In the old woman's place was a much younger woman seated at the table near the bed. A basket of ripe fruit sat on the table, and she was cleaning and cutting it into small pieces. He watched as her delicate hands ran the knife along the fruit's red flesh. She was in her early thirties. Her hair was long and light brown and was tied at the nape of her neck. Soft blue eyes framed a fragile nose. Her skin was lighter than Sean's, but still sun-kissed and healthy. Her lips were large and full of life. The dimple in each corner of her mouth seemed to hold a delicious secret. In short, she was beautiful.

The woman looked up and saw that he was awake. She jumped up and rushed to his side. "You're awake!" she exclaimed unnecessarily.

Sean was touched by her enthusiasm. "I suppose I am," he responded kindly. He pushed to prop himself up on the cot. The woman hurried to help him, fetching extra blankets and pillows from another room. When she was sure he was comfortable, she returned to the table.

"Are you hungry? Thirsty?" She asked.

"To be honest, after what I've been through I may never want a drink again, but those apples look delicious." Sean motioned toward the bowl.

The woman nodded and took the apples on a plate to the bed. Sean took a bite. They were even better than he had imagined. He sighed contentedly. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome…" She ended her phrase as a question.

Sean hesitated then shrugged. "Sean. My name is Sean."

"You are very welcome, Sean." The woman's smile brightened. "I am Alexis. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Alexis swept a small curtsy and laughed gently.

"Where's your mother?" Sean asked after a moment.

"My mother? I do not know how old you think I am, but I'm married, and this is my home." Alexis wasn't sure whether to be flattered or offended. She was the mistress of this house, having left her mother's home over a decade before. Anyway, both her parents had been dead for the last two years.

Sean was confused. He tried again, "I mean that old woman who brought me here. Where is she?"

Alexis nodded, "Oh, you mean Hanna! She comes and goes as she pleases. Very sweet, but strange. Always knows more than she should." Alexis trailed off, suddenly deep in thought.

"Hanna does not live here?" Sean asked, surprised.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Goodness, no. No one knows where she lives." Alexis waved her hand in a wide circle, "Probably lives somewhere off in the wild." Wherever the old lady lived, it was none of the younger woman's concern.

"What did she tell you about me?" Sean was curious how much the old woman saw of the events that unfolded.

"She said you saved a man from a fire and it landed you in the river. Hanna pulled you out of the water and gave you this." Alexis retrieved the shining vial from her apron. "Whatever this is. Anyway, she brought you here and gave me instructions for your care. This vial is for you. Only topical use from now on, though. She said drinking it can have unintended results."

The color drained from Sean's face. What does that mean: unintended results? Sensing his concern, Alexis shook her head and gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. If she had thought it would harm you, she never would have tried it." Alexis took a chair from the table and placed it by the cot before patting his arm gently. "So, where is your family? I can send them a letter to tell them you are safe while you finish healing."

"You can write?" Sean was shocked. He knew that most peasants, especially women, could not read or write.

"I am a woman of many talents," the blue-eyed woman said mysteriously. "Do you know how to read?" Sean shook his head. "Well, then, I can teach you some while you are here if you like."

"Ok... What is the catch?" No one had ever offered to teach Sean anything. Those who had shown him skills always wanted something in return.

Alexis cocked her head at his suspicious question. "No catch. I just thought you might like something to occupy your mind while you rest. But if you do not want to...'

"No, no. I do," he corrected her hastily. This woman was unlike anyone he had ever met.

"It's settled then." With a decided nod, Alexis stood and fetched a small piece of parchment along with a writing pen and ink. "Now, to whom do I address the letter?"

Sean flushed, realizing he had made an error. She would find out soon enough who he was and turn him out. There was no used wasting time. He may as well be honest. "No one," he answered. "I have no family. I don't even have a home."

Sean was confused by the beautiful woman's face. Instead of sadness or frustration, he saw joy.

"Well, Sean, you have both of those now. That is, if you'll have us. We're just a tiny village with only six families, but I like to think we are the happiest place in Birle."

"Birle?" Sean sat up straight. "I'm in Birle?" Sean was from Marek and although they sometimes raided along the border, he hadn't realized they actually crossed it. This explained her different accent and more even tone.

"Yes, where did you think you were?" Alexis cocked her head to one side and raised both brows.

The teen shook off his shock. "It doesn't matter. You were saying?" He hoped his outburst had not caused the invitation to be revoked.

"We are a small but happy town here and you are welcome to stay." Alexis watched him expectantly. "I have always wanted a son." She added shyly.

Sean scoffed. No one was this nice. His previous suspicion resurfaced. "You don't know me. I have been a horrible person. What do you want from me?"

Alexis chuckled quietly. Her soft eyes held compassion as she thought a moment before responding. "I don't know who you were, but that was in the past. You are now who you choose to be. Who do you want to be, Sean?"

Sean marveled at her question. No one had ever asked what he wanted. He was unsure how to answer. Finally he spoke, "I want to be better. I don't want to be the bad guy anymore."

"Then that's what I want from you: better. You can be better for me, but mostly be better for yourself."

"Alright then. I'll stay," Sean said with a conviction that surprised him. In his mind he had thought to keep his options open, but he knew after the words left his mouth there was no going back.

Alexis clapped her hands with joy. "Wait till I tell Gareth!"

A voice from the door called their attention. "Did someone say my name?"

A tall thin man entered with a wide grin on his face. His countenance was friendly and his skin flush with recent hard labor. The blonde man seemed to be only slightly older than the woman he beamed down on.

"Gareth!" Alexis stood, ran, and flung herself into the man's arms. They embraced until Sean became slightly uncomfortable. Alexis released her husband and turned. "I'd like you to meet our son, Sean."

"It's nice to meet you, Sean—did you say son?" Gareth shot a questioning look at his wife and then shrugged. He knew it was no use arguing with her. Since the boy made no objection, neither would he. "I'm glad to see you are awake." He reached out and took Sean's hand firmly in his own. "Welcome home."

It was in that moment that Sean realized that, at last, his life had taken a turn for the better.