Disclaimer: I own NOTHING of Fable. I just have twisted ideas for stories.

From Hero to Queen

Chapter 2

Sparrow had fallen into despair when her worse fears were confirmed. Worse so as months went by and her state actually began to show. It had been four months to the day that she had been raped by Lucien. And her body was finally beginning to show the true horror and torment he was causing her, even after his death. She glared disgustingly at the small bump that was slowly starting to form from her stomach.

Pregnant with Lucien's child. It was a fate worse than death.

She would have happily spent another ten years of her life in the spire, would happily battle countless dangers and even withstand any pain brought upon her, then go through this. Having this thing growing inside of her made her physically sick and filled her with such self loathing and revulsion. Every day she would wake up and have to fight the urge to stab herself in the stomach. She didn't want this thing in her. She didn't want to have it!

Which caused her to be more reckless. To the point that she would actually wonder into Waithmarsh with very little health potions and low quality weapons. For a few weeks she'd told herself she was only blowing off steam. But it became clear what she was really doing; trying to get injured to have a miscarriage.

But it didn't work. Either her instincts were too strong and she'd end up winning every fight she was in, or her injuries were too minor. She was still alive and she was still pregnant.

Sparrow couldn't take it anymore.

When she first came to Bloodstone she had thought it weird how the path into Bloodstone was lead down a cliff, the height making it possible to view the horizon and actually see some beauty in this forsaken town. Right now the sun had yet to rise, so all was still dark. Including the sea below. Sparrow hovered at the cliff's edge, staring down into the depths below. The more she stared, the more inviting it became. How easy it would be, just to step over the edge and end her suffering. She actually dangled one foot over the edge. All she had to do now was move forward and she'd fall into the depths below where the sea would end it all. End all her suffering.

So why couldn't she do it?

"Lass, what are you doing?" a voice said behind her, startling her.

She turned around, her foot back on solid ground, and came face to face with some stranger. He was tall and well built, bulky even, his clothes that of one of the guards from Bowerstone, his sword to his side and rifle on his back. It was clear from his appearance that he had braved Waithmarsh, much to Sparrow's surprise. The marshes were dangerous, even for her, a Hero. And yet this normal guard had braved and gotten through the hellish swamp. It was impressive.

It was clear that the man recognised her, his expression one of shock at seeing her face; though his facial hair did make it a little difficult to tell. Sparrow frowned a little to herself, feeling some shame and embarrassment at having another witness her about to do something so... so... She shook her head and tried to forget about it. She greeted the man, it clear that something had to be said or done to break the awkwardness between them.

"Welcome to Bloodstone, though I wonder why a respectable Bowerstone guard such as yourself would wish to be here," she greeted, offering her hand for a polite hand shake.

The man took her hand, shaking it gently.

"I could question your reason for being here too, Hero," he countered.

Sparrow stiffened at that and said nothing in response. She was well aware that many people had questioned her retreat to the town of Bloodstone, and of her action of buying the deed to Reaver's manor. Rumours had developed due to this, some being out right laughable. She could have explained herself but then she hadn't really wanted to, nor felt she could. Who would understand her after all?

"Not many people get through Waithmarsh. Very impressive mister..." she said, choosing to ignore his early comment and instead compliment him and ask for his name.

At this the man took his hat off and bowed to the fourth hero, as if she were a figure of some authority. She felt a little uncomfortable but allowed him to do as he wished and watched him place his hat back on.

"Walter Beck, Officer of Bowerstone at your service. It hadn't been easy, but I have an important task that must be done," he told her.

"Oh? And what is that?"

"To ask you to return to Bowerstone,"

It was safe to say Sparrow had been surprised indeed when Walter told her she was his quest and he planned to ask her to return to Bowerstone. She had invited him back to Reav- her manor when it became here that this was a discussion that should take place in private. They went to the study and she offered him a place to wash and rest should he need to. After all she knew how tiresome, mentally and physically, travelling through the marshes could be. Walter declined all, for the moment, though did request a drink. Sparrow obliged.

"So, why through Waithmarsh? There are ships that come here after all," she questioned as she handed him a goblet of wine.

"I don't do well on ships. I fair much better battling hallowmen than battling sea sickness," he confessed, a faint hint of a blush on his cheeks as he sipped his wine. Sparrow heard the man quietly mumble to himself at wishing it was something stronger. She giggled quietly to herself, something she hadn't done in a long time, and went to fetch some ale. Walter quickly splattered that she didn't have to bother; he didn't want to be a bother.

"No bother at all, it is the least I can do after you've come all this way,"

So the wine was exchanged for the strong ale the guard wanted so much and he took several big gulps of it before giving a loud satisfied sigh. Sparrow couldn't help but smile, yet another thing she hadn't done for a long time. But with him relaxed and his thirst quenched, they returned to the matter at hand.

"Why return to Bowerstone? When I left all was well," she stated and Walter even nodded.

