He was dead. Finn was sure of it. He stared up at the sky above him as he floated in place. It was tinged red, just as it was stated in the old scrolls. The sky would be red after you passed away and you would be lifted to the Court of Riashin where your deeds and misgivings are counted and it is then decided whether or not you are to be reincarnated or simply cast into The Void. He felt weightless and he was most likely floating up on his way to be judged. He had saved Huntress on instinct but it had cost him his life and his chance to save his sister. Depending on how the Great Judge interprets it, it could send him either way. He definitely wasn't a saint, but he never considered himself an evildoer either. Finn merely did what he had to do and besides losing his mother and sister, he had no regrets. It was said that dying with too many unaccomplished goals and heavy regrets would keep you from rising to be judged, and you would be forced back down onto earth as a wandering spirit, forever grounded.

He was sad that he would never get the chance to see Fionna again. The feeling was so strong that it even made his spirit chest hurt as if he were still alive. The sky didn't seem to get any closer as he floated there and he wondered if that regret alone would keep him tethered to the world of the living, stuck as a restless spirit with no hope of salvation. He focused and managed to lift a hand in the air in an attempt to reach the sky and was confused by what he saw. An arm stretched high, but it wasn't the ethereal limb of a spirit but his human hand instead. He clenched his fist and felt small signals radiate from the flexing of his muscles and he choked out a breath when two angelic, green eyes peered down at him. They were wide with worry and he felt a pressure against his chest as Huntress pulled him closer. He looked down and finally realized that he wasn't floating up to the Court of Riashin but just floating in a small pond. The scout tested his limbs and they responded immediately and he let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that he wasn't dead after all and he would still have the chance to save Fionna.

He made a move to sit up but Huntress pulled him back down again, a stern look on her face, "W-What happened, Hun?" She moved a hand down to his chest and gave him a prod where the spear wound had once been, "Yeah, I remember that but how did I survive?" The nymph pointed to the pool of water around him, "Huh?" She pointed again, "You mean this water saved me?" Huntress nodded.

Finn once again tried to sit up but she refused to let him move, "Huntress, I'm fine." She simply shook her head. The scout reached underwater and tickled her thigh, causing her to let out a rather cute yelp and release him. He stood up and rolled his shoulders as he glanced at the area around him, spotting his equipment out by the shore, "Did you carry me all the way out here?" Huntress gave him a shy nod of the head. "Wow…thanks Hun." She just shrugged her shoulders and glanced away. The cool morning breeze brushed past him and gave him the chills, the human realizing that all of his clothes were soaking wet. "We should get out and start drying our clothes. The sun will be out soon."

The nymph made a move to stand but gasped as she went underwater. Finn chuckled, "Nice one, Hun." He waited for her to get up but quickly waded over to her when she failed to rise. Finn reached down and scooped her up, the wizard taking in a huge breath as she broke the surface, "What happened? Are you okay?"

She reached over and rubbed the ache in one of her legs before giving him a thankful smile. Finn's eyes grew wide at the sight before him. Huntress was smiling at him and he could see it. Her scarf had slipped off during the fall and he realized that he was staring but he couldn't help it. Her pale green lips held his eyes captive and the irresistibly cute mole just above her lip cemented their hold on him. Huntress didn't seem to notice as he carried her to the shore and set her down. She finally glanced at him and returned his stare with a curious look. A drop of water traveled down her face and she felt it run over her exposed lips. She instinctively reached for her scarf but found that it was no longer there. Huntress let out a nervous breath as Finn took hold of her chin and lifted her face up, a thumb rubbing ever so gently across her lips. His piercing blue eyes admired her stunning beauty and she could tell that he was now under her spell. She had unintentionally entranced him with her nymph aura, which was usually used to entice mortals for a very specific reason; the growth of her species. Some wood nymphs had alluring eyes or wondrous bodies or a hypnotizing voice and she learned at a young age that her lips were like magnets to members of the opposite sex, hence the need for a scarf.

Finn drew closer to the wizard as an invisible thread pulled him in. The scout wasn't quite sure what was happening but he was suddenly very interested in the petite woman in front of him. His heart thumped with growing intensity and he was fully expecting her to shove him away but she seemed frozen in place, her green eyes staring back intently as if waiting for his next move. The wind rustled her cloak as it blew past them and he carefully removed her hood, exposing her shoulder-length grass hair, antlers, and pointy ears.

"Hun, you're beautiful." She blushed and made a shy noise as she looked away. His body moved on its own accord as his hands settled on her hips, "I've known you for two years and I never fully realized it until now."

Huntress felt her chest swell with warm tides as his face hovered just above her own. She knew that once someone was caught in a wood nymph's web then there was only one way out. Much to her surprise, she didn't even hesitate when she stood on her toes to kiss the human. Finn lifted her with ease and carried her into the shade of a spruce tree. They both lay on the grass as their lips locked again and the human began to feel a familiar sensation from several nights ago. His body tingled and his senses were dulled yet sharpened at the same time. It finally clicked in his head.

