The days passed quickly it seemed. As soon as the morning sun rose in the sky, I was awake helping repairs any way I could. Whether that was helping Cadenza and Rowan make plans or placing down rock and wood myself, I was putting my best effort forward to help. Then, almost in a blink of an eye, it was night. The people of Phoenix Drop would retire to their camp, that is if their home wasn't already rebuilt, and enjoy the evening together. With food and even sometimes music. It was truly a beautiful time and one I appreciated the most. Hearing stories, laughter, and just the sounds of happiness all around reminded me most why I loved this place. More specifically, the people who inhabited it. They were all so unique and special in their own way. One night I heard the story of a retired guardsmen who had lost an arm in battle and moved to Phoenix Drop with their family to start a calmer life. The other night, a woman who wanted to travel here for the sea and start a fresh life away from her harsh family. And every story I loved.

Soon, the days started to grow warmer, showing signs of summer moving in. And we had made significant progress, much faster than expected due to the help that Cadenza had offered. The existing residential areas were almost complete, the town square just needing a last good sweep to get rid of the leftover ash, and the farm lands already had new fencing and a barn. Everything was going just as it needed to be.

As usual, one morning, I awoke and headed straight for Cadenza's tent. In the sea of white, her tent stuck out boldly. It was much larger and stood tall, bearing a forest green hue. When I entered, I saw her and her men discussing plans for construction that day. She pointed towards the map, her finger going around the border to say; "I agree with Rowan that the walls should be improved. With the increasing amount of attacks, this would prevent them from happening so frequently in the future."

"But aren't walls reserved for—"

"Walls are made to protect, Captain," Cadenza then said, sternly as she turned her head to the man who raised his concern. "I'm surprised that not many villages have them, honestly. Maybe we should increase that number, hm? When I am Lady of Meteli, perhaps?"

The man gulped, nodding his head before letting her continue. "Now, I want you and your group to survey out the border. See if there's any blockage of trees and foliage. We'll then have to make a plan to chop it down or remove it as soon as possible. Can you do that, Captain?"

"But, the village's border stretches very long. It could take a whole morning to walk along it's path," The Captain spoke again, to a very uninterested Zvahl. She simply put; "So you better start now if you want to be back for lunch. You're dismissed."

He grumbled, leaving in a huff passed me. That's when Cadenza saw me, putting on a soft smile as she said; "Miss Aphmau! Up early as always! Ready for a new day?"

"As always," I say, just as cheerful. Though I'd be a fool to say I wasn't at least a bit more terrified of her. I joined her at her side at the table, asking; "What should I tell the others about the tasks for the day? Would you like us to continue rebuilding some of the homes?"

She shrugged, saying; "Well, we can either do that or we can shift our focus to other projects. At least put more people there instead since we can decrease the amount of people rebuilding homes. So, we can either focus a bit more on the docks or the marketplace. Which do you think?"

"M'lady...I'm afraid that Phoenix Drop didn't have docks before the attack," I say, nervous for her reaction. She only raised a brow to me, waiting for my reply. "T-Then I guess we should send more people there. The marketplace just needs a simple repaving and I heard from Donna that Logan should be returning with some of his merchant friends in a few days time. They'll be able to set up shops the way they need it to."

The redhead grinned, telling the men around her to follow suit. She then said to me; "You do realize you did all of that without Rowan. Do you think he'll agree with you?"

"I-I hope so. I think he'll just be happy that we're getting all of these tasks done swiftly."

Cadenza laughed a bit, saying with a sigh; "Yes, of course. Based on my and my men's prediction, we should be done with repairs in a few weeks time."

I nodded my head, still putting a smile on my face. Though, there was something on my mind. Something I wanted to say to her for the past couple of weeks she had been here; "Thank you. For helping my home."

She tilted her head, her red hair falling further down the side as she asked; "You do realize it's my family's job to help the villages in our land. I can assure you, that it—"

"I mean...even after what happened with Laurance." I knew her younger brother always lived in her mind. She had been here for weeks and never once had I seen her wear something other than black or the darkest shade of green. She even avoided shades of metallics like gold and silver. So how does a sister in mourning reach out a helping hand to the people who were involved with her brother's death?

She took a moment, taking a deep breath before saying; "Miss Aphmau, like I said when I arrived. My brother's role was not an easy one. Ser Rowan Withers knows that as well. Being a guard comes with its sacrifices."

"But I can't help but feel like—"

"Did you kidnap my brother?"

