it to last forever.

(DD)I do too. I want to be with you forever.

(C)Are you sure?

(DD)Absolutely, I wouldn’t have said it if I wasn’t sure.

(C)Fair enough, sadly I still have low self-esteem in terms of how I look, especially with my scar and the fact that I’m a goblin.

(DD)I understand, and I can promise that I don't care if you're a goblin, I still love you, you don't have to be human. Are you sure you want to be with me forever? You said you had resentment for humans. Do you still feel that way?

(C)No, I just have resentment for Sean, the one who hurt me. I don’t resent you and I don’t have hatred toward you. I love you and you didn’t do anything to hurt me. You did quite the opposite.

(DD)Good, because it would break my heart if you hated me for something that someone else did.

(C)I made the mistake of painting all humans with a broad brush and letting the pain consume me. Sean wasn’t the only one that hurt me and I didn’t want to say anything about that woman, because you’re the most important woman in my life now, but she hurt me, too. But I love you and I’ve mated with you. She means nothing to me and I don’t love her anymore because she decided she wanted to turn against me, just like Sean did. The pain from both of them turning against me is what made me resent humans, but there was no excuse for my crimes.

(DD)I understand, my love, I’ll never turn against you like she did, because I know the real you and you’re a wonderful person. She obviously didn’t know the real you and didn’t love you if she believed Sean’s lies.

(C)You’re right, I trust you and I know you wouldn’t turn against me. You’re a wonderful person, too.

(DD)You haven’t given me a reason to turn against you or think that you’re a bad person. No matter what anyone thinks or says about you, I know the real Cormac, and he’s the kindest and most loving person you’ll ever meet. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks. I still love you and I want to be with you. I'll be happy to spend time with you, kiss you, and make love with you.

(C)[smiles] Thank you, Deirdre. I'll be happy to do all of those things with you, too. Right now, I want to keep holding you and kissing you.

(DD)[smiles] I want that too.

Cormac envelops Deirdre in a warm embrace, drawing her nearer as their lips meet and continue their passionate kissing. They lose themselves in each other, surrendering to the night, eventually succumbing to sleep while entwined in each other’s naked warmth, a serene tranquility surrounding them.