The day passed by quickly with Donna and Logan's wedding plans, everyone running around to make sure everything got done. All the while, the thought of Rowan and Nicole's strange interaction couldn't leave my mind. I tried to figure out the possibilities of how Rowan could have offended Nicole in some way. Each time it came up blank. I was actually growing concerned as the hours ticked by since I hadn't seen either of them. Zoey had pulled me away back to my place though later in the afternoon to ask for help with Laurance's care. After putting Levin down for a nap, I was more than glad to do so. I found myself holding a small bowl of ointment and some vinegar-soaked clothes as she did her usual procedure of Laurance. Checking his wounds, treating the burns, and, of course, taking extra consideration towards his eyes, including the skin around them. Cadenza unfortunately couldn't join us as she was busy helping Donna choose something from her "extensive" wardrobe for the wedding. That also led me to have the task to keep Laurance's spirits high. So, I decided to tell him what happened today.

"I would quite literally give Irene herself my hearing if it meant I got to see that scene," Laurance jokes, a small chuckle lacing his voice. "Seriously, what could have the man done in thirty seconds to warrant such a reaction from her?"

I was being respectful, keep my gaze appropriate as Zoey had taken his top off to apply ointment and wrap his wounds to his upper body. It made my stomach turn to see how fragile he still looked but, Zoey had assured me with her eyes that he was fine. Still, it didn't make his fucking ribcage disappear.

To, selfishly, also distract me from Laurance's condition, I continued along with the conversation, stating; "I have no idea. He seemed to be his polite, usual self."

Then, I saw a devilish smirk appear on Laurance's face. I knew something was coming, so I prepared myself for it. He jested; "Maybe it was his face. Tincan doesn't have his...well, tin can. Tell me, Aph, is his face deformed or something?"

Zoey gave me a sideways glance. Not one that contained annoyance or worry but curiosity. I found it strange, like she actually wanted to hear what I had to say on the matter. As she turned away from me to go to the other arm, taking a handful of ointment as she passed me, I decided to ignore her to say; "As much as I think it would give you joy, Laurance, I have to tell you that he isn't. But I may be biased because he's my friend."

Laurance remained to have a smile, even with the disappointing news and said; "Thanks for the honesty, even if it is a biased one. It's nice to know that you don't pity the blind man in the room enough to lie to his face for his own pleasure, heh!"

I couldn't help but have a half-hearted grin pull at my lips as he snickered quietly to himself again. His face though quickly morphed, his eyes still glued straight ahead but it turned to a similar expression to what Zoey had. He then exclaimed, clenching his arms and fists; "Ugh, I am dying to know what that man insisted on hiding! Is there anything at all, Aph, that you know of?"

"Well," I say, going straight into my answer; "I may not know deep secrets but, appearance wise, I don't think there's anything to hide. He has a bit of a crooked nose and now with the sun on his face, he does have a lot of freckles. Especially the cheeks, which now one has a scar but that was after he put on the helmet. Sometimes his blond hair gets all messy and in his face...one time, a curl on the top of his head stood tall all morning and no one told him. Heh, he was so embarrassed but, I don't think that's enough to hide from everyone...am I forgetting anything?"

"His eyes," Zoey muttered, wrapping Laurance's arm securely.

"Oh, yes! His eyes are also a very striking blue but not in a frightening way so I don't think it's that either," I explained, still pondering to myself. Laurance sat there, looking perplexed himself.

Pressing his tongue against his cheek, he let out a; "Huh...perhaps it's something deeper. Like he doesn't want us to know..."

"Maybe. If that's the case, we shouldn't pry, right?" I shrugged, handing Zoey another piece of cloth and keeping the bowl close to her.

"Do you trust the man enough to allow him to keep a secret from everyone?" Laurance then asked me, raising a brow. "Me, personally, I value when people are truthful with me. If I found out someone I'm supposed to trust with my life is keeping something from me, I'd be hesitant."

"He hasn't shown me a reason to distrust him yet," I admitted. "Zoey, you've known him longer, what do you think?"

