Hours after dropping the woman's off at Molly's, I was walking through the village with Zenix. He was jesting with me as he said; "Dale was complaining about his head pounding. Asked if I could bring him a drink to ease the pain."

"I think Molly would only increase his headache if you dared ask her to pour him one," I replied, smirking under my helm as we went on. We chuckled and then, started our usual tasks of going over what had happened during our patrol. But as we rounded a corner, Zenix stopped in his tracks and groaned. "What is she doing now?"

Confused, I looked in the same direction and I had to admit that the sight was a bit shocking. The strange woman was working with Brendan on the field. Her outfit was dirty and her hair messy, showing me that what she was doing was not easy labor. Mud even stuck to her face and arms. But the two of them were giggling with one another, enjoying each other's company.

So did I see a problem? Not necessarily. Just that it wasn't what I was expecting.

"M-Miss?" I stuttered out, taking strides closer to them. She turned and perked up even more at the sight of me, saying; "Rowan! Just in time, Brad and I were just about to-"

"Oh, it's Brendan," The young farmer replied to which the woman rested a hand on her forehead and laughed, saying; "Sorry—Brendan and I were just about to test our irrigation route! We've been working on it all day!"

"All day? In your condition?" I asked her, now concerned about her concussion even further. She just shrugged and said; "What use am I in bed? Besides, Brendan has made sure I wasn't doing too much labor."

"Yeah, Rowan, don't worry," Brendan assured me as Zenix and I finally reached where they were on the field. "She's really just been helping with the small things."

Based on her appearance, I could have argued that she wasn't so the "small things" but, I bit my lip. Zenix on the other hand said; "Right...so, let's see if her help actually improved this, shall we?"

"Zenix," I warned, watching him grab a bucket of water that was set close by. He smiled at me devilishly and dumped the water at some random spot of their system. I watched as if muddied up the ground and drowned out the spot where the liquid landed. He gasped, saying; "Oops! Sorry, I'm not used to-"

"Don't apologize," The woman replied, gently taking the bucket. "I was lost too but, I got some guidance. Here, let me show you."

She then grabbed another bucket of water and went towards the top of the hill where the field still laid upon. She poured the bucket into a pretty deep hole that had a thin layer of stones on top of it's surface, allowing the water to not absorb into the dirt and instead when it reached the edge of the hole; multiple systems of water came flowing out and into the field. I was impressed to say the least. I elbowed Zenix as a way to lay off and he just crossed his arms, looking annoyed.

"There's still a few hiccups but, thanks to her, I think I'm finally getting on the right track," Brendan added, standing next us. He then leaned towards me and whispered; "Also...I didn't catch her name. I didn't want to be rude and—"

"She doesn't have one," Zenix snapped, turning on his heels and stomping away. The two of us watched as he disappeared towards the guards' quarters and I just sighed, knowing I'd have to deal with his attitude later.

"Well, I'm glad you two made some progress," I went on, pretending that little show didn't happen. "You'll have to keep me updated on it."

"Of course Ro'," Brendan said, patting me on the back. He was always one for nicknames. "How about I treat the three of us to a meal at the Inn?"

"Brendan...how about I treat you two? It's the benefit of being head guard you know," I say, as the woman came back to us.

"Hey! Since you offered!" He exclaimed, raising his hands in the air as if to surrender. I rolled my eyes but still had a small smirk on my lips before turning to the woman, asking; "Would you like to join us, Miss?"

She smiled sweetly and just nodded her head. I suggested to the two of them that they may want to consider washing up first.

••

"Rowan," Dale called out from the bar. I was approximately only three tables away from him but his voice was still booming. "I'm makin' it— hic —it my goal to see you drunk one of these days! At least before I'm all gray!"

"You have two years then Dale," I called back. He pretended to be offended, him laughing with Molly from behind the bar. I received a pat on the back from Brendan who took a sip of his beer. He said to me after; "But seriously though Rowan, it'd be fun! Maybe then we'll actually see your face!"

I saw the woman perk up at that, looking intrigued but, I shook my head as I replied with; "Not happening. It's for your own good too, my friend."

