“Dave!”

Her trembling voice shattered the silence of the night. She was sweating, taking in quick, shallow breaths, and her heart raced as she sat on the ground, Dave just inches away, holding her by her shoulder. With a long sigh, she glanced around. Joaquin lay a few feet away, deep in his slumber. Just below her feet, the remnants of a firepit glowed in hues of orange. With a swift gesture, she swept the beads of sweat from her forehead.

Just a dream.

She remembered the moments before sleep claimed her. Dave had appeared at the sunset, a rabbit slung over his shoulder. They settled down, Joaquin gathering wood, Dave skinning the rabbit and impaling it for cooking, and she prepared some herbs from her bag to enhance the meal. Joaquin entertained them with a story while the meat sizzled, and they fell asleep after eating.

She couldn’t help but smile as she took in the depth and warmth of Dave’s gray eyes.

“Thank you…”

Her head tilted to observe his hand, not letting go of her shoulder. When she looked into his eyes again, goosebumps rippled across her skin. He had never gazed at her in this manner. She had grown accustomed to his intense stares, but this one seemed different, more thirsty.

Slowly lowering his gaze from her eyes, he traced a path down to her neck, her chest, and beyond.

“That dream again?” he asked, releasing his grip on her shoulder and meeting her gaze once more.

She nodded, her lips slightly parted, and she could feel the heat rising in her face. Grateful for the night, she blushed, hidden by darkness.

Rising to his feet, he stretched his arms overhead, causing his shirt to rise and expose the defined contours of his stomach.

“Wanna take a walk?”

She nodded again, her movements graceful as she rose to her feet. Before leaving, she glanced at the sleeping bard and followed Dave into the woods.

Vivid images from her nightmare continued to flash before her eyes. Yet, with each step she took next to Dave, the feeling of serenity grew stronger, enveloping her in a sense of peace. They took small, leisurely steps, savoring the shared silence.

Red pondered about his emotions. His feelings towards her and these moments were a mystery to her. Despite the passing of time, they remained distant. And she couldn’t help but perceive that he was the one upholding the wall between them. Still, she noticed subtle changes taking place within him.

“Do you feel better?” he asked, his deep voice shattering the web of her thoughts, pulling her back to the present moment.

“Much better. Thank you, Dave.”

“You don’t have to thank me that much. It wasn’t easy to wake you up.”

He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and placed one between his lips.

“It was intense this time. The dream seemed to wrap around me, tangible and vivid,” she confessed.

“I see.”

His tone was a low rumble that resonated through the quiet night. With a deft motion, he lit the tip of his cigarette; the ember casting a soft, flickering glow on his features.

“It’s been so long since this dream visited me. I dared to hope it had abandoned me forever,” she said.

With a sigh that conveyed both relief and apprehension, she huddled into her coat, trying to ward off the chilly gusts that were creeping in.

Dave paused, leaning casually against a tree, the smoke swirling around him like an ethereal shroud. The night forest whispered its secrets, leaves rustling in time with their breaths.

“Some things, Red, are not meant to be forgotten,” he remarked, his voice carrying an unexpected weight.

Her gaze lifted, her eyes tracing the sharp lines of his profile. In this sincere moment, she marveled at the enigmatic tapestry of emotions playing across his face. It was a rare glimpse, a flicker of something deeper than she’d ever seen.

Guilt?

No, that couldn’t be. Dave was a man of conviction. She understood the reasons behind his actions and his choices. There was no room for grudges.

Or was there?

This simple thought ignited a series of flashing memories stained with blood and pain, dancing behind her closed eyelids. How could she not harbor a grudge? He was the one responsible for her death. And even tried to —

“Have you learned anything from the bard?” he inquired, drawing her back from the chasm of her thoughts.

His eyes held hers, a quiet understanding passing between them.

“Nothing. But I have hope. He told me a few interesting stories. Either he is traveling for quite some time and heard them somewhere or he has some special source of inspiration, let’s say.”

“Why don’t you just ask? Show him the amulet.”