She took a moment's pause to think it over, pulling at damp cloth in her hand. Her almost silver-blonde hair draped over her shoulder, her golden eyes peering as she entered deep thought. She then subtly licked her lips to moisten them before saying; "Rowan's not perfect, I'll give Ser Laurance that. I can see how others don't particularly enjoy him...but, I don't see how one can't trust him. He's good at his job and has demonstrated his loyalty through and through. Either way, if he is hiding something, I think he has every right to keep it to himself."

Just then, a quiet knock came to the door and soon the other Zvahl sibling waltz into the room. She announced herself to her brother by saying; "Hey Laurance, I got you some food. The chef at the camp wanted to make you one of your favorites."

Laurance seemed fine to drop the Rowan subject to just softly smile towards his sister and say; Thanks Cad, I appreciate it. And tell the chef that I owe him one."

"What is it?" I asked, smelling the delicious aroma from almost the other side of the room.

"Lamb stew," Cadenza replied, gleefully, showing me the bowl. "As well as some rosemary rolls that I have in my bag!"

She then set the covered bowl down to rummage through her leather satchel to get the rolls, jolting her head up to say; "Oh! The Abels are hosting a fest tonight at their Inn's pub to celebrate Nicole Rosenburg's arrival. I came here to not only have dinner with my brother but, give you two ladies the night off to go have fun."

Zoey seemed shocked, snapping her head away from her work to ask; "W-What? Really? But Laurance—"

"Oh, look at him! He's getting some of the best care Ru'an can offer him," Cadenza exclaimed, motioning towards how Zoey was now lifting Laurance's arm to inspect a wound that was...well, close to the pit of the arm. "Besides, I do want to steal him away for a moment to ask him what he was thinking for his makeover."

"Pardon?" Laurance asked, now reigniting his intrigue into the conversation. Though, now instead of curiosity, it looked more like hesitation.

"Laurance, if you could only see your hair right now, you'd be begging for a trim and shaping. Also, Donna Hopkins has only put me in a makeover mood with her trying on every white or off-white dress I had," His sister explained to him, looking almost dreamy as she reminisced over something that probably only happened moments beforehand. She then turned to me and said; "And don't worry about Levin, I've got him too."

"Really?" I asked, worried that she may not actually want to do it once she figured out how much work came with it.

Yet, she waved me off and said; "Yes, of course! I want you all to enjoy your night while I get to enjoy mine with Laurance. Especially since this wedding just seems to get grander by the day...by the time that priest arrives, he may be rolling up to a royal wedding. Even the days after the wedding will be difficult with clean-up at this point."

"That's Donna for you...and perhaps a bit of Logan," Zoey murmured again, setting down her supplies as she finished. "Just let me look at that larger wound on Laurance's chest and then, I'll be ready. Are you coming too Aphmau?"

As much as I did find myself forming an attachment to Levin, to the point where leaving him alone for a few hours seemed daunting, I did really want to go. So, I agreed to it and the girls seemed happy about it. Even Laurance gave a sincere grin, adding; "Drink a pint for me, Aph."

—

Aphmau definitely wore her emotions. They were loud and clear to me. To give her some credit, I am an elf who's had centuries of experience in socializing. Still, I think anyone could tell that she was worried for Rowan. So was I, but her concern was different and the conversation that had just occurred with Laurance definitely made me raise a brow. I was trying to chalk it up to the fact that she was actually there to witness Rowan and this Nicole woman's confrontation, not wanting to get in her business. Though, maybe it was about time that she understood that I always have to poke a bit.

We were making our way through the village from her home to Molly and Dale's Inn. Crickets were beginning to sing in the evening air as I said; "Aphmau, hun, you do realize that Rowan is a grown man, right?"

She snapped her head, that was turned towards the ground as she watched her own feet walk, over to me as she insisted; "Of course I do. Why do you ask?"

"It just seems that you are very worried for him over what happened today with Lady Nicole," I explained, though I thought it was obvious.

She let out a sigh and replied with; "Wouldn't you worry if your friend might be in trouble?"