"No but—"

"Then there's no need for me to hold any animosity towards you. In fact, I'm sure Laurance himself would have a screaming match with me if I insisted I did not help because of that," Cadenza assured me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "I actually see this as avenging him. Rebuilding the village that the monsters who stole him away burnt to the ground, how poetic is that?"

I sighed but, still finding a smile to put on. "I do see your point."

She nodded, taking the moment to then fix my hair and collar, asking; "Miss Aphmau, can I give you some advice?"

I raised a brow. "I'm open to it."

"I suggest that if you want to be a leader, never fear death. If you do, it'll hurt you more that way."

I blinked, unable to voice anything at that moment but, able to find the words after stumbling for a moment. "But I don't have any desire to become a leader. Especially not at the level you are at. No offense of course."

She smirked, stepping back to admire her work. "Then I suggest that you start taking some steps back. You are putting yourself at the forefront of the construction process, helping where it's needed. Hell, since Rowan is injured, you're truly taking over the duties he would normally do. People will start making assumptions that you want the role."

"It's only because I'm able to. Nothing else, I can assure you."

Her emerald eyes scanned me up and down, the smirk never leaving her face. "Alright then. If you're sure."

I had my doubts that she didn't believe me but that was the least of my worries. The village needed my directions and I needed to give my daily update to Rowan as well. Plus, visit Zoey and Levin. I did not need to spend too much time dwelling on her thoughts, as much as I did admire her in certain ways. "Thank you, Lady Cadenza. Anything else you need before I head out?"

"Hmmm, not that I know of. I do wish to one day give you a wardrobe. Rowan and Zoey told me a bit of your situation and I don't think I would be able to survive without mine," She giggled. Again, reminding me of Laurance. "But, that's for later. Now, go on. I can tell you're aching to go."

I thanked her again and slipped away.

—

I knocked on the guard station door later that day, hoping to give Rowan the update of things that happened today. I was thrilled that he was actually listening to medical advice and taking a serious break. I actually hadn't seen him outside the guard station in days...which probably wasn't great either but, at least I knew he wasn't lifting anything heavy or getting into trouble. Though, after a few moments with no reply, I got worried. I entered the quarters and saw that it was empty. The whole place.

"Rowan?" I called out, nervously. I groaned, realizing he had left before storming out. "When I catch you, you're dead..."

If I catch him lifting anything heavy, doing anything using that damn shoulder, I will literally break the good shoulder , I thought to myself, imagining what he could possibly be doing. I probably spent the next hour going around town and asking others if they had seen the blond anywhere. It relieved me to see that he wasn't anywhere near the main construction areas at least. I started to at one point call out to him, seeing if he was close enough to reply. Nothing.

"Rowan! Rowan!" I called out once more along the path that connected the main village to the gate entrance. "Irene, where are you?"

When I reached the gate entrance, I looked around now thinking I was going insane. I thought the man must at this point have had to return to his room to rest for the evening, seeing that the sun was getting pretty close to the east. I huffed, deciding that Rowan just wasn't going to get an update that day then, about to turn when I heard; "Miss Aphmau?"

I snapped my head instantly, knowing exactly who that voice belonged to and saying; "Where the hell have you—"

I then saw in his hands flowers. I don't know why but it was so...strange. A man of his stature holding things that were considered so delicate perplexed me. The bouquet itself stood out brightly against him, holding colors of pink, yellow, and purple. He must've noticed my gaze directed at the bunch, him saying with a bit of a stutter; "Oh! Um, I-I decided to get some fresh air. The reconstruction has gotten closer to my home admittedly...but, I mostly just couldn't stand the dullness of the place, heh...oh! W-Wait! Is it that time already?"

"Hm?"

"Our meeting? Is it already–Irene, that's why you were calling me so urgently...I a-apologize for my forgetfulness, Miss Aphmau," He went on, realizing quickly what the issue was. But, I raised my hands, saying; "It's quite alright, Rowan. Seeing that you're out and about...and not doing any physical labor hopefully, is ultimately much better than you being essentially isolated. I was beginning to think that you possibly be going stir crazy."

"Possibly...but, thanks to you I've been able to take a break. Zoey is honestly more thankful than I am, even. My shoulder should only take a couple more weeks to heal completely," He sighed, gesturing to the darn sling that held his arm from his neck. "She even has confidence that I'll see no issue returning to my duties as if nothing happened. I even overheard from some of the residents here that you have done a fantastic job. So, truly, thank you."

"You're not upset that I've basically stole your job from you?" I teased, with a smile as I put my weight on one side and crossed my arms. "Dale told me you were a bit of a control freak, might I add."