She swayed her head from side to side, her hair cascading, resembling a waterfall of silk.

Dave’s nose caught the fragrance of her sweat. Time had painted her with a more mature fragrance, a transformation subtle yet profound. Despite her body remaining unchanged since they met, something in her shifted. And this new Red was slowly getting under his skin.

“Not yet,” she said.

Stepping out into the night, she sensed Dave’s presence trailing behind.

“He seems nice,” she continued, “but his charm may be deceiving us both. It’s a bard after all. And bards are brilliant manipulators and thieves. It would be unfortunate to wake up and discover his absence and our missing possessions.”

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A chuckle rumbled in Dave’s chest.

“We would find him and I would twist his neck.”

She met his gaze with a playful smirk.

“Ah, but that’s what I wish to avoid. He holds knowledge I seek, and I’d rather it be spoken than silenced.”

“I trust you, Red. Just be cautious.”

“Cautious?”

Her brows arched in mock surprise.

“Yes. You always see the best in everyone.”

The annoyance in his tone made the corners of her lips quirk into a teasing smile but said nothing back.

They returned to their resting spot, Joaquin undisturbed in his peaceful dream. Red settled in, her hood cocooning her.

“Dave?” she breathed into the night.

“What?”

He just found his place nearby, sitting down and leaning into a tree.

“Those things, not meant to be forgotten…”

“What about them?”

Barely holding her tears back, she hoped he wouldn’t catch it in her voice.

“They can still be forgiven.”

“You should sleep, Red.”

His voice carried the hint of a growl.

As her eyes closed, her heart danced to a steady beat, a gentle lullaby that lulled her into tranquility. Though she knew anger was her right, she remained devoid of it. Someday, perhaps, he’d find peace as well, and the chaos in his mind would finally settle.

♦♦♦

Welcome to Hert! A worn sign greeted them at the entrance to a small town. They had been traveling this dusty road for half an hour, the verdant canopy of the forest receding, its vibrant embrace now a memory. It had been four days since they rescued Joaquin, and he was visibly filled with joy as they neared the first houses on the outskirts. Even Red’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“I can’t wait to take a hot bath,” she said.

Only Dave was not enjoying himself. Upon entering, he was rubbing his nose and lighted a cigarette.

“We’ve been to much stinkier places, Dave.”

Red poked him to his side. She smelled it as well. The air bore a pungent symphony of sweat, mingled with the earthy tang of horse and cow excrement, and the sharp hint of urine—a melange characteristic of a town deeply tethered to its livestock.

“Sure, but it’s been a while. I forgot how bad it can be,” he muttered under his breath.

The few town guards, their armor dull and their gaze indifferent, offered the travelers little heed. It bore the mark of underpaid labor, a workforce that stirred only when compelled. In towns like this, shadows whispered of lurking thieves and cunning swindlers.

“I wonder if luck will allow me to afford a new lute and clothes.”

Joaquin was looking around, ashamed of his torn-up attire.

They passed the first houses and stables in a few minutes, reaching the outer circle of the city center filled with stalls and a group of housewives bartering their everyday needs with fellow sellers. Few of them noticed our trio, their eyes falling upon Dave.

Your husbands should see your stares now.

He thought to himself as he surveyed the area, then gestured towards an old wooden building.

“There, Hertz Inn.”

“A poetic name. And nice wordplay, too.”

Red swept her bangs and stepped out towards it.

Joaquin, before taking a step, cleared his throat. Loud enough for them to hear it.

“What is it?” Dave asked, piercing him with an annoying look.

“I don’t have any coin to spend. For such luxuries as bed and bath.”

Red looked at him reproachingly.

“Oh, Joaquin. Are you trying to offend us? Do you honestly think we would let you beg for money after the incredible days we’ve shared? Come, it’s our treat.”

Joaquin’s face lightened up. Upon reaching the town, fear gripped him as he realized they might go their separate ways, despite the amazing time they had together. Especially with Red, since Dave paid him very little attention, mostly scouting ahead on his own and bringing hunted animals towards the evening.