"Rowan's my friend," I told her quickly, plainly with a shrug. "I've known the man for five years and he has proven to me that he is very much capable of taking care of himself. In fact, I think he'd be saddened to know how stressed you've gotten over this."

Aphmau frowned, her black hair falling slightly over her face as she slumped a bit. She truly was an adorable young woman who cared a lot about others. Seeing her like this felt unnatural. Her voice was laced with uncertainty as she said; "It's not just today, Zoey. The past few days he's been acting strange. Ever since Donna and Logan began their wedding plans...he told me he's from O'Khasis and how much he dislikes the Ro'Meave family so, perhaps it's just that. Wh–What do you think?"

I gave her a half-hearted smile as I slung my arms over her shoulders and gave her a loving squeeze; "Oh, Aph, honey, you really need to stop worrying about him so much. You're gonna start going gray and that's much too early for you. I have a good feeling that Rowan is already in that bar right now, prying Dale's fifth ale from his hands. If not, I owe you a drink. How about that, hm?"

That seemed to brighten her spirits, so I picked up our pace to get there sooner. I may not have all the evidence I needed, but I had my theories about those two for sure.... Right now though, I needed to make sure she remained her happy self and get her around people to hopefully distract her. When we entered, a couple of Meteli guards had brought some instruments and were performing some jaunty tunes. Molly was behind the bar with Dale, her pouring drinks and him...drinking as many as he could grab, of course. Donna was with Logan at that same bar, her leaning into him as the two of them watched the performance. It was then I realized the man singing was Brendan himself, making a real show of it. I think that alone made Aphmau feel a bit better, her smile widening as she watched. Various other townsfolk of Phoenix Drop, Meteli guards and workers as well, had filled the Inn's bar to my delight. I truly was beginning to see my home return to its golden days and for that, I was extremely grateful. Kiki was the first to spot us, also at the bar and probably laughing at her brother, waving the two of us over. With Aphmau in hand, the two of us made our way through the crowd to join them, taking our seats in between Kiki and the newly engaged couple.

Molly leaned over the bar, a cute grin adorning her face to ask; "You two ladies interested in a drink? Lady Rosenburg is paying."

I was surprised to hear such news, Aphmau also perked up to ask; "Really?"

Molly giggled but nodded her head no less, further explaining; "Yes! She arrived earlier and told Dale and I that whatever the townsfolk wanted tonight, they'll have. She needed to discuss some further things with Rowan upstairs but the two of them will be back."

"Well if that's the case, I guess I owe you that drink Aphmau," I say lightheartedly, giving the smaller woman a playful shove. We ordered our drinks and Molly was quick to go and prepare them. As much as I didn't love her being behind the bar in her condition, I appreciated that it seemed to distract Aphmau. Though that didn't last long...but, her stress returned in a different way.

Donna leaned over to us, saying with a sly tone; "Wait till y'all hear what Molly saw this morning."

"What?" Aphmau asked, immediately intrigued, leaning forward to look past me and look at the brunette instead.

"It's Molly's story," Donna shrugged, still looking mischievous.

"It's truly something, keke!" Kiki giggled, taking a sip of her wine.

Molly did return with our two pints of ale soon after, already looking giddy as she did a little bounce on her feet. Pulling our pints closer to us, it allowed her to lean over the bar slightly and say in a hush tone over the crowd but still loud enough for us to hear; "I think something is going on between Lady Nicole and Rowan."

"See Zoey!" Aphmau immediately exclaimed, turning to me, making the top of her drink spill over. "Molly even saw it!"

"Aphmau, for Irene's sake, there's nothing to worry about. Whatever Rowan did to offend Nicole, obviously passed. She's buying drinks after all!" I explained to her, trying my best to get through to her. Giggles around the bar from the women surrounded us, making Aphmau and I pause in confusion. I was the one who asked; "What?"

Molly went on to say, mischief in her voice; "Oh, trust me...whatever tension did pass..."

This only made me more lost on the matter, Aphmau just or even more so than I. She leaned forward, asking; "So...he's okay?"

