Chapter One: A happy welcome home

She found herself at Bowerlake almost everyday for the past week. Staring up at hero hill in reminiscence. That's where Lucien had put a bullet in her skull and her beloved dog Duke took his last stand by her side. Such horrendous memories seemed like they were only yesterday yet in reality an entire year had passed since that day. Where had the time gone? She kept herself busy, trying her best to keep Albion free of the evils that crept in the corners waiting to strike. She had successfully ridded Albion of the assassin guild notoriously named "The society" and had all but stopped the slave trade. Maybe that's why she felt almost summoned back to hero hill. For inspiration. A heroes journey was never complete…but then again what else was she supposed to do?

She felt almost guilty anytime she relaxed, like she was missing a call for help somewhere out there. She did everything she thought was the right thing to do. She bought most of the businesses in Bowerstone and lowered the prices so that even the poor citizens of Albion could afford at least meals and clothing for their families. She had a few buildings in every city so hopefully in enough time she may very well own them all. Or the act that made her infamous throughout all of Albion, her choice at the spire. When she chose to revive all those who lost their lives in the making the spire over having her family and dog back in her life. Everyone was in awe with her over that choice. Even her best friend Hannah. She was gone now. Off to study under the northern monks and leaving her literally the only hero left in Albion. Garth had went back to his home (finally) in Samarkand and Reaver had accompanied him. Now any danger that came to Albion it fell to her and her alone to take care of it.

She found herself wishing something would happen so she could have actually feel like a hero instead of a business woman. All she had really done for the past couple of months was buy more and more land. Real estate wasn't at all the thrill she desired in everyday life. What was so pathetic was the idea of a "normal" life was more frightening then any battle she had ever been in. It had been a non stop fight since she was eighteen years old and this time of peace was making her restless. She stared down at Bowerlake's blue waters. Her reflection stared back at her. She was almost thirty years old now and you would think with all the fighting and stress it would show on her face but thanks to some luck she looked almost the same as she did ten years ago. When the eighteen year old hero in training she used to be looked at her reflection. It felt like forever ago. Her loose-fitting gypsy clothing had been replaced with a black and pink corset and tight fitting leather pants. Instead of her fine blonde hair being pulled back in a braid it was now cut just above her shoulders. Her hazel eyes dressed up with black eyeliner on her top and bottom eyelids. She smiled and watched her reflection mimic her actions. She looked both the same and different all at once. She wanted to somehow go back in time and warn her young self of all the trials that were to come. Tell her to stop and enjoy life a little more instead of spending sleepless nights plotting her revenge on Lucien,

Sparrow was brought out of her thoughts by a new reflection emerging in the blue waters. Sparrow tensed and automatically reached back to the hilt of her sword that was strapped loyally to her back since she couldn't make out right away who or what the image in the water was. Then she heard a familiar voice from behind her and her heart almost stopped!

"Still brooding Sparrow? That can't be good for you mate."

She knew that voice. She knew that voice well…but it couldn't be…could it? She Whipped around and her eyes immediately filled with tears. Standing before her was Hannah. Smiling broadly at her with humor glistening in her eyes at Sparrow's shocked state. Sparrow leapt to her feet and attacked her best friend with a back breaking hug. She couldn't believe it! She truly thought she would never see her again! When she finally regained her composure she managed to stumble out

"How…what….how did you get back? How are you?! What was it like training under the monks?!" Sparrow finished in one breath and Hannah laughed and gave her a pat on the back.

"Easy mate, easy. I'm fine and believe it or not Albion isn't the only place in the world that has cullis gates. When I managed to figure out the one in the temple I was transported back to the one on hero hill then low and behold I find you here! The very person I traveled all this way to see." Hannah said with another proud smile. Sparrow smiled. Still half expecting that her own mind was making up Hannah standing their. She scanned Hannah up and down briefly and noticed even she had changed drastically in a years time. She was wearing a silver robe and wooden sandals. Not a sign of armor or her battle hammer in sight. Her thick red hair instead of being in her signature dreadlocks, it was cut much shorter and straightened in a simple ponytail. Long crimson bangs curtaining her face. She looked really happy. The worry lines that always plagued her face now wiped away. Sparrow could not have been more ecstatic.