Rowan only chuckled and shook his head, replying with; "I have no clue where he got such an idea. I am only like that at times because he is doing something that needs to be controlled. That's all."

"Sure," I simply put, sarcastically. The two of us shared a laugh, enjoying the calmer moment of the day. Though he probably thought that was the most exciting part of his day. I truly do forget that the man is subjected just to sit around all day and with everyone working so hard on the village, he probably doesn't get very many visits besides Zoey. But she's even busy with Levin.

I decided to change the conversation, pointing towards the colorful flowers; "Where did you get those?"

He looked confused, as though he completely forgotten the poor things but, quickly caught on. He said; "Oh, they're sprouting all along the forest line out here. Happens every year around this time, I thought I'd take a moment to see what has decided to appear this year."

I took a couple steps forward to take a closer look, asking; "What type are they?"

It was as though I unlocked a secret fixation in Rowan. His smile immediately got wider as he started saying the flowers, pointing at them as he went down the list. "These ones are fireweeds which you can tell by their vibrant magenta color...these smaller ones are called starflowers because of their shape...I also found honeysuckle this year which is odd since it usually doesn't grow in these parts, and these are my favorite. Cowslip."

"Why are they your favorite?"

I saw a small pink tint appear on his face as he said shyly; "B-Because it has cow in the name."

I sputtered out a laugh, not expecting such a stoic man to be so interested in a flower named after a farm animal, let alone be interested in flowers at all. It all caused me to ask after; "Can you show me where you found them? I think I'd like to see them."

He nodded, a small grin still spread across his lips as he walked me along the ruins of the walls that once stood and the edge of the dense forest. All along the path, him helping me along the harder to navigate sections by letting me hold the bouquet and take his hand with the other, there were probably dozens of different flowers. Many more kinds than Rowan had picked. At one point, he squatted down and I followed suit, him pointing to a beautiful blush colored flower, him saying; "That one is called a Dogrose. It tends to cling onto other shrubbery for support and it helps it grow wider, spreading all across it. There's only a few right now but by the end of summer, I can assure you that we'll see many more in this one area."

"I think that one is my favorite so far," I say, also catching a sweet scent from it. "It's so...what's the word?"

"Simple yet, bright?"

"My thoughts exactly."

He showed me a few more, telling me all he could about them and answered any further questions I had to the best of my ability. But, I did have one question on my mind. "What made you so interested in flowers, Rowan?"

He looked as though that re-ignited a lost memory in the back of his mind, his face going soft as he said; "My mother had a garden growing up. She told me all about wildflowers that grow in Ru'an and even took me on quests to go find them."

"She sounds like a fun woman."

"She was."

"Was?" I asked, stopping in my tracks, fearing I overstepped but he looked at me with a reassuring look to say; "It's alright, Miss Aphmau. It's all in my past."

I still felt some guilt that I had forced the man to reveal something still painful but he looked fine. A little nostalgic but fine. A silence came over the two of us as we continued our walk, birds chirping in the background and the breeze hitting the branches of the trees as we walked. Rowan took a deep breath, his eyes shut for a moment as he said; "I do appreciate the quiet. Phoenix Drop is blessed with such a gift."

I recalled the loud sounds in the larger cities such as Scaleswind and Meteli. Even Brightport had the yelling fishermen barking orders wherever they went. So, I stated; "I agree. It's something that I think everyone needs now and again."

"Or maybe some people need all the time," He went on. "I grew up in a loud, busy environment. So, coming here, it was a gift to finally hear my own thoughts for once."

"You grew up in a city?" I was now curious about that. Maybe he grew up in one of the ones nearby but, he answered; "Yes, O'Khasis. It's on the other side of Ru'an. A month's journey from here, that is if you are able to get strong enough horses."

I was surprised to say the least. I remembered the city that Nicole had spoken about, and the family that ruled the land there. From what she made it seemed, the place was dark and aggressive. I feared that Rowan might have experienced the same thing...but, why did he not resemble it at all? He was just so comforting and bright. Nothing like the place that was described to me in the room with the stained glass windows. But then I remembered the boy named Garroth Ro'Meave, the one betrothed to Nicole. He was like Rowan. At least from what she had said. So maybe the city and the land was not so grim afterall. Not if two people could end up so good from it. Granted...one did meet a gruesome end. Something I'd like to keep away.