"Aye, it was well, but things are slowly starting to crumble. We have no true leader, no mayor or figure head. When you were there the people looked to you as such a figure head. With you gone, the people don't know who to turn to anymore. The guards can only do so much, but even they are in need of a leader,"

"Then appoint a leader. There must be someone able in Bowerstone," she paused and then gestured towards himself. "You yourself seem like an able man. Determined, strong and smart, what more could one ask for in a leader?"

Walter blushed a little and fidgeted with the handle of his sword that was strapped to his waist. The guard didn't know how to react to being complimented by the woman who had saved all of Albion. It was an honour for sure, but how was he meant to express his gratitude? Instead he cleared his throat and tried to continue, hoping that his lack of a thank you didn't offend Sparrow.

"True, but you are a far better choice. For one you already have the love and respect of the whole town, and in fact the whole of Albion. All of Bowerstone have made it clear who they want. They want you," he told her.

Sparrow stood there by her desk and tried to take in what Walter was saying. An entire town wanted her to actually run their town, actually run their lives. It was unbelievable! She turned away and stared blankly ahead, many thoughts running through her mind. Could she actually run a town? Did she have the knowledge and skills? She doubted it. She had been raised by gypsies who kept to themselves and shared the burden of looking after their community. Any leadership skills she had was focused on the battle aspect, which had come in handy when the Giant Shard had attacked. It had taken all of them to destroy that thing, and luckily all the Heroes had listened to her commands as they worked to destroy it. Even Reaver, surprisingly. But that was battle; this would be nothing like that. She didn't even know what to expect in running a town. And not only that... how would she explain her state?

"I'm sorry Walter but I can't," she said, turning back to him and standing up right. Though as she did, she felt a sudden burst of nausea. Oh no, not now.

"But Hero, Bowerstone needs you," he approached her and the fourth hero pushed him away when he got too close for her liking. Which, truth be told, wasn't all that close.

"I don't care! I'm not doing it!" she suddenly yelled, her emotions getting the better of her.

However her outburst caused her nausea to get the better of her and before she could do anything she collapsed to the floor, leaning forward as she vomited onto the floor. Walter was clearly taken aback and took a few steps backwards as he watched the fourth hero be sick. Afterwards Sparrow knelt there, shaking, fighting back embarrassed tears. She felt so weak and disgusting right now, having just vomited in front of a stranger like that. A stranger that held her in high esteem, who looked up to her. What he must think of her right now? And the way she had yelled at him. She was a poor excuse of a hero.

She was briefly aware of Walter walking away, the sound of his footsteps fading as he got further and further away and it filled her with more shame. He had left her there, on the floor with her vomit. He was probably disgusted with her and was probably going to tell everyone that it was a good thing she had said no to their plea, since she wasn't good enough anymore. It pained her to no end. However she was surprised when he came back, a blanket hung over one arm and a bucket of water hanging from another. Sparrow sat up, stunned.

"Walter, what are you-?"

"You're clearly not well Hero. You should have said, I wouldn't have bothered you with such trivial things," he said, his voice gentle and caring, which was a feat considering the natural gruffness of his voice.

He wrapped the blanket around her and then got onto his knees and proceeded to wash the vomit away from the expensive rug. Sparrow blushed and moved to stop him, but Walter wouldn't have it.

"No, no. You rest. You obviously need it. And we can't let this set. It looks expensive!" he said. Sparrow at that point giggled, despite how awful she felt. Yes it was expensive, but it didn't matter to her so much. Oh how she wondered how Reaver would react at seeing how she was treating his beautiful manor. He'd probably have shot her the second she stained his rug.

How she wished he'd walk in and do that right now.

For a few minutes the two were silent. She leant against the desk, blanket still around her and watched as her guest washed the rug free of vomit. She was still embarrassed that he was doing it, but didn't protest as he had made it clear he'd have none of it and that he wanted to do it. When the stain was mostly gone, the guard lent back, his attention back to Sparrow.

"So..." he began, and then asked something she was stunned to hear, as well as angry and ashamed, "Who's the father?" he finished.

"What? I don't understand what you're asking?" she tried first, hoping that maybe he'd believe that he was wrong. But the look on her face when he'd asked was evident enough that he was right. She was pregnant. He told her so and so Sparrow sat there with a look of defeat and hesitated as she told him.

"Lucien... Lucien's the father," she told him. Why was she telling him this? He was some stranger she hadn't known for an hour, and yet she had just admitted that she was carrying a mad man's child. He could go off and tell everyone for all she knew. If he did, it could completely ruin her. What would people think?

"Lucien? But it was common knowledge that you hated him. Why would you..." he halted mid sentence, instantly realising the reason as to why the fourth hero was carrying her enemy's child. It would not have been through chose. "You wouldn't..." he finished instead. He hung his head down before looking back to her with sorrowful eyes.

"I'm sorry Hero," he said quietly.

