Ronfar kissed Mauri on the cheek. "I'll be back as fast as I can, love."
Mauri squeezed his hand. "Ride careful, Ronfar. You need to return and finish the gazebo."
Ronfar smirked. "Yes, dear." He kissed her again and then mounted his waiting chestnut mare to follow after Violette and Leo.
"It was unnecessary for you to accompany us, Ronfar," Leo told him. "I can assure you I am most capable of defending Violette against ruffians and brigands."
Ronfar chuckled. "Oh I don't doubt that, but I'd feel a lot better if I knew for sure you were pure of... heart when I perform the wedding ceremony."
Leo glared. "Infidel," he muttered.
Ronfar's eyebrow raised. He glanced ahead to Violette, who busily and happily discussed life with a bird that hovered near. Ronfar smiled. "She's something else, Leo. Not a sour word to anyone, no matter how miserable she is or how obnoxious they are. And she doesn't get miserable very often, or for very long." Ronfar shook his head. "I don't get how people can think she's a witch."
Leo watched Violette with a slight smile on his lips. Then it slowly disappeared and he refocused his gaze to his hands and the reins. "You must admit she shares an uncanny connection with the forest, Ronfar. And she healed me in but a few days using herb lore and..." Leo looked up. "And something that drained her of her own strength."
Ronfar studied Leo's profile. "So?"
Leo met his friend's gaze. "So you cannot discount..." Leo shook his head and looked away.
"She might be a little on the magical side, but who's to say Althena didn't plan it that way? I mean, hell, no one else's guarding the forests. Well, no one but Nall and the kids."
Leo slightly nodded, watching as he adjusted his hands on the reins.
"Cheer up, man. She's coming."
Leo lifted his eyes to focus on Violette's bright face and eager smile. His expression softened.
Violette directed her dapple mare between Cloud and Ronfar's chestnut. She bestowed a smile on each gentleman.
"This is so exciting," she exclaimed in a hushed tone. "Traveling with a knight and a cleric to a wood that may be filled with brigands waiting to ambush us..." Violette sighed, still smiling. "It's just like an adventure told by granpapa when I was younger."
Ronfar chuckled. "Old Leo and I've got plenty of stories, Violette. I'll make sure we tell some of the scarier ones tonight."
Violette's eyes widened. "Oh would you?" She lightly clapped her hands, even as they held the reins. "How wonderful! Darling, did you hear?" she asked Leo, turning to cover his hand with hers as it rested on the pommel of his saddle. "He's going to tell scary stories!"
Leo's lips twitched. "Indeed."
Violette focused wide eyes again on Ronfar. "Will you tell stories of your adventures as we travel, it's been so long since I've heard one - except for yours, darling - and I would adore the telling. It'll be just like I was there, battling evil and protecting the innocent..." Violette smiled, eyes bright. "And I finally have my story to tell, about the rogues coming to my cottage and me sneaking away into the night... How exciting!"
Ronfar laughed. Leo chuckled.
Violette smiled at each of them and then giggled. "You are dears both," she told them. "It's no wonder you saved the world from evil. You couldn't help but be heroic and dramatic and romantic, following your duty to the very finish." Violette gave a content sigh. "I'm surrounded by adventure and heroic deeds of rescue, just as I always dreamed."
"Don't put us up there too high, Violette," Ronfar warned between chuckles. "We're just ordinary men, you know. Make mistakes same as everybody else."
"Speak for yourself," Leo said, expression serious.
Ronfar barked a laugh. "Yeah, I guess you don't do any wrongs in... well, in certain opinions and eyes." Ronfar adjusted his hold on the reins. "I'm going to scout ahead. Meet you up a ways."
He urged the mare ahead at a quick pace. Leo watched him go.
"Leo?"
He focused on Violette's entrancing face. Her violet eyes shone in the brightness of the sun, and her blonde hair shimmered with its reflection. Her loveliness was heightened by the nature around her...
Leo cleared his throat and moved his focus to the road ahead. "Yes, my lady?"
Violette pulled her horse to a stop, which again drew Leo's attention. She climbed down and held the reins in one hand as she moved to stand beside his mount.
Violette smiled up at him. "Can we walk?"
"Certainly." He dismounted and then gestured for her to start ahead.
Violette did so, and then she tucked her small hand into his larger one. Leo softly smiled but didn't look away from the trail ahead.
"It's all right for us to hold hands, isn't it?" Violette asked, hesitant.
Leo met her wide-eyed expression. "Why do you ask?"
"I wouldn't want you to do something wrong, especially with you being a White Knight of Althena."
Leo sent her a reassuring smile and lightly kissed her knuckles. "As we are alone, dearest, there is no harm."
"But I can't when we're with someone?" she pressed.
"It is not a question of 'can't', Violette. It is a matter of... appropriate."
Violette looked ahead, her brow furrowing in concentration. "So... So what I did before dinner yesterday," she met his gaze again, "I shouldn't?"
