Marcus

The calloused pad of Orion’s foot sank into my gloved hand as the hawk perched on my outstretched arm. His amber eyes, keen and alert, seemed to hold a mirror to my own gnawing anxiety. Three weeks. Three agonizing weeks since they had embarked on their mission to infiltrate the castle and lock away the king.

A week, they had said. A week at most. Now the days bled into each other, a monotonous march toward an unknown future. Each morning, I sent Orion on a scouting mission, his wings tracing a path around the imposing silhouette of the castle in the distance. Each evening, he returned with nothing.

William’s voice broke through my thoughts as he approached from behind, his footsteps quiet on the dirt path. "Any sign of them?"

I shook my head, lowering my arm so Orion could hop to his perch. "Nothing. As always."

"Marcus, we can’t keep doing this," he said gently but firmly. "You’re running yourself ragged."

I turned to face him, my exhaustion probably etched into every line of my face. "And what would you have me do? Sit here and wait while they—while they…" My voice faltered.

"I’d have you rest. Eat. Think clearly," William countered, his blue eyes steady. "They wouldn’t want us falling apart while they’re out there."

"I can’t just…" I ran a hand through my hair, frustration boiling over. "Every moment I sit here, I’m imagining the worst. What if they’re…?"

"Stop," William said, his voice sharp enough to cut through my spiraling thoughts. He stepped closer, his presence grounding. "We’re no good to anyone if we lose ourselves to fear. You know that."

I clenched my fists, struggling to hold back the wave of helplessness threatening to overwhelm me. "You don’t understand."

William’s expression darkened. "Don’t I? Marcus, I’ve been in that castle. I’ve seen the dungeons. Do you think I don’t wake up every night hearing the screams, smelling the rot?"

His words hit me like a physical blow. I looked away, ashamed of my outburst. "I… I’m sorry."

He placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch firm and reassuring. "We’ll find them. But we need to be smart about it. You’re not alone in this."

The warmth in his voice softened the edges of my fear. I nodded, though the knot in my chest remained.

"Marcus," William called softly later that evening. I looked up from where I sat near the fire, sharpening my blade. He was standing near the small cabinet where we kept the medical supplies, holding a fresh roll of bandages in his hand. "Could you help me with these? Like you’ve been doing?"

It had become a quiet ritual between us over the last three weeks. Every night, I’d help him clean and rewrap the wounds on his arms—scars left from the king lashing out at him. Without hesitation, I set the blade aside and moved to the table, gathering the bowl of water, clean cloths, and salve.

William sat down, rolling up his sleeves to reveal the angry red lines that were healing, but slowly. I could feel his eyes on me as I dipped a cloth into the warm water and wrung it out.

"You’re getting good at this," he said with a small smile.

"Just practice," I muttered, focusing on wiping away the day’s grime and checking for any signs of infection. But my hands lingered longer than they needed to, tracing the edges of the cuts with a gentleness that I hoped didn’t give away too much.

William didn’t pull away. If anything, he seemed to relax under my touch, his shoulders softening as I worked. I couldn’t help but notice the way he leaned just slightly closer, the unspoken trust in the gesture.

"I think you like this," I said lightly, hoping the teasing tone would mask the nervous flutter in my chest.

"Maybe I do," William replied, his voice quiet but amused. He turned his head, catching my eye. "Do you?"

The question hung in the air, and I swallowed hard, focusing on securing the fresh bandage around his arm. "It’s… nice to feel useful," I said carefully.

His gaze lingered, and I swore there was a flicker of something deeper in his expression. "You’re more than useful, Marcus."

The words made my heart stumble, and I busied myself with the other arm, hoping he wouldn’t notice the heat rising to my face. But as my fingers brushed his skin, I couldn’t ignore the way he shifted closer again, or the warmth that seemed to radiate between us.

For a moment, I let myself imagine that this meant something—that he felt the same way I did. But I pushed the thought aside, focusing on tying the bandage securely. When I finished, I sat back, forcing a smile. "All done. Good as new."

William flexed his arm, testing the wrap, then smiled at me. "Thanks, Marcus. Really."

"Anytime," I said, my voice softer than I intended. And I meant it. I’d do this for him every day if it meant I got to be close to him like this.

Days fell into a steady rhythm, a desperate attempt at normalcy amidst the swirling chaos within. Dawn broke over the valley, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold. I'd rise with the first whispers of light, the crisp morning air a jolt to my senses. Grabbing my bow and a quiver of arrows, I'd disappear into the whispering woods, a silent hunter stalking prey.

Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, held the potential for danger. But it also provided sustenance. Squirrels scampered through the undergrowth, rabbits darted between trees, and the occasional deer grazed in sun-dappled clearings. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep us going.

Meanwhile, William, with his flour-dusted hands and a gentle smile, worked his magic in the kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread, a simple pleasure in these harsh times, would waft through the air as I returned, my muscles pleasantly ached and a rabbit slung over my shoulder. We'd eat in companionable silence, the only sounds the crackling fire and the rhythmic crunch of bread.