And for some reason that set her off. Sparrow found herself sobbing her heart out in front of this strange guard from Bowerstone. Tears streamed down her face and she cried loudly and uncontrollably, sometimes unable to even breath properly. She just couldn't deal with it anymore, couldn't hide it and couldn't control it. All the powerful emotions in her burst like an explosion and Sparrow couldn't stop it. A part of her didn't want to, a part of her wanted to finally let it all out, too tired in suppressing it all.

It was a long time before she was able to gain some sort of control of herself again and that's when she realised she had been pulled into the large arms of Walter. Sparrow's body stiffened greatly, she instantly panicking that this was this close to another man, too close than she'd normally allow! But at the same time a part of her was relieved to have the contact, relieved to have the comfort she so desperately needed. She huddled deeper into his embrace, like a scared child would with a parent. For a brief moment, she felt some sort of peace and calm.

"So this is why our Hero left for Bloodstone," Walter mumbled, more to himself then to her. He shook his head. "And we had feared that we'd somehow offended you,"

Despite the emotions she felt, the horrid and revolting feelings, she found herself laughing a little. His joke had distracted her, if but a moment. However despite it being a joke, it was also somewhat true. And so Sparrow ended up spilling all that she had kept hidden since Lucien's death. She confessed to him her bitterness at everyone's happiness but her own, the loneliness that haunted her, of how she felt ashamed and angry over the rape, and how she had reacted when finding out she was pregnant. The denial at first and then the outright disgust and hatred she felt towards herself, her own body. The detest she felt towards the thing growing inside; the last piece of Lucien that continued to torture her even after his death.

Walter had been very kind, merely listening to her as she spoke. His arms were still around her, with a hand every so often gently stroking her light brown, also blonde, hair when she stopped to let out a few sobs. It was strange, since she'd never experienced such kindness and tenderness before, but it was comforting. It enabled her to calm down to the point that all that remained of her tears were dried streaks down her hot reddened cheeks.

"I can't believe that you've kept so much inside. It's a lot for a person, even a Hero, to deal with," Walter said after the tears had ended.

"What else could I do? There was no one to turn to," she told him sorrowfully. There really wasn't, not anymore.

Bud was gone and buried in the ground, she having dug him a grave at Bower Lake, by the large tree at the gypsy camp. She and many of the gypsies had stood there and mourned his lose, though none were as upset as Sparrow had been. Hammer was gone, studying with the monks. She had considered writing to her, maybe even beg for her to return to her side, but how were she meant to write such a letter? Hammer had been through her own trails and suffers and she couldn't bring herself to interrupt the peace the woman had now gained. Garth was in his home land, again at peace after a long and painful road. She wasn't the only one that had lost ten years of her life. And poor Garth had had to endure torture on top of that.

And Reaver was Reaver. He was a Hero, not a loyal trustworthy friend. The thought of writing to him for help and support was laughable. Not to mention, she had no idea where he was now.

Sparrow had often hoped and wished for Theresa to find her; for her to appear out of nowhere and her mystical wise voice to fill her ears and for her to show some sort of affection or comfort. She had been the closest thing she had to a mother and when Sparrow was still a child, still recovering from her injuries, Theresa had shown some affection that was similar to that of a parent. So why wasn't she here now, playing the part of a parent? She could see things after all, things that no normal person could. Surely the woman could see just how much she was suffering?

Sparrow truly was alone it seemed.

"You do now," Walter said in his gruff voice, startling her out of thought.

"What?" she looked up into his face. The man sat up and looked confident and proud as he explained himself.

"As long as I live, you have me to turn to. If swearing to be by your side isn't the greatest honour then I don't know what is," he finished, and then added. "I be your right hand man, as it were,"

"Walter... you barely know me. You can't swear an oath of loyalty to me. For all you know I might be a heartless cow!" she said, completely taken aback by Walter's vow. She had never had anyone do anything of the sort like it! Yes she'd had countless men embarrassingly declaring their love for her, but right hand man? Comrade in arms? Never! She honestly preferred it... but it was still unexpected and a lot to ask of a person. It had seemed that Walter had made up his mind.

"Heartless cows don't cry like you did. All that you've said and done today has just proven how much of a remarkable woman you are," he told her. Sparrow didn't know what to say, she didn't know how telling him all those faults and horrific things made her a remarkable person. She thought it made her seem weak. How could Walter still have so much respect for her?

"Besides, even if you were a heartless cow, you're much better company than my ex wife. Now there's a heartless cow, though more like a Balverine if you ask me. I'm lucky I got out of that marriage alive," he joked as he stood, offering his hand to the hero as he did so.

Sparrow laughed, full heartedly, and placed her hand in his own.

She suddenly didn't feel so alone anymore.

TBC

Walter enters the scene! I read up on him as much as I could find, it see if it actually told of how he and the Hero met, but all it said was that the two had adventures together. So, this is my take on their first meeting. Sooner or later the trusty bulter will too join Sparrow's side, but there will be time for that later. Again, any comments are welcome, as well as corrections! Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed!