“Well, I can see why you might have let him in. I don’t approve, mind you,” Maeve said, crossing her arms with a disapproving glance at the man. “But I can at least understand.”

Amriel shot her friend a sideways look, but Maeve’s focus remained fixed on the sleeping figure. Together, the two women stood side by side in the cottage, mirroring the earlier scene with Amriel and Simon. A low fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow that kept the afternoon spring chill at bay, while the scent of burning wood filled the room.

Meeko, having just awoken from his nap, stretched lazily before winding his way around the legs of both women, purring contentedly. Amriel chuckled softly, reaching down to scratch him behind his large, tufted ears. Maeve followed suit, her fingers gently combing through the soft fur. Once he had received the attention he craved, the forest cat settled himself comfortably between them, content and regal.

With Meeko now in their midst, both women turned their gazes back to the man sleeping on the cot. The atmosphere shifted subtly, a mix of curiosity and caution hanging in the air.

Maeve, the fiery-haired woman from the north, tilted her head slightly as she regarded the man on the cot, “I mean, he is rather handsome, isn’t he?”

Amriel couldn’t help but half-smile at Maeve’s comment. “You’re a married woman, Maeve. What would Simon say?” she playfully chided, raising an eyebrow.

The man lay motionless, his features softened in slumber, the gentle rise and fall of his chest creating a steady, rhythmic melody that filled the otherwise quiet room.

Maeve shrugged, undeterred by Amriel's teasing. “He would probably agree with me,” she replied, a hint of mischief in her voice. “Married or not, it doesn’t change the fact that he’s got that dark and handsome look down pat. With a mysterious edge to boot. I probably would have let him in too."

To be completely honest, Amriel hadn’t really paid much attention to the man’s physical appearance. When he first arrived on her doorstep, he had been someone in need of her help. Nothing else mattered except for that. Now she found herself distracted, wondering what he might be.

“Maeve!" Amriel feigned a gasp of indignation before chuckling softly, her gaze lingering on the man. “I suppose there is something intriguing about him. But let’s not get carried away. He’s still a stranger.”

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“True, but a handsome one,” Maeve insisted, her tone light and teasing. “Just imagine the stories he must have. The kind of trouble that comes with a face like that.”

“Or the kind of trouble I might invite by taking him in,” Amriel countered, though she couldn't suppress a smile.

Maeve sighed dramatically, placing a hand on her heart. “You’re no fun, Amriel. But I’ll behave. For now.”

"I believe that when I see that. Besides, it’s not like I knew what he looked like,” said Amriel. “He had a mask on when he entered.”

"My god," Maeve's brows shot up, "It just keeps getting better!"

"You're terrible, Maeve," Amriel shook her head and, despite herself, chuckled softly.

"I'm guessing Simon already gave you a lecture?" Maeve asked, her eyes flickering over Amriel at her side.

Nodding, Amriel replied, "Of course. As if he would miss a chance to lecture me."

"It's only because he loves you," Maeve said softly. "And I love that he does because it saves me from having to do it."

Amriel felt a pang of guilt, but understood her friend’s perspective. However, Amriel couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something more to this man than meets the eye. She had seen the vulnerability when she looked into his eyes. There was a hidden pain that resonated with her own.

“I know it may seem reckless,” Amriel admitted, her voice filled with determination. “But there’s something about him, Maeve. Something that tells me he needs our help, that he’s worth taking a chance on.”

Maeve’s gaze softened, her fiery spirit tempered by love. “You know I’ll support you, Amriel. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

Amriel smiled gratefully, her heart swelling with gratitude for her friend’s understanding. “Thank you, Maeve.”

As they stood by the man’s side, Amriel couldn’t help but wonder what his story was. What had brought him to their doorstep, seeking refuge in the dead of night? She knew she would have to uncover the truth, not just for his sake, but for her own curiosity as well.

“So, did Simon like you know I’m going to spend the night?” asked Amriel, raising a brow slightly.

“Of course you are! Handsome or no, there is not a chance are you spending another night alone with this man,” Maeve declared.

The response made Amriel smile.

“Meeko caught a rabbit this morning. Shall I bring it for dinner?” asked Amriel.

At the mention of his name, the forest cat sitting between the two women began purring loudly. Clearly proud he was a provider.

As Maeve nodded her head, her hair gathered atop her head moved gently, and she responded, “That would be lovely, Riel. And, as the might provider, Meeko is welcome as the guest of honour, of course.”

The cat rose from his place between the women. Gently, he buffeted his head first against Amriel, then Maeve, before making his way to stand by the door.

A soft chirp and a glance at the door with his big, expressive eyes let the women know the forest cat was ready to go.

“I think someone is telling us we need to get a move on,” Maeve said. “We better listen, or the market will be emptied before we get there.”

Amriel smiled and nodded in agreement. She grabbed her shawl off the back of her chair and, with a last glance at the sleeping man, swung it over her shoulders and followed Maeve out into the sunshine.