Sixty-eight

The man stared out at the woman talking to a man with a hard expression. She seemed mad, but very strong. For some reason, it made the man a little proud. He smiled, liking the way she was standing up for herself. When he had first met her, she wasn't as tough. But now she radiated with confidence.

The woman stalked away and towards the entrance of the village. The man watched and slowly went towards her, being careful as to not make his presence known. He watched and followed her to a meadow where another woman waited, smiling. As he watched, she produced fire. His brows rose, but he wasn't too surprised by the outcome. She had seemed like she could have some power with a temper.

The two women seemed to spar, training, for an hour. By the time they finished, she had calmed and was having fun, her problems forgotten for the moment. The other woman left and went back to the village, but she stayed and sat in the grass, seeming to be alone with her thoughts.

The man watched and waited. He wanted to approach her, but didn't know if she remembered him, if she might be afraid. He didn't want her to be scared if he suddenly appeared. He cared too much.

She laid down and fell asleep, peaceful in the sunlight. No one came to check on her. No one called for her. The man stepped out of the shadows and walked to her side then knelt.

She was as beautiful as he remembered. Almost a year since they had last met, since he had helped her. She had been weak and vulnerable in a way he didn't like. He had waited for a long time to come see if she had recovered, to make sure she was safe. And he had found she was growing into herself.

She twitched.

The man tensed to run if she woke, but she didn't. Instead, she began to moan, then toss her head. She was having a nightmare.

"No!" she cried.

The man looked about for help, but the closest person was in the village, and he didn't think they would trust him.

"No!"

He looked back down at her, seeing tears running down her cheeks. Carefully, he laid down beside her and wrapped an arm about her waist, pulling her into him. Almost immediately, she calmed. The woman turned and snuggled into him, seeming to have a better dream. He stroked her hair, felt his heart ache.

He had to leave her. For now. He swore to himself he would only watch, but now he had gotten involved. He couldn't help it, he had to get close. But when he finished dealing with his own problems, he would come back and find her, help her remember him and fall for him. Like he had done in a short time. He didn't know how he would do it, but he would. Her family wouldn't get in the way. Her fears, if she had any, would wash away as they got to know each other. And she would shine with his attention. She would never be alone or lonely again.

"I'll be back for you, Dove. Don't forget that. Don't fear it. It will be the best thing for you," he whispered and pressed his lips to her temple.

When he pulled away, hazel eyes were staring up at him.