This was how it felt after Marceline gave me the potion, except Huntress never gave me anything…

Finn could tell that she was inexperienced so he coached her with a nip on her pillowy lips. As his tongue teased her own, he got quite the surprise. The wintry taste of mint filled his mouth as her hands traveled up his flanks, their breaths mixing between them. She smelled of earth and fresh water and to him it might as well have been an elegant perfume. With the majority of his days spent out in the field, the scent of the outdoors had become a welcome invitation to him whenever he stepped outside the kingdom walls. Huntress broke off the kiss to catch her breath and he took the time to check out her slim figure. Although she didn't have the curvaceous body of the Vampire Queen, her gorgeous face was doing more than enough to have him wanting more. Her tight shorts and shirt outlined her delicate features and he placed a hand across her chest, testing her reaction. She bit her lip and squirmed as he gave one of her small breasts a gentle squeeze. Finn knew he would have to go slow with Huntress and he was completely fine with that.

Well, I'll have to take it easy on her. I wonder if it's her first time though. Yeah, probably, judging by her reactions. Dang, I remember my first time. That was one interesting night with Roselinen.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as a hand gripped him behind the neck and pulled him down, his lips crashing with the wizard's. She kissed him enthusiastically and he was shocked to find that her mouth now tasted of sweet honey. He was definitely confused but his brain chucked it out the window as he responded to her sudden demand. A hand slipped underneath her shirt and made its way up to her right breast and cupped it. He moved her bra and caught her nipple between his fingers as he started to work it with gentle care. Her soft sighs floated in the morning air and she placed one of her hands above his, encouraging him to go faster. Increasing the speed of both the kiss and massage, he soon found that his thoughts were no longer clear but slightly hazy. Whatever was happening was pulling him closer and closer into the hands of unbridled lust. He sucked on her bottom lip and his hand traveled down to her nether region before slowly unbuttoning her shorts.

She took a shaky breath as his fingers stroked her delicate flower and tender button, sending pleasure she had never experienced roaring through her body. Huntress rocked into his hand as he stirred her pot with finesse and she gazed at the human. His eyes were becoming cloudy and she knew her pheromones were taking effect. As she grew more aroused her body released more, which in turn would increase his desire to copulate. His blood pumped furiously through his body as their tongues wrestled in her mouth. Despite her lack of experience, she was proving to be a quick learner. Before long, she was kissing him back as strongly as he was she. Finn pulled out his fingers and knew she was well and ready to go.

Although his thoughts were growing muddier as they progressed, he still felt the need to confirm her feelings, "Huntress, are you sure you want to do this?" The wizard blushed and looked away as she nodded her head. "Well, if you're okay with it then I'll continue but I also need to ask something kind of touchy. Are you, um, a virgin?" Huntress nodded once again, "Okay. Just to let you know, it'll hurt a bit the first time so-"

He was interrupted as she stretched up to claim his mouth with her own. The fruity taste of various berries flowed into his mouth as they kissed passionately and he felt himself slide even further into her clutches. His mind now entirely focused on the woman before him, he sat her up and stripped her of her clothes and then did the same with his own. She placed an arm over her chest in embarrassment as his eyes wandered across her form. The various scars across his body caught her eye and her hand was drawn to them as she traced them lightly. Her fingers made their way down his toned torso as she outlined every muscle before stopping just above his waist. Huntress spotted his member and her first thought was how that was supposed to fit inside of her. She glanced up at him and got lost in the ocean of his blue eyes for a moment before she lay on the grass below. With a simple spell she grew the grass beneath her into a comfortable bed and waited patiently for his move.

His entire body was craving her touch. Whatever she had done to him was compelling him to take her and he had to fight it as best as he could to avoid being rough right from the start. He didn't want to hurt her and he was still trying to figure out her sudden change in attitude towards him. He took position above her and he could see her chest rise and level out with each nervous breath. Finn didn't want to admit it but he was just as nervous as she probably was and he didn't even know why. Leaning down to give her a small kiss, he reached down to massage one of her delicate breasts as he trailed kisses down her smooth neck. He slipped her left nipple into his mouth and used his tongue to gently stimulate the sensitive flesh. Huntress quietly moaned as tendrils of heat radiated from her chest and into the rest of her body. His tender kisses down her stomach felt like feathers caressing her skin and he nuzzled the inside of her thighs before making his way to her honey pot.

The wood nymph gasped as he slid his tongue across her clit and fingered her at the same time. The scout twirled her sensitive button and added an extra digit to his strokes as he continued to please her. Huntress was overwhelmed by the flurry of sensations and they still hadn't even gone all the way yet. His fingers slid out of her and his tongue took their place as he gave her a kiss down below. The flexible muscle moved with precision as it delved inside of her, eliciting heated breaths from the wizard. She tore at the grass around her every time he hit a sweet spot and she grabbed his golden locks as a bead of fire grew inside of her with every