"You look amazing." Sparrow voiced and Hannah giggled.

"That's what a year with peace of mind will give you." It was now Hannah's turn to examine Sparrow. Still beautiful, still deadly. It was kind of refreshing to know the Sparrow she had grown to love and respect so much had remained the same. She did grimace for a second when she saw that blasted black highwayman jacket remained on her shoulders. She recalled even hiding it once only for Sparrow to spend the next six hours trying to find it. Her excuse being it was a memento from her win at the crucible.

"Geez Sparrow you would look a lot less like a thug without that jacket ya know?" Hannah scolded playfully making Sparrow roll her eyes.

"Yes mother. And maybe I like looking like a thug." Sparrow replied the same way every time the subject was broached. Avo, she hadn't realized how much she missed even Hannah's lectures.

"Let's continue this conversation at my home. I can't wait to hear all about your time in the north!" Sparrow said eagerly and the two best friends happily made their way to Bowerstone. Hannah was happy to tell all the experiences she had, had. Both good and bad. Apparently the temples there were made of marble and the main one was almost the size of Bowerstone castle. She said they were hidden far off in the mountains where only nature and wildlife surrounded them. She claimed to have never seen something so beautiful in her entire life. She said she had to wake up every morning at dawn for prayer and meditation which was hard for her to adjust to. Along with the lack of alcohol, but Sparrow always thought Hannah had been a little hard on the bottle so it was nice to know she was no longer presented with the option. She had even started seeing a young man named Will there. Wonderful. She couldn't have asked for a better life for her best friend. She knew vengeance for her father's death was the only reason Hannah threw herself into the hero lifestyle. It was never her desire. Adventure, maybe. Though the violence and fighting grew stale for her rather quickly.

She was so engrossed in Hannah's stories, before she knew it they were walking in Bowerstone square. The citizens always gawked and applauded when she walked by since they were still grateful of her choice but she ignored them completely. The only thing in the world that mattered to her was having her best friend back and she was going to soak up as much time as she could with her. She led Hannah to her house that was just outside of Fairfax gardens. It was a fairly large house and once inside Hannah voiced a quiet "Nice." When she got a good look around. The walls were painted a deep purple and it was trimmed in gold paint. Almost a royal feel to the space. The floors were a dark oak and a large white fur area rug was set in front of the couch. A nice fire place in the corner surrounded by brick with a few logs nestled inside. What seemed to bother Hannah those was the lack of…intimacy the house had. Not a single painting hung on the walls or even a vase of flowers on the kitchen table. Only one deluxe chair and one couch in the living room and upstairs she had a deluxe bed but only large enough for her. The kitchen looked like it had never been used and the bookcase upstairs only held a handful of books. In fact if Hannah didn't know Sparrow lived their she would have been certain the house was vacant. Hannah sat patiently on the couch while Sparrow prepared them both some coffee.

"So Hannah…are your fighting days truly behind you?" Sparrow voiced carefully. Otherwise not sure what she could talk to her about because she didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

"One hundred percent." Hannah answered and saw the worry on Sparrow's face. "I train everyday but the practice is to keep you away from violence by understanding it better. We are fully capable of defending ourselves but only in extreme circumstances. I guess those days will never be fully behind me in that way. We are heroes after all." Sparrow smiled at that and handed Hannah her steaming cup of coffee. Something else she had missed in her time away from Albion. It wasn't forbidden just they lacked the ingredients to make it. After taking a sip and letting out a satisfied sigh Hannah tried to bring up the subject that was on her mind.

"So, what all have you been into in the past year?"