Leo hesitated. Then he halted and faced her. "My lady Violette, have I led you to believe you have acted inappropriately at any time?"
"Oh no. I only want to do what's right. I wouldn't want to embarrass you, and I know I sometimes behave foolishly and impulsive."
Leo blinked. "Dearest lady, never have I believed you to behave in such a way."
Violette smiled. "I know you haven't. But I do. Granmamma and granpapa told me. And they always said that when I met my knight I would need to be more careful about how I acted in public." Her eyes widened again. "I don't mind. Really I don't. I would do anything to make you happy. That's why I'm going to do what Granmamma said."
"Dearest..." Leo sighed before giving a reluctant smile and leaning down to press his lips to her forehead. "Do not change that which I adore, Violette." He kissed her forehead again before straightening and meeting her gaze. "You are a free spirit. Unhindered by twisted views of 'appropriate'. I would not forgive myself if you were to change that of yourself."
Violette stared up at him with wide eyes. "Then... you don't... You don't want me to try and behave better?"
Leo kissed each hand and then released one to caress her face. "'Behave better'? My dearest Violette, there has never been a moment when I have disapproved your innocence and pure-hearted actions. I welcome it. I adore it."
Violette's face brightened with her smile moments before she threw her arms around his neck with a "Oh my darling knight!"
Leo's arms enfolded her, drawing her close as he released a slow breath.
Cloud nickered and nudged Leo's back. Violette giggled and pulled back. "Oh Cloud," she said in a bright voice, "of course I love you, too. Where would a knight be without his trusty steed."
Leo smiled down at Violette as she spoke. Taking in her warmth and her smile. Her seemingly perpetual youth had awakened in him a less-serious side. A portion that searched out beauty and innocence the same as she. Teaching him how to view the world through different eyes.
Violette met Leo's gaze, and her smile softened. "I like it when you look at me like that."
Leo chuckled and drew her forward down the road. "A relief, dear lady. I would not wish to cause affront."
Violette focused a softly smiling expression on his profile as she enfolded his arm in hers.
Leo lowered himself again to the log in front of the campfire.
Ronfar smirked, adjusting the bit of grass in his teeth as he watched the White Knight. "The little dear safely tucked in bed by your hand?"
Leo frowned at the priest. "It's a wonder Violette holds me in such high regard with you set to tarnish my reputation."
Ronfar chuckled. "What do you expect? You're an arrogant ass, Leo."
Leo scoffed. "Surety and confidence should never be confused with arrogance, priest."
"You're right. It hasn't."
"By the goddess, man," Leo protested.
Ronfar raised his hands and smiled wide. "Alright, alright."
Leo retrieved his sword and polishing cloth. Ronfar regarded the White Knight while absently twirling the grass between his fingers. "Leo. Question."
"What is it," Leo asked, clearly annoyed.
"How in Althena's heaven did you get beat by a simple thief; or rather, by a band of thieves?"
Leo's hand paused its task of polishing his sword hilt. Ronfar gauged the response with a slightly raised eyebrow, which rose higher when Leo resumed his project without speaking a word.
"Leo, you might as well tell me. If you don't, I'll just ask Violette until I find out."
Leo frowned. "Let it be, priest," he warned in a steady and firm voice.
Ronfar tossed away the bit of grass. "Leo, there is no way on this blessed silver star that I'm going to believe ordinary rogues handed you your ass. What exactly are we facing?"
Leo again paused his work on his sword.
"Leo," Ronfar pressed, "I can't help you man this post--"
"Old magic."
Ronfar leaned slightly forward. "Pardon?"
Leo raised his gaze. "I do not recall Violette making mention of naught but her grandparents."
"Yeah. So what?"
"What child is not told of her mother and father?"
Ronfar regarded Leo's serious expression. "Orphans abandoned since they were babes," he said slowly.
Leo slightly inclined his head. "Then there is the protection offered her by the forest, as well as her ability to speak to and understand the creatures within."
Again Ronfar studied Leo's face. "Anyone raised within--"
"No. Not as she does."
Leo looked away and Ronfar frowned. "So what exactly are you saying, and what the hell does that have to do with the rogues?"
Leo sheathed his sword. "I believe Violette is a product of the forest, human as we, yet of a magic we have forgotten exists. That of nature." Leo looked up again. "I was attacked by the evil that resides there, brought about by violence and bloodlust acted upon those within. It festers, like a wound."
Ronfar tapped his fingers against his knee as he scrutinized Leo's face. "You read about this 'old magic' at one of Althena's temples, didn't you?"
Leo looked away again. "I did, due mainly to my defeat and the ease of Violette's victory."
"And the fast healing you mentioned before."
Leo slightly nodded.
Ronfar scrubbed at the back of his neck. "Whew. A new, old magic. Another battle of good against evil." He released a deep breath. "I guess vacation's over."
Leo smirked. "Be thankful. Many of us haven't been so fortunate."
