04 Rosehaven (old, replaced)

Larch filled the rough sack with food and slung it over his shoulder.

"Are you sure it'll be alright?" Chrysa asked. "Isn't Rosehaven too far?" She walked up to him and looked into his lavender eyes. "I'm sure the people at Deepwater won't even notice your eyes." She placed her hands on the rough material of his tunic.

"They will," he said softly as he took her hands in his. "And they will talk. Talk is dangerous especially because we're strangers."

She took her hands from his then turned away, "How can we be strangers? We've traded with them for almost a year now." She looked through the doorway.

"And they've known each other since they were born." he said with a sigh. He placed the sack on the table and walked to her. "A year is just enough for them to notice changes but not long enough for trust." he said softly. He placed his hands on her shoulders.

"But Rosehaven is too far. It's only been five days since... You're not well. What if—"

"I am. You know this." he gently turned her around and looked into her eyes. "Not long ago you were cold and almost lost in my arms. Look at you now." A smile warmed his expression.

She tore her gaze from his. "I worry,"

"And I love you too." he said and kissed her. "I will be well, and you will be safe here." When her eyes would not meet his, he cradled her face in his hands. "Trust me?" he offered softly.

She closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest. "Oh I do,"

His arms wrapped around her. "But," he added.

"But i don't trust it,"

"Why not? We're alive and well. More than well to be honest." He pulled away from her. and looked down at his hands. "It's like everything after that day was so much easier."

Her brow furrowed as she listened.

He leaned against the edge of the table."I've seen hunters in Deepwater, scarred from the animal attacks they survived. Look at us." He met her eyes. "Not a scar."

Her hand crept to her neck; where her scar would have been. "And when some are weakened by their wounds—" her voice faltered.

"We've become stronger."

She stepped back until she leaned against the wall and searched her husband's eyes for comfort. "But at what cost?" she whispered.

Larch looked down at remnants of dried blood on their floor, "Nothing we wouldn't have lost had we not."

"Oh I'm sorry love," she said as she walked towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I trust you."

He kissed the top of her head.

"You're right. Without this, we'd be dead and gone." She stayed there in his arms, cheek against his chest. She listened to the beat of his heart and reassured herself that it was all for the best.

She looked out the doorway and her eyes fixed on the armored figure seated near the well. Despite the glare making it uncomfortable, she stared at it, determination marring her face.