"Um…same as usual I guess. I've been doing some bounty hunter missions for the guards in town. I own everything in Bowerstone currently. About twice a month I travel to west cliff just to try and keep the balverine population down." Sparrow answered.

"Nice. Sounds like you…are you seeing anyone?"

"No. Not right now." Sparrow said as lightly as she could. She knew she probably came off as an oddity. Here she was about to turn thirty and she hadn't had a single long term or even serious relationship. She didn't really mind. That's a whole new can of worms she didn't care to open. She had so much trust and relationship issues, and she was always off battling somewhere what man would want that?

"Oh come on, no man here has caught your fancy?"

"Well…I wouldn't say that…it's just…" Sparrow attempted to explain but she knew whatever explanation she provided Hannah would just shoot down. Maybe she was right though…maybe it was time for her to settle down. Hell maybe she would even fall in love one day. That's a scary thought…

"Ah, so there is a man that caught your eye? Well, tell me about him!" Hannah giggled and nudged Sparrows arm. Making Sparrow blush like they were school girls talking about their crushes. Sparrow smiled. It felt so good to laugh with an old friend again. If that meant opening up and talking about her feelings then so be it.

"Well there is this cute crate carrier that comes into The Cow and Corset when I'm in there from time to time. We've been kind of flirting back and forth for a couple months but I don't think much will come of it. I think his name is Paul?"

"Why not? Go talk to him. At least you can do is go out to dinner with the bloke. You may even end up really liking him." Hannah encouraged. That's what I'm afraid of Sparrow thought and bit her lip nervously. Anyone she had gotten close to or cared about ended up dead or left her. Even Hannah fell into that category. Sure she was back but after another two weeks she would be gone. Leaving her alone again. She was almost terrified of falling in love with someone. Because what was the point if they were just doomed to death or leave her? It was ironic that Albion's big hero could face any monster or man fearless but a dinner for two made her run away screaming.

"You think I should?"

"I know you should! Head down to the docks first thing in morning and get yourself a date. If it works out though you have to name your first child after me." Hannah teased turning the conversation back to a light one. Though it did weigh heavy on Hannah's heart Sparrow remaining in this big house by herself. She deserved a good man that could actually take care of her for a change. Sparrow laughed loudly.

"That will be difficult if I end up having a boy then wouldn't it?"

"Not at all. Hammer would work for a boy…or Hanman!" Hannah exclaimed excitedly making Sparrow go into a fit of hysterical laughter. After a couple of hours of more stories being told and a few rounds of card games Hannah remembered something and emptied the contents of her shoulder bag onto Sparrow's coffee table.

Sparrow raised her eyebrow and looked at her best friend in confusion. Not sure what she was looking for or why?

"I couldn't bring you a present so I decided I'd let you have your pick of all the Albion souvenirs I have. They just bring me bitter memories anyway. Thank Avo you killed that wrenched man." Hannah added and she looked saddened for a second but quickly perked up as she watched Sparrow fiddle through everything. "That's very sweet of you Hannah. I wish I had known you were coming or else I would have gotten you a present as well." Sparrow said looking at all the objects now displayed on her coffee table. Come to think of it maybe that's why she had spent so much time at Bowerlake the past couple of days, somehow sensing she would have a long over due guest. Most of the stuff scattered on the table was various liquors and she game Hannah credit for not drinking from any of them in the year she was away. Along with that was a couple daggers, some health potions, a couple augments, and various trophies from her own conquests including a white balverine skull that made her cringe. Amongst the health potions she noticed one that stood out amongst the rest. The bottle was golden instead of the usual bright lime green. The bottom of the potion bottle was shaped like a heart and the mouth of it was twisted around in a short spiral. It was even jewel in crested. Now Sparrow thought it was some type of fancy perfume, but when she examined the bottle it read Love potion 9.042. She couldn't help but laugh out loud. Love potion? Really?