"Oh darlin', he's probably thrilled," Donna roared, getting to her feet and raising her cup. Logan remained sitting in his stool quietly, watching his betrothed with a loving stare. Donna though went on to say; "Molly 'ere saw the two of them go into her suite together—"

"Donna, let Molly tell it," Kiki insisted, shushing her and allowing Molly to go on.

"Now, I did worry for him at the start. But," A smirk pulled on the blonde's face, her green eyes gleaming with glee as she spoke; "they were in that room for a while. They were all tense when they went in but, when they came out...Rowan had a little pep in his step."

I was surprised at what she was insinuating to say the least. I sat there, blinking, trying to formulate words. But poor Aphmau still seemed lost, her head snapping back and forth between the four women at the bar. She asked innocently; "So, he's okay?"

Donna laughed loudly. Whether if that was emphasized due to the alcohol or if she genuinely thought it was funny. She wrapped her arms around Aphmau's shoulders, saying; "Oh, hun, Rowan is doing mighty fine! And good for him!"

That caused a chuckle to rise from both her and Molly, still leaving Aphmau looking a bit confused. Though, I wasn't convinced and luckily, Kiki said what I was thinking; "That would mean Rowan is willing to do such activities with a woman he knew for...what? A minute? Two?"

"Exactly. Rowan does not seem to be one of those types of men," I added, taking a sip of my ale. "Maybe he just...smoothed over their issues."

"Or released some of that tension in a productive way?" Donna suggested, that thin smirk spreading across her face as she saw my face twist in annoyance.

Still Aphmau seemed a bit lost on what we were talking about. She asked; "What are you talking about?"

The four of us looked at each other, Donna and Molly's laughter ceasing for us to internally debate on how to gauge this. Of course though, it was me taking the reins. I softly explained to her, embarrassment creeping up on me quickly; "Well, Aphmau, what Donna and Molly are suggesting is that Rowan and Nicole's tension may be....of the romantic kind."

"More like sexual–" Donna began but, I quickly shushed her, turning my attention back to Aphmau.

"I personally don't see it. Rowan has always been a man of...walls, to be completely fair. He isn't the type to just gallavant around with any woman he lays eyes on. Let alone a future Lord of a major region," I explained, also peering at the three women around us. "What we should be focusing on here is that Rowan is okay, and that's all you hoped for, right?"

She still didn't seem completely satisfied with that but nodded her head nonetheless and put on a grin to say; "You're right, Zoey. I'm glad the two of them seem to have put that tension aside."

"Good," I sighed, still annoyed at the three women who even brought this gossip up. Especially about their head guard. It was childish to think such things. Rude even. Rowan didn't strike me as a man who would do something like that, not because it was a bad thing per say but, because he was so kept to himself. So, there was no doubt in my mind that these claims were just sill gossip shared between girl friends. That's all. "Now, shall we drink and dance—"

"Lady Nicole!" Molly suddenly called out, everyone pausing to then hollar in cheer at the ruby-haired woman at the other end of the Inn. Nicole walked in confidently, a sway in her stride as she waved all the people hello. And besides her was Rowan, gazing at her with admiration as well...

My stomach dropped. There's no way, I thought to myself. Though, that look in Rowan's eyes and the way his lips softly curved into a smile...Irene, he can't be this much of an idiot can he?

The two of them made their way over to us, probably because Molly was beckoning them over. Donna, as bold as she was, was the first to speak, saying; "Lady Nicole, I can't express how gracious it was for you to treat the people here."

The prideful woman softened, smiling as she replied; "It's my pleasure. Lady Cadenza told me she was thinking to do the same but, I insisted as my welcome here was very...special."

I studied her as she turned her gaze back to Rowan, the two of them sharing a look before they both shared a gentle grin of sorts. Unfortunately, before I could really identify what was happening, Molly spoke up, breaking the two's exchange; "Would you two like anything? That is before my husband takes it all..."