I leaned against the doorframe, watching him. "Do you ever miss it? The bakery?"

His movements slowed, his gaze distant for a moment. "Every day. But there’s no going back to that life, not now."

"If we win this war… maybe you could."

He let out a soft laugh, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "And you? What will you do when it’s over?"

I hesitated. The question felt too big, too far away. "I don’t know. I’ve spent so long fighting, I’m not sure I remember how to do anything else."

William’s gaze met mine, steady and reassuring. "You’ll figure it out. You’re stronger than you think."

William leaned against the counter as I cleaned my bow. His tone was casual, but his words made my hands falter. "You’ve got quite the skill with that bow, Marcus. Makes a man wonder what else you’re good at."

I glanced up, unsure if I’d heard him correctly. The slight tilt of his lips and the sparkle in his eyes sent my thoughts into a spiral. "I have to. It… uh, it keeps us alive," I managed to say, focusing back on the bowstring.

"It does," he replied smoothly, his voice dropping just enough to make my pulse quicken. "Still, I can’t help but think there’s more to you than hunting rabbits and fixing arrows."

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I searched his face for any sign that he was joking, but the warmth in his gaze left me questioning my own instincts. Was he teasing? Or… something more?

"What about you?" I countered, attempting to shift the attention. "You’ve got magic hands in the kitchen. Bet you’ve charmed your fair share of people with that bread."

He chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Oh, Marcus, you have no idea. But I’d trade all the charm in the world for the kind of precision you have. Makes a man feel… safe."

My throat went dry. Was he… flirting? My heart thudded loudly in my chest as I forced myself to focus on my task. "Well, I guess we all have our roles to play."

"I suppose we do," he said, his voice softening. When I dared to look up, his gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary before he turned back to the counter, humming softly to himself.

The afternoons were spent with the rhythmic scrape of William's knife as he transformed the pelts I brought back into something functional. A warm cloak to ward off the coming winter's chill, a pillow for a night's fitful sleep, a simple shawl to keep the dampness at bay. His hands, calloused from years in the bakery, moved with surprising deftness, crafting a semblance of comfort from the spoils of the hunt.

One such afternoon, as the light filtered softly through the windows, I watched William work, his focus intense and unwavering. The sight of him, so skilled and determined, always brought a sense of admiration.

"You have quite the talent for this," I said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Where did you learn to work with pelts like that?"

William glanced up, a small smile playing on his lips. "My mother," he replied, his voice warm with fond memories. "She was a seamstress. Taught me a few things about sewing and working with different materials. Said it was a useful skill to have, especially in times like these."

He paused, his fingers deftly stitching a piece of leather. "I used to help her when I was a kid. She'd let me sew simple things at first, like patches on clothes or little bags. As I got older, she taught me more intricate work. Never thought I'd be using those skills like this, though."

I nodded, the image of a younger William, sitting by his mother's side, learning the art of sewing, painting itself vividly in my mind. "She sounds like a wise woman," I said softly.

"She was," William agreed, his eyes softening with the memory. "Always said that the smallest things could make the biggest difference. A warm cloak, a comfortable pillow... those things matter, especially when everything else feels so uncertain."

As he spoke, I couldn't help but think that William felt like he had to contribute because we had saved him. He always seemed determined to prove his worth, to show that he wasn't a burden. It was as if he believed he needed to repay a debt, to earn his place among us. His dedication was admirable, but I wanted him to know that he was valued for much more than his skills.

"You know," I said, watching him stitch the final seam on the cloak, "we're lucky to have you here, William. Your skills, your strength... I don't know what I'd do without you."

He looked up, surprise crossing his features, then smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached his eyes. "Thanks, Marcus. That means a lot."

I leaned forward slightly, my gaze steady. "It's true, Will. You don't have to prove anything to us. We're a team, and you’re a crucial part of it. Your contributions are appreciated, but it's you, as a person, that makes the biggest difference."

He seemed to ponder my words for a moment, then nodded. "I guess sometimes it's hard to believe that," he admitted. "But hearing it from you... it helps."

As dusk painted the sky in fiery hues, we'd gather around the crackling fire, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the walls of our small haven. We'd talk, strategize, share stories – anything to distract ourselves from the gnawing fear that never truly left us. Then, as the fire dwindled to embers and the night deepened, we'd retreat to our beds.

The harsh wind outside rattled the thin windows of our dormitory, carrying the icy breath of winter on its back.

I wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all. We were young, yet the world had thrust us into the role of warriors fighting for a cause bigger than ourselves. Fear gnawed at me, a constant companion. But it was a pale flicker compared to the storm raging in William's mind every time he closed his eyes.

Nightmares. They were the monsters that haunted him, whispered secrets of the king's dungeons etched onto his scarred arms. Each night, I heard him battle those unseen demons, his sleep a restless dance that ended with him gasping for air, sweat clinging to his brow.