"Hannah, what in Avo's name is this?" She showed Hannah the bottle and she narrowed her eyes trying to remember where she had acquired such an odd potion. Then it hit her.

"Oh that. I won it off a bloke in West Cliff after a couple rounds of Spinner Box. Bloke had nothing else to bet so he used that as payment. I forgot I had it to be honest with you."

"What's it supposed to do? Make you fall in love with someone?" Sparrow wondered out loud. That was some crazy powerful magic if so. Though she doubted even magic could do something like that. Hannah rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Apparently if you drink it your crush is supposed to fall madly in love with you!" Hannah exclaimed dramatically then giggled. "It's just a load of dung used for tourists and those so desperate they are willing to try anything. Really all it does is give the drinker the confidence to go and chat up their crushes. Nothing more to it then that. If you believe the potion works then you can't fail so you are no longer shy. Personally I was just doing to try and sell it to a jeweler for a bit of a profit. You would be surprised how much gold these suckers would shell out for a hoax."

Sparrow contemplated this. Funny how desperate people were for love when she wanted nothing more then to get as far away from it as possible. Still, she could probably get some gold out of it and the bottle was beautiful. She decided to keep the love potion and both the daggers which Hannah found to be an amusing combination. But that was Sparrow for you. All work and no play. At least she had convinced Sparrow to talk to the boy that she fancied. Of course he would jump at the chance to date her. Sparrow was an absolutely gorgeous girl she was just a little quiet and awkward at times because she was not used to interacting with a lot of people. She had to have the biggest heart in all of Albion though. Once she opened up anyone would fall in love with her.

They called it a night and Hannah was happy to sleep on the couch while Sparrow retired upstairs. They had plans to visit Hannah's father's grave in the morning and if they traveled by carriage they should only be gone half the day. As usual though Sparrow's sleep was interrupted by her damn nightmare. She had gone years without it and she had even avenged her sisters death yet still she had that nightmare. The memory of Lucien shooting Rose while she watched helplessly. What could she have done? She was a child. Yet the guilt was still there. Maybe because she had the chance to bring Rose back? No. she wouldn't want her life back if it meant the lives of hundreds. That's just the kind of girl Rose was. Ughh. Maybe a man in her life would be a pleasant distraction from all her consuming thoughts. It was still scary but…she had faced worse. She sat up in her bed then headed down stairs for a glass of water. Tip toeing to try and not disturb Hannah. When she pulled a clean glass from the cabinet the Love potion sitting on the counter caught her eye. She recalled Hannah's words concerning the potion giving the user the confidence to approach their person of interest. Truth be told she needed as much confidence as she could get. Hmm. She walked over to the potion and held it in her hands for a few seconds. Then chuckled to herself. This is ridiculous. Like Hannah said it was a hoax. There was no reason to drink the potion or any reason not to drink the potion. Out of mostly curiosity she popped the lid off the potion and took a tiny cautious sip.

It tasted…really good. Like vanilla and butterscotch mixed into a glorious concoction. Eagerly she took another drink. Then another. Before she knew it she had half of the potion drank and she had to stop herself from drinking even more. She even licked her lips to savor the delicious flavor. She put it back on the counter and went back up stairs. Deciding she would wake up early to get the ingredients she needed to make a good breakfast for Hannah and herself before they hit the road. Secretly hoping she would run into Paul and maybe her drink of "confidence" might help her out. Avo it had been so long since she truly tried to flirt she would probably sound like a complete buffoon.