Ronfar laughed. "Don't be stupid. Those few days you had with Violette flat on your back were all the vacation you could stand, and you know it."
Leo stood without comment. "Good night, priest. Wake me when it's my watch."
"Sure."
Leo turned and walked toward his tent, surreptitiously sending a glance toward Violette's. I remain ever your knight, my Forest Nymph. I swear by my honor and my life.
A breeze rustled the tents.
"Leo?"
Leo looked over his right shoulder and then stood. "Violette?" He stepped toward her as she made her way to the campfire. She seemed pale and disoriented. "Dearest?" He took her hands in his. "What is wrong? Your hands are like ice!"
Violette slightly shook her head, and then she raised her gaze to meet his. "Leo..." Her eyes rolled back and she collapsed into Leo's arms.
Leo caught her up with a soft exclamation of "Violette!" followed immediately by "Ronfar!"
Ronfar burst forth from his tent a few moments later, scowling and grumbling his complaint until he saw Violette's limp form in Leo's arms. He strode forward. "What happened?"
Leo shook his head. "She called my name but spoke nothing more."
Ronfar motioned to her tent as Leo lifted her into his arms. "Come on. This way."
Leo followed after Ronfar, occasionally focusing on Violette's pale face. It contorted in an expression of almost grief and agony. Such was so different from her usual brightness that it twisted Leo's insides with fear.
"Here. Lay her down."
Leo knelt and gently lay Violette down on her bedroll. Ronfar knelt at her other side, testing her pulse and her breathing while Leo helplessly watched her face. Ronfar shook his head and mumbled something moments before he stood.
Leo looked up. "What is it?"
"I'm not sure. I'm getting my bag. Watch her."
Ronfar left the tent, muttering and rubbing his neck the entire way.
Leo lowered his gaze back to Violette's taut features. He reached out and enfolded her hand in his, leaning toward her to brush damp tendrils of hair from her face. Violette's hold on his hand tightened and she cried out. Her voice burned with a torturous pain Leo didn't understand. She didn't appear to be poisoned or cursed. Yet what else could cause such agony?
"Violette," he called softly, "tell me what troubles you. Tell me."
Ronfar entered again, this time carrying his bag full of herbs, potions, and magic replenishing gems. He knelt again beside Violette, setting the bag aside with a serious expression.
Ronfar lightly rubbed his hands together. "First things first." He closed his eyes and began the incantation for the status healing spell used many times during their travels.
Violette's condition didn't change.
Ronfar absently nodded. "Thought so. Okay. Let's try this."
He cast his lower-level cure spell, but her pallor didn't decrease. In fact her entire body began to shake. Leo's insides twisted as he reached out and held her arms. To comfort her or soothe whatever pain she was in. The action didn't work, and Violette didn't even seem to be aware of the men's presence.
Ronfar cast his higher-level spells, but non changed her attitude of intense misery. Ronfar finally sat back and scrubbed at his scalp in confusion. "I've tried everything I know, Leo," he admitted reluctantly. "I don't know what else to do."
Leo watched Violette's face as it twisted into so many versions of pain, suffering, and agony. He smoothed her brow of the perspiration. "She suffers, Ronfar," he said in an agonized tone. "Why does she suffer?"
Again Ronfar shook his head. But then his expression grew thoughtful. "Wait... Old..." Ronfar snapped his fingers and hurried back outside. Leo continued to caress Violette's face while whispering words only she could hear. Ronfar returned a few minutes later carrying the pot that held Violette and Leo's tree.
It's closed blooms glowed brightly.
Leo blinked in surprise. "By the goddess..."
Ronfar set the tree down beside Violette and watched... Her pain diminished and then vanished, her face relaxing until her slumber became peaceful.
Leo looked to Ronfar in confusion. "What has happened?"
Ronfar shook his head. "I'm not really sure, but something about what you said on her and nature stuck in my craw. I don't know what caused whatever it was to happen, but that tree of yours..." Ronfar nodded. "You definitely have one special girl here, Leo. We should do our damndest to ask her about her childhood and her forest. I don't want this happening again."
Leo looked again to Violette as he clasped her hand to his chest and smoothed the damp tendrils of hair from her face. Neither do I.
"Leo."
Leo briefly met Ronfar's gaze before looking again to Violette's now peaceful expression.
"Leo, if what you say about her being a part of the forest is true..."
Leo slightly nodded. "Then evil is destroying her forest."
"By what just happened? You're damn right."
Leo and Ronfar both looked to the tree sapling, noticing that one branch and bloom seemed to stretch toward Violette. As greenery sought the sun. As roots sought water.
Leo moved his focus back to her face. "Ronfar."
Ronfar examined Leo's expression of firm seriousness. "Yeah?"
Leo met Ronfar's gaze. "Evil will not triumph here."
Ronfar smirked. "You've got that right." He produced his hand, and Leo clenched it. "Let's kick some brigand ass."
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