But with Red, they talked and sang a lot the past few days. She was a likable companion. They have shared little of their personal lives. But the shared joy from music befriended them. She hummed melodies, and he sang the lyrics. While falling asleep, he often wondered why Dave was traveling with her, or she with him. But he also noticed the way they exchanged looks while eating. Despite their brief interactions, their connection was profound and tangible. Also, the tension between them was enigmatic. It reminded him of unspoken passion, yet something more raw and wild excluded from them.

He bowed, an elegant gesture of a true noble, strands of his dark hair falling to his face.

“I will be forever in your debt, Lady Red, and Dave. Standing here, I can promise that if the time of need finds you, you can seek my audience.”

Dave turned his head, rolling his eyes, the smoke from the cigarette swirling around him. This fabulous mannerism the bard showed was irritating him. But he was slightly taken aback as he noticed her reaction. She smiled, accompanied by a slight bow of her head. But it wasn’t just a smile. He detected a sly glint in her eyes. She knew something about the bard he hadn’t noticed yet.

“I’ll take you by your word, Joaquin,” she said. “Now, let’s find a room, eat, and bathe.”

With those words escaping her lips, she turned on her heel and continued towards the inn.

Upon entering, an alluring melange of cooked pork, rich garlic, and the warm undertone of beer enveloped their senses. Except for a few barflies, their eyes bloodshot and their noses ruddy, the inn was relatively empty.

A young lad, scarcely fourteen years old, stood behind the counter, his white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a black vest attesting to his readiness for the bustling inn. His greeting was accompanied by a wide smile and a tone that blended youthful exuberance with practiced charm.

“Welcome to my Hertz! How can I help you? You came just in time. The pork nearly finished, a fine cook of my father with garlic and honey mustard, best served with our own-made Hertz beer.”

Well-spoken and memorized lines he must have said multiple times during the day. Still, his enthusiasm was pure.

“Greetings, young innkeeper. I want the whole pork to be ready at that table.” Red said, gesturing towards one in the corner and then opened her shoulder bag.

“Also, three pints of your Hertz beer. And three rooms for the night.”

“Six nights,” Dave said, tipping his cigarette to the cinder box resting on the counter.

Red shot him a surprised look. He locked eyes with her, his gaze unwavering. Initially, she couldn’t comprehend his logic, but then he took a deep sniff with one nostril, and a wave of warmth washed over her, causing her cheeks to blush like a blooming rose.

“Six then,” she said, her eyes fixed on the wood of the bar.

“Wow, alright, ma’am. The meal will be ready in ten minutes. Here are your keys. Rooms are upstairs, back in the hall. If you require anything else, let me know.”

“How much?” Dave asked. “We also want a bath in all three rooms after the meal. One,” he took one key and checked the number, “in room thirteen, especially hot.”

A slight confusion appeared on the innkeeper’s face.

“Not meant to be rude, sir. But we have plumbing in this town. So, you can easily take care of the bath yourself.”

“Ah…”

Dave sighed, tension visible on his face, his eyes searching for comfort in Red’s expression. She barely contained laughter. Joaquin was surprised by the sight, and by Dave’s assumption about towns lacking sewer systems.

“He didn’t mean to offend you or your inn, young master,” Red intervened with a polite smile. “He is from a tiny village in the east, so he forgets that the world has progressed already.”

“Ah, that’s fine. I understand. Well then, six nights, the meal, and beers. That’s twenty Lavinoir coins, ma’am.”

Red retrieved a pouch from her bag and paid, generously adding extra for the boy.

“I’ll be right back,” she said while grabbing one key, and without lifting her gaze from the ground, she hastened towards the stairs.

Joaquin looked at Dave with raised eyebrows. But Dave didn’t bother to explain much.

“Let’s sit down and wait for the food. She will come back soon.”

He would have remained silent if he had any inkling of the impending storm, ensuring their departure the next day. Or it wouldn’t change his mind at all. In truth, without him realizing it, Red’s well-being was far more important to him than the danger they would encounter eventually either way.