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When Sparrow awoke the next morning she did feel a lot more perky then usual. She had her best friend back, and she was happier then she had been in awhile. Knowing she going to try and flirt with Paul the crate carrier she decided to try and go to her closet and dress a little more…appropriate for such a task. Nothing wrong with showing off the goods every once and awhile right? When she scanned her wardrobe she sighed. Nothing but repeats of the exact same outfit she was wearing now. "I need to go shopping." she whispered and looked through everything again. All she really had other then her leather pants was a black pair of short shorts. She put then on anyway because of nothing else it showed off her legs and matched her corset. She decided to for the first time in a long time to leave her highwayman jacket at home. She threw on a pair of pink diamond earrings and a matching diamond necklace. Doing her makeup as usual and brushing her hair so that it was more out of her face then normal. She sighed when she looked in the mirror. Hoping she was looking appropriate to grab a date and not some slut on the streets. Leaving the house quietly she headed towards the market place.

Hm. What sounded good for breakfast this morning? The classic bacon and eggs? Maybe some pancakes? Knowing Hannah….all three. She smiled. Now she had an excuse to pig out again. She headed over to the meat trader and asked for some bacon. Luckily he had some eggs as well. When he was done wrapping her bacon for her she pulled out her pouch of gold to pay the man but he shook his head rapidly.

"No Miss Sparrow. No charge. I can't let someone as noble and beautiful as you pay for my humble services." he said sweetly then winked at her. Sparrow blushed and sighed.

"Non sense. I don't care to pay you. Please accept my payment." Sparrow said getting out a handful of gold and still the man refused. Suddenly Trevor the pie maker whose stand was next to the meat trader's ran up to her.

"Please Miss Sparrow, please accept one of my apple pies, free of charge." Phil insisted and Sparrow just raised her eyebrow. That came from no where? "Um, no thank you I was just getting some food to make for breakfast." she said politely. Next thing she knew another gentlemen tapped her on the shoulder and when she turned around she saw…an older man with short white hair and a long white beard. He dug into his pockets and pulled out an old looking pocket watch.

"Brave hero, I want to give you this as a present. It's all I have but I hope you will accept it as a token of my love for you." he said and held out the pocket watch with shaking hands and Sparrow just gapped at him.

"No sir please, that's yours keep it." Sparrow said and her face was now burning red. What in the world was going on? Another man came running up to her and before everyone got down on one knee with a golden band in his hand.

"Sparrow my love. Will you marry me?" he asked and Sparrow's jaw dropped. She was certain she had never even met the man in her entire life.

"I don't even know who you are." Sparrow stated and started feeling nervous and extremely uncomfortable. She grabbed her bacon and eggs and shoved them in her bag then pushed past the group of men to run back to her house. She could hear the footsteps of the men behind her and she knew they were following her. When she turned her head to look back she saw even more men of all ages had joined the group and were in hot pursuit of her. She hastened her pace and now they were running after her. Now two of three men came at her from the left then a few more on her right and before she knew it she was encircled by what she was almost certain was the entire male population of Bowerstone.

"Sparrow! Sparrow! You are so beautiful please be my wife!"

"Sparrow, I love you! Please let me be yours!"

"I'm rich! Pick me! I will buy you anything and everything you want!"

Were the shouts from the crowd that she heard. Now Sparrow was starting to get dizzy and very nervous. It's not like she could fight her way through this. They were just normal men. Maybe the shorts were a bad idea…

"Please let me pass." Sparrow said politely as she tried to move past a small group of men. One man grabbed her hand and pleaded that she be his and after that another man yelled out "Don't you touch her!" and ran up and punched him. Soon fights were breaking out all around her leaving Sparrow stunned and confused.

"STOP!" she shouted but to no prevail. She was trying to decide of she should use the fight as a distraction to sneak away but she didn't like the idea of people getting hurt because of her.

"OW!" a booming voice shouted and the crowd parted like the red sea revealing a very pissed off Hannah. She pushed her way roughly through the crowd and stood in front of Sparrow in a guard like manner.

"What in the hell has gotten into you lot! Stay away from her! Now piss off you wankers all of you!" She shouted and no one dared to question her. Even without her massive battle hammer with her stature and strength Hannah was a very intimidating woman. Hannah grabbed Sparrow by her wrist and led her back to her house where she slammed and locked the door behind her. With her back against the door Hannah sighed.