I longed to comfort him, to offer more than just silence. I yearned to tell him, with words thick with emotion, how much he meant to me. How his calm strength, his unwavering resolve, was a beacon in the darkness. How his gentle smile filled me with a warmth that chased away the encroaching fear.

But the words wouldn't come. The fear, a different kind this time, held me captive. The fear of rejection, of shattering the fragile solace we'd found in each other. The fear of losing the one anchor I had in this storm-tossed sea of uncertainty.

This, this silent understanding, was all I allowed myself to hope for now. A silent promise whispered in the darkness, a promise to face whatever came next, together. He wasn't just my comrade, my confidant; he was the flickering flame of hope that kept me going. And maybe, when the time was right, when the weight of the world eased a little, the unspoken words would find their voice.

The rhythmic drumming of the rain against the windows lulled me into a restless sleep, only to be ripped from it by a whimper that tore through the silence. I opened my eyes to see William curled up on his side, his face contorted in a silent scream. Memories flickered behind his clenched eyelids, the ghosts of his past battles playing out in the flickering firelight.

A surge of protectiveness washed over me, chasing away the dregs of sleep. "William," I whispered, my voice hoarse. He didn't stir. Maybe a touch would be enough to anchor him back to the here and now.

I moved over to his bed and sat beside him, the mattress dipping under my weight. Hesitantly, I reached out a hand, brushing a strand of damp hair off his forehead. His skin was clammy, the remnants of a cold sweat. My touch, hesitant at first, grew firmer as I gently stroked his cheek. His eyes fluttered open, wide and unseeing for a moment before focusing on me. Recognition dawned, followed by a flicker of shame that tinged his pale cheeks.

"Sorry," he rasped, his voice rough with sleep.

"Another one?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, his gaze dropping to the tangled sheets. "Yeah."

I couldn't bear to see him like this, haunted and hurting. Words alone felt so inadequate. I wanted to hold him, to offer the comfort of touch, to let him know he wasn't alone. But then doubts crept in. Would it be appropriate? Two men sharing such intimate embraces? Did William even want this from me?

But I had to try. I couldn't stand idly by while he suffered. "Come here," I said softly, my heart pounding in my chest, urging him to come closer, to make his own decision.

He looked up at me, surprise and hesitation mingling in his eyes. But then, slowly, he shifted closer, resting his head in my lap. I wrapped an arm around his shoulders, holding him close.

"It's okay," I murmured, running my fingers through his hair. "You're safe here. I'm here."

The tension in his body slowly melted away, replaced by a shuddering sigh. He buried his face in my shirt, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. I held him tighter, my own eyes stinging with unshed tears.

For a long time, we stayed like that, the storm outside a distant roar compared to the quiet, intimate moment we shared.

After a while, his sobs subsided, and he pulled away slightly, looking up at me with red-rimmed eyes. "I'm sorry, Marcus," he said, his voice hoarse.

"Don't be sorry," I replied gently. "Talk to me, Will. What was it about this time?"

He took a shaky breath, his eyes distant as he began to speak. "I was back in the dungeons. They wouldn't torture us directly; they wanted to break us in other ways. They'd bring in new prisoners, fresh from the raids, and they’d… hurt them in front of us. The screams... they'd echo through the walls, a reminder of what awaited us if we stepped out of line."

I listened, my heart aching for him, my fingers continuing to thread through his hair.

"They starved us," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just enough food to keep us alive, to make us weak and desperate. The hunger... it gnawed at you, made you think about doing anything just for a scrap of bread. And every day, you wondered if you'd be the next one chosen, the next one to die for the king."

He paused, his eyes closing tightly as if to shut out the memories. I squeezed his shoulder, silently urging him to continue.

"I missed my family so much," he said, his voice breaking. "I didn't know if they were alive or dead, if they were suffering like I was. The fear, the uncertainty... it was the worst part. It ate away at my soul."

Tears streamed down his cheeks, and I brushed them away gently, my heart breaking for him. "You're not alone anymore, Will," I said softly. "We're going to get through this together. I promise."

He nodded, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. "I know," he whispered. "Having you here... it helps. More than you know."

William's breaths gradually evened out as he drifted back to sleep, his body finally relaxing against me. I kept petting his hair, watching him sleep. In the quiet of the room, with the storm still murmuring outside, I found myself studying him intently.

I traced the crinkle at the side of his eyes, a feature that always appeared when he smiled. There was the scar where he had broken his nose falling out of a tree as a kid, a faint white line that told a story of a different time, a simpler one. His broad shoulders and strong muscles spoke of the strength he possessed, both physically and mentally.

Oh, how I wished I could hold him for real, not just under the guise of offering comfort after a nightmare. I longed to pull him close, to feel his heartbeat against mine, to whisper words of comfort into his ear. But William wouldn’t want that, would he? Another man? He didn’t feel the same. The idea seemed impossible, a fantasy that had no place in our reality.

I sighed quietly, continuing to stroke his hair, finding a small solace in the simple act of being close to him. The storm outside raged on, but inside, the world felt a little bit calmer, a little bit safer, if only for this moment.