"Stop with the formalities," Brendan groaned. "At least give us something! What color are your eyes?"

I smirked under my helm as I asked; "Oh? Are you flirting with me Brendan? Or do you ask everyone that?"

He groaned once more before pushing himself back up. "I'll figure it out one day Rowan, just you wait!"

He went over to the bar to probably get a refill, I was paying after all and with all the times I tease him, he deserved it. But the woman stayed behind and I saw her face scrunch up after her lips touched the drink. I chuckled and asked; "What? Are you a wine person?"

"I don't think I'm a...drinker. Is this supposed to burn?"

"Eh, sometimes. Depends," I answered. "If it helps, I'm not much of an enjoyer of it either."

"Huh..." She pressed her tongue against her cheek, thinking for a moment. It didn't take long before a question popped into her head as she asked; "So, you don't show your face? Ever?"

As much as I debated changing the subject, I decided to play along. "No. I actually have a curse."

"Really?"

Did she believe that? "Y-Yes. I'm heinously ugly. Remember when you ask if I was old? Well, I was born as an old man and now I look to be in my sixties."

She did catch on, giggling as she shook her head. "Ah, I see. But, seriously, should I be fearful? Promise it's my last question."

I shifted in my seat as I crossed my arms. This wasn't the first time anyone asked me this. But, I never have been able to find an excuse that made sense. So I simply reply with; "I just don't wish to."

Instead of looking frustrated, like others, a mischievous smile formed on her face as her eyes squinted. "Okay...I respect that. So you are the masked stranger in the town, hm?"

"I'm not a stranger. I can assure you."

"Well, one day, maybe not soon, I'll find out what you look like under there," She said, leaning forward. "Maybe then I'll turn into stone and become a nice lawn ornament."

"Heh, let's see if that ever happens," I say, leaning forward as well. We shared a laugh this time and then I decided to ask a question; "Any ideas on a name yet?"

She pierced her lips as she shook her head. I then suggested; "Well, how about inventing one, hm? I don't think it's very polite to keep calling you Miss."

She again smiled brightly as she said; "I guess you're right...how do you go about naming yourself though?"

"Um, well what sounds nice to you?"

"That's the thing...I don't recall, ha!"

Molly laughed from the distance, her calling out afterward; "Think of things you have liked so far. Then think from those things what sounds nice."

"Hmm...", the woman hummed as she got up from her seat to start pacing. Even Brendan and Dale had grown quiet to let her think. She looked amongst the walls and I could tell she was thinking about some things in her mind. It was interesting to see her think about this. I mean, how could she come up with something out of the blue?

She stopped in front of a sign and pondered it for a second. I could not see over shoulder but I could tell that she perked up. She turned around quickly and said excitedly; "Aphmau!"

I think we all just sat there in pure confusion. Dale was the first to ask; "Am I too drunk to understand words?"

She looked defeated for a split second so I decided to pop in and ask; "What made you come up with that?"

"This!" She pointed to a sign on the wall. A painted wooden sign that read;

Aphmau's Healing Water Tonic

I looked back to Molly and Dale. That particular brewery was a joke. Making fun of how words become practically jargon once you drink a couple of drinks. I just hoped she understood that.

"I think it's interesting. Besides, it's not permanent," She explained, looking to me again. "Once I've discovered my true name, we'll drop this one."

I didn't see the harm in calling her that. I just hoped she was prepared to get strange looks or questions regarding it. Maybe she actually just had a sense of humor...

"I don't see why not. If you want to, go for it," I assured her, making her smile reappear. Molly also reassured her by walking out from behind the bar and giving her a hug.

"Dear, I think it's a lovely name. It's...easy to remember," She said, holding her hands. Brendan and Dale also encouraged it, thankfully.

I just knew Zenix was going to get a kick out of it. But, I chose not to worry about it. Aphmau, as I was now told to call her, from my perception, hadn't done a thing to worry me. I just was more concerned about the man who dropped her here and why it happened so soon after Lord Fyresmith's accident.

"Rowan! Does this call for a drink?"

"Don't try it, Dale."