"What in Albion was that about?!"

"I have no idea! I was just doing some shopping and everyone freaked out on me!" Sparrow stated. Her heart still racing from all that occurred.

"Did you…do anything different this morning? Anything?" Hannah questioned and Sparrow thought about it. Besides putting on shorts and not wearing her jacket she couldn't think of anything. Wait…

"The potion…that love potion or whatever you brought I…I drank some of it last night." Sparrow said. No. Surely not. That can't be why this was happening? Could it?

Hannah walked to the kitchen and looked at the potion. Reading the little bit of information on the back.

"It says here one sip of this is supposed to make the man or woman of your desires fall madly in love with you. One sip…Sparrow you drank over half of this!" Hannah said concerned and Sparrow sighed.

"You said it was a hoax! So I decided to try it." Sparrow defended.

"Over half of it?"

"It tasted good…"

"Didn't you read the back at least?!"

"NO ONE EVER READS THE WARNINGS ON ANYTHING HANNAH!" Sparrow said and was starting to panic. Now what had she managed to get herself into. What was she going to have a group of mindless men following her around no. Hannah sighed and tried to figure out a plan. All the while the boys that had been following her were pounding on the door.

"Okay, just calm down. Let me take this to an alchemist and see if we can't get this sorted out. You stay here and keep the door locked. If someone breaks in just bash them a good time on their heads okay?" Hannah said and pushed her way past the crowd again. Sparrow paced back and forth in wait. She couldn't keep still. Now she had male attention alright but not at all the way she wanted it. A couple of hours later Hannah finally returned and the look on her face did not bode well. She sat next to Sparrow on the couch and sighed. Giving her shoulder a slight squeeze.

"Well Sparrow…from what the alchemist here told me, when these potions were created only five of them did what they were supposed to. Obviously it had horrible side effects and the remaining three that hadn't been used were buried to never be used again and the recipe burned and forgotten. Any of the potions made after those are like I said just a gimmick that does nothing more then give the user confidence or make them appear slightly more attractive for twenty four hours."

"Let me guess…somehow one of the original three Love potions were found and came into our possession."

"It appears so…" Hannah sighed. "Seeing how you drank far more then the required amount any man who lays his eyes on you will fall madly in love with you. With behavior that could even borderline obsessive."

"Perfect." Sparrow sighed and leaned back on her couch. This had to be universes way of telling her not to date. Had to be. When would this awful luck streak end?

"There is good news though. There is a cure. An antidote. Though you have to be present when the antidote is made in order for it to be effective and if you saw the alchemist here he would be effected by the Love potion too."

"Of course." Sparrow sighed. Even when there is a sign of hope, it dashed. Maybe the effects would wear off eventually and she can just stay shut off in her house until then.

"Aw, don't be so glum Sparrow we are getting you the antidote. There is a female alchemist in Bloodstone that can help and the potion only works on the opposite sex."

"Bloodstone? I hate that place. With all the brawlers and drunks there do you think I want them to see me considering the consequences?" the idea of going back to that place churned Sparrows stomachs. Especially all the men's dirty hands reaching out for stale beer on their breath.

"We don't have a choice Sparrow. You don't want to stay this way do you? Hopefully we won't be there long and I wanted a nice boat ride while I was here anyway." Hannah smiled trying to stay optimistic. Then Sparrow remembered and felt horrible…

"No Hannah you wanted to visit your father-" she started and Hannah cut her off.

"We need to fix you first okay? We got plenty of time. If worst comes to worse I end up going back home later then expected. I feel partially responsible anyway for bringing the damn thing to you." Sparrow saw the look in Hannah's eyes and knew there was no arguing with her. She just had to accept it and hope for the best.

"To Bloodstone…" Sparrow sighed. She was really starting to hate magic. Alchemy. All of it. At least things couldn't get any worse.