But thinking about it all, it made me realize that I was starting to forget the actions that Rowan had done. The ones that I had grown to dislike that he did. It was weird. He hadn't apologized for what he did to Laurance yet but, I still felt a sense of...relief. As if my soul was beginning to let go. All because he had shown me flowers...

"W-Would you ever like to return there?" Desperate to grasp back onto reality before they went somewhere I didn't want to go yet.

"I can't."

"What? Why?"

"With the growing conflict there with Scaleswind, I fear that I will never be able to leave once I return. Did you hear about it?"

"Yes, on my journey but, wait, do they kidnap people?"

He couldn't help but laugh at me, making me lighten up as well. He shook his head but said; "No. Just...w-well, I think I'd be forced to fight for them. The moment they find out I have sword training and have knowledge in battle strategy, they'll keep me there until I agree to help. And I don't think I could. The Lord...he's not right. A man so driven for power, how could fight for him?"

"Do you think that the heir was murdered by Scaleswind? Like what the Lord insisted?"

His face darkened, him taking a moment to answer; "Not a chance. I wouldn't be surprised if the boy did it himself."

"R-Rowan!"

"Think about it, Miss Aphmau...a tyrant for a father?" We had stopped again, him turning to face me. The way the harsh sun hit his face, I realized that the bruising and redness from the cut on his face had faded away. I guess the bustle of life distracted me from it and thank Irene, it looked like it was healing nicely. No doubt it would leave a scar though. Also, probably from more exposure from the sun, the freckles on his face were becoming darker and more prominent, along with his skin tone. Was this what sunkissed looked like?

I had to pulled my focus away from his face to actually listen to his words, saying; "The boy probably got so nervous that he couldn't handle the pressures of becoming the next ruler of the city. Let alone be the next possibly tyrant of the city. He let all of it catch up to him and now, he's gone. And the world's better for it."

"Rowan, that's very ignorant for you to say," I reply, sternly. I hoped that this moment wouldn't be ruined with yet another argument. "Garreth seemed to be a very nice young man, from what I heard."

He rolled his eyes. "Who told you? It was probably some propaganda that is still–"

"Nicole Rosenburg. His betrothed. I met her and she told me that the two were close," I explained, calmly. As much as I wanted to tell Rowan to shut his mouth, I truly didn't know what he had gone through. Maybe he had a reason to be so critical of the family that ruled his home. So, I decided to move forward cautiously; "Nicole misses him, Rowan. And based on her character, she wouldn't if she didn't think Garrett was a good-hearted person."

He nodded his head but, a mischievous smile pinched at his face as he tried to remain serious. I thought he was just making fun of me, me groaning to ask; "What is it now?"

"I a-apologize again, Miss Aphmau. I'm sure you are true in some ways, especially if you were able to talk to someone who was so close to the boy," He assured me, raising his hands. "But if you wish to defend someone, you should probably say his name right."

There was a silence before the two of us erupted into small snickering. I asked in between; "How...How do you say it? I admittedly thought it was a very unique name!"

"Garroth, I believe," He answered, coming down from his high. "And yes. I do agree. It's a rather odd name."

The two of us finally calmed again, enjoying the quiet a little longer. I then said, almost at a whisper; "Thank you. For showing me this. I never would have taken the time to discover the flowers myself."

"Of course. Admittedly, I got excited myself. I never get to talk to anyone about it. Well, Zoey at times but, it's not really flowers that she's looking for. More herbs and spices..."

It was probably getting late, my stomach growling quietly telling me that it was probably time to eat soon. I smirked at him as I asked; "Would you like to accompany me to the dining tent for some dinner? I heard that some of Meteli's guards are going to be performing some songs tonight."

"I'd be glad to. I need to head into town anyways to check on Dale and Molly. I am curious how her pregnancy is going," He walked to my other side, letting out his good arm and asked; "Care for an arm, Miss Aphmau?"

I smiled as I accepted it, wrapping my own around his and said; "Ser Rowan, you're spoiling me. Flowers and now this?"

"My mother always did say a wonderful woman always deserves a bouquet that smells as sweet as herself," Rowan shrugged, going along with my bit. I appreciated that he had become so lighthearted. I wondered if his break away from being Head Guard allowed him to loosen up. Now, was he as loose as Laurance? No but, it made me think that if I had the opportunity to reintroduce the two, they might have even become friends. That may be wishful thinking though. "Now, we should be off. I unfortunately think that guards usually take too...healthy portions, if you understand what I mean."

"Unfortunately, yes. We do need to hurry then."

And with that, Rowan and I rushed off, wanting to get some food before only the bottom of the barrel was left.