"I am quite alright, thank you though," Nicole said, politely. She then turned her attention to Aphmau and placed a gentle hand on her back to say; "We found out where we are going to place the fountain. There's a cliff down a gravel path from the marketplace that should be perfect for it! It's very quiet and surrounded by nature. Rowan thought you should be the first to know as he told me you've been taking on such a huge undertaking of village repairs!"

Aphmau's face brightened, her eyes darting between the two as she said; "Really? That sounds lovely! Thank you, Rowan..."

"Of course, Miss Aphmau," The blond said, a genuinely smile gracing his face as he looked down at her. The look in his eyes as he did so reassured me about one thing though. Whatever was happening between him and Lady Nicole, it didn't prohibit his usual vision of Aphmau and that's all that mattered to me. But, the moment was short lived as he turned his gaze to Donna and Logan, asking them; "It actually might be a pretty nice spot for the wedding. And since it's a statue honoring Irene, it may be something memorable for the both of you."

Logan seemed intrigued, looking at Donna who was practically jumping up and down on her toes. So, he sighed and said with a grin; "I think that would be a great idea. Thank you, Ser Rowan for the offer. Do you think you and Lady Nicole can have it installed in time?"

"We'll have plenty of time," Lady Nicole assured him, waving her hand.

"Oh, for sure. That's why I also need to decline your offer of a drink, Molly. I have patrol tonight and need to wake up early tomorrow to help Nicole and her team. But, you all have a nice night," Rowan explained, looking somewhat saddened that he couldn't join us but, he always did put his duty over self-indulgence. Something I worried for him. Nicole though jumped at the opportunity, placing a hand on his armored arm. I couldn't help but examine the way she looked at him. I couldn't put a finger on what was running through her mind...neither Rowan's when he caught her gaze.

"Nonsense. My men and the Zvahl guards are certainly capable of taking over for one night," The ruby-red woman insisted. She then looked to Molly and said; "Two blackberry wines, please, Molly. Perhaps if I drink, Ser Rowan here will finally take a load off."

"L-Lady Nicole, I do have to—"

Molly, that playful grin being plastered on her face, was quick to poor the drinks and place them on the bar's surface, sliding them to the two. "Rowan, you deserve it. It's free anyways. Plus, I see a table over there! Close enough to watch the performers! Go, go!"

Nicole took both the cups of wine, taking a sip of her own as she slowly held up the cup. Trying to convince the man with just his eyes to go for it. I saw some thoughts run through Rowan's mind behind his eyes but, he nonetheless took it from Nicole's hand and said; "I don't see the harm then..."

"Heh, enjoy you two!" Donna cheered, slightly pushing them towards the table. That made Rowan put on a confused stare but slowly made his way with Nicole to the table.

I watched as him and Nicole took their seats, enjoying the music being played as they discussed things that I couldn't hear. It was nice to see Rowan finally take a load off, sure but, it was uneasy to see him be so relaxed around this stranger. It was very unlike him. They even shared a laugh as Brendan tripped a bit over his own feet as he sang, the two of them sharing a long pause to just smile at each other before going back to the show. It truly made me wonder what type of relationship the two of them shared. I leaned over to Aphmau and said; "See. They're gonna be fine. Rowan handled it like a champ."

"Yeah...yeah he did," She muttered before taking a sip of her ale. When I took a moment to look over, I saw no longer an expression of confusion or concern...but disappointment. It was odd to say the least. The way she looked at the two of them, it caused me to wonder what she was truly thinking. She turned in her stool, looking to have finished her drink and just slumped herself over the bar.

Again, I leaned forward and asked; "What's wrong now?"

"I don't know...I just still don't feel great about it," She shrugged, looking over her shoulder at the scene again before turning away.

"Please don't tell me that you're worried for him," I said, biting my lip and playing with the rings on my fingers.

"No...No I'm not. It's something else," Aphmau told me, now resting her head on her palm to mumble. "It's silly...maybe I'll be over it in the morning."

"Alright...maybe another pint might help, hm?"

She giggled and nodded her head, us calling Molly over once again to get another serving. We needed another...that is, if Brendan was going to sing much longer.