When the attack came, like he knew it would, Rythian and Zoey were woefully unprepared. Zoey was still almost naked after her time in the mushroom prison. She had been focused on getting the castle repaired and gathering up their scattered family rather than getting armor on.
Zoey was out near the farm. Rythian was in the library when his skin tingled. Endermen. His thoughts immediately tuned to zoey.
He raced out of the strong hold. Flying over, Zoey was unaware of the danger coming.
"Hey Rythian, I'm working on fixing-"
Endermen teleported behind her.
"Zoey! "
He wouldn't loose her again. Dropping down, he picked her up and spun her. Her back thumped against the outerwall of the Stronghold.
"Owwie, Rythian. What is it?"
"Endermen." He said, angrily. "I hate these guys." The Endermen turned and started attacking his armor from behind. They didn't matter. All that mattered was Zoey.
Tenderly puting his lips to her forehead, he whispered, "I missed you."
That didn't quite explain this feeling he had. He tried again. He leaned his head on her shoulder.
"I need you."
That wasn't it either.
He pressed his mouth to hers. Trying to show her.
That was it. He knew what it was.
"I love you." He said, looking in her astonished eyes.
He turned away and fought the Endermen. Blood covered him but he made sure none got on Zoey. He fought till there were no Endermen left for him to kill.
As the last one died, he felt a small hand worm its way into his palm.
"Lets go get you cleaned up," she said.
She led him inside. Palm to palm.