Alistor

I was bathed and redressed before Eveline so I found myself in the great hall with her mother. My biggest worry was my mouse was trying to drown herself upstairs. She wasn't at all enthused about being home and I was slowly piecing it together. I knew her father was dead for she had left court for a week for it, but the rest was blurry. Her mother seemed to not like her choice. Honestly picturing Eveline in a dress didn't suit her. I couldn't imagine her being able to act as a noble's daughter instead of a guardian. I believed this is why she didn't come home often. It had been years.

"How long have you two been courting?" she asked.

"A while, my lady."

She looked me over with curiosity. "And it doesn't bother you that you cannot marry her?"

"Nay. Just having her as I do is enough. I can still serve the kingdom as well as have someone who loves the same thing and understands me."

Honestly, the question of marriage had been on my mind a lot lately. I loved her and knew that she would shoot down the idea. She loved being a guardian. She didn't want to be tied down to lands or responsibility. Children were probably also included in that list. I had no doubt in my mind that she would make a fine mother, but I loved and respected her enough not to make her come to conflict with the very idea.

Her mother sighed.

"Why can't you be happy that your daughter is headstrong enough to reach for the stars and touch them? She is a legend and well respected. She has started a legacy that will live on even after we die and open the door for more girl guardians. She has the heart of a guardian. Being anything else would have killed her," I said.

"It is unnatural," she huffed. "It is not right for her to walk around thinking she is equal to any man."

"It is right, my lady," I said curtly. "She is as good or better than any other man. I am glad that she doesn't think of herself as less."

"I can see why she likes you, Alistor. You two make a fine pair indeed."

Had her questions been a test?

"Thank you, my lady."

She nodded.

Eveline soon joined us and stew and ale were served for dinner. We retired to our separate rooms soon after, but as she took the first step up the ladder, I stopped her and gave her a gentle kiss.

"Thank you," she whispered.

I looked at her, confused, stroking her cheek. "For what?"

"I heard what you said to my mother," she said, hugging me. "Thank you."

I flushed red hugging her back. She had heard all of that?

"It's all true, my mouse."

She flushed. "I ... I guess I should get some rest. Are we leaving at first light?"

"Do you want-"

"Alistor we have duties right now," she said. "Besides, it's easy to see I'm still not welcome here."

I leaned up and kissed her gently. "First light we will leave then."

Wit that, I watched her climb the ladder up to her loft room. I then walked the short corridor to my own room. I honestly couldn���t wait to be back on the road so we could share the same bed. It was hard to sleep without one arm around her waist.