I sharpen each of my knives, making sure each pointy end is ready for the blood of my enemies. The rain still patters softly down upon the roof, giving a soothing quality to the evening as I work on recovering before we leave. Rays of light are beginning to peek through the clouds, and I realize it's much earlier than I though. The sun is only just about to set. With the rain as it was earlier, darkening the entire city into near-darkness... I thought it was already nighttime. But no, we are still yet a little while from sunset.

Jenny wrapped my arm, which was only a flesh wound. It was showing signs of healing, even then, and now itches like I have a hundred little fleas biting on my flesh—courtesy of Ran sending me her strength to heal my ribs and hand and the other cuts and bruises from the fights.

Rose, the sweetie, has been helping direct Ran's life force, or whatever the technical term for it may be, to the areas it's needed most instead of just randomly healing all the bruises but leaving my ribs broken. Hence why I can physically feel the bone mending with sharp pains like tiny stabbing needles.

Me and Ran have been munching ever since we returned... which I think is our bodies replenishing what we've spent on healing.

My stomach growls in tune to Ran's, who lounges on the enormous bed in Hans and Jenny’s home, tired from everything she's sent me.

I just hope she hasn't sent too much.

She sighs, bending her head around to look at me through one eye. I know how much I can give, rider. Don't call me a fool.

My lips turn up in a slight smile and I push loving warmth back to her over the bond in lieu of saying anything.

I snuck away as soon as I could from the well-wishers and royals, all who wanted to shake my hand and gawk at the little person who beat Xonier.

I hated every moment.

Ran rolls back over, snorting at the slightly sour scent of the oil I’m using. I wipe one of the blacks blades off and smile, remembering the silver-eyed person I stole it from. Hans says we’re meeting him tonight and Silver Eyes—erm, Areece—doesn’t like my plan.

Were I not so nice, I’d tell him where he can shove his opinions. As it is… I still might. This is my family, not his.

A soft, rhythmic knock comes at the door.

”Come in,” I say.

More steaming food on a silver tray precedes blue eyes and long blonde hair pulled into a crown-like braid.

Jenny graces me with a gentle smile, but her brows are slightly furrowed, her eyes shining with concern and worry.

Ran perks up, her ears pricked forward and her tail giving a slow wag. She hops down from the bed, sniffing around Jenny's tray.

Jenny's eyes go soft with humor and warmth. "Yes, dear. I brought you some, as well. Sit in your normal place now, and I'll put it down for you."

Ran's tail wags faster, her nose twitching as she sniffs the air. You thoughtful, wonderful two-legs.

She sits down beside the door, her tail brushing the fibers of the rug and making swishing sounds.

Jenny sits the food before her, and the pop and grind of Ran crunching bone makes my appetite rapidly decline.

Jenny sits a smaller tray in front of me, and the heady aroma returns my appetite. I bend closer to the beautifully arranged bowls: one with stew, another with a meat and a red sauce that smells sweet and spicy all at once, and an apple krakken with sweet cream. A red lotus flower rests in the center, surrounded by a circle of delicate white almond flowers.

"Eat, dear. You will need your strength this night."

The flavors burst on my tongue with the first bite, and she smiles as I practically inhale the food on the tray, not realizing how hungry I was.

Jenny rises gracefully, taking a paintbrush and a tiny canister of white paint from her apron. "Many years ago, women would send their men and children to war with blessings upon them. It used to come from those who could place a Gifting of peace and safety and honour upon their skin. It was hoped that even those without the Gift of Impartment would still send their loved ones to danger with a greater chance to return to them. Neither have I have any Giftings of such, but may I Impart a blessing on you?"

I... don't know how to take that. It's a strange request. Momma always sent me off with a kiss on the forehead and an admonishment to be careful.

But once, before I became the Guardian, I remember Momma painting something on Father's hands and head, before he left.

I turn to the large windows, watching the sun as it grows closer to the horizon, slowly bringing me closer to tonight, when I'll find out if plan C will work.

I nod.

She squeezes my hand, then pops open the sharp-smelling paint and dabs the tip of her brush into the white.

She mumbles under her breath as she puts the cold liquid to my forehead first, then to my collarbone, and the last to my hands. "May the King grant knowledge for the mind, courage for the heart, and an accord of balance to enable wisdom in all things. May he grant you peace and safety until you return to those who love you until the end of days."

She bows her head, then kisses each of my hands and my forehead.

I'm left feeling overwhelmed. What does one say to that?

Jenny calmly smiles, using a finger to close my jaw. She gracefully rises and grabs a silken black, long-sleeved shirt from the wardrobe. "I am washing your old tunic. Would you like to wear this for now?"

"I..." I can't really describe what I feel. What she did... It touched my heart and embarrassed me in a weird way all at the same time.

I cough, looking at the deep black shirt in her hands. I finger it, feeling a bit hesitant. My old grey shirt was my constant companion beneath my red cloak, weathering many adventures and trials with me. It's almost as if I'm missing a friend by leaving behind the shirt that Momma and I both have lovingly mended of rips and tears... many of which match a scar on my body.

Jenny must read something on my face, because her lips turn in a gentle smile. "I had a Gifted enhance the strength. It will now be as strong as chain link armor. There are trousers, as well."

I surprise both Jenny and myself with a spontaneous hug. "Jenny..." I smile at her, and she squeezes me tightly, her eyes saying she understands without me needing to say how much this means to me.

She cups my cheek. "I know, dear. I know."

~~~

"Stay safe out there. Keep each other safe," Jenny says, pulling back and meeting both of our eyes.

I nod and Hans kisses her cheek. "We will, my love."

Jenny hugs me tightly, pressing a package with the scent of one of the delicious meat pies she likes to cook. I hug her back fiercely, trying to push back the emotion.

“Thank you. For everything,” I say softly, unsure if I’ll see her again.

She gives me one last squeeze and pulls back, a look in her eye a bear wouldn’t mess with. “Come back to us, my dear. This little one needs her fairy godmother,” she whispers, touching her stomach. The slight bulge there makes me smile.

And through the few tears I manage a weak laugh. “I’ll do my best. Love ya.” The words pop out before I even know I’m saying them, but they fit.

Her eyes grow bright and she gives my hand one last squeeze. “Love you, too.”

I smile and turn. I don’t look back, knowing that if I did, I would be tempted to stay in her safe arms forever. The storm from earlier has dissipated, leaving a muggy warmth that makes my skin prickle with sticky sweat.

I pat Ran’s long pony nose, then bury my head in her mane. She nuzzles me, drawing me closer with her head. I know, she coos. They’re going to be just fine. We’re getting them back. Together.

I nod against her mane. “Together.” I breathe in the scent that is all Ran, from the slight ozone scent of her Gifts and the fresh grass from where she’s been rolling to the slightly sweet scent of Cyprus and wild forests.

I climb up and pull up a hood over my short hair, watching from my perch as the sun descends in a beautiful rictus of blues, purples, and reds. “Help us this night, my King. Please,” I whisper to the sky. All that responds is a heightening of beauty as the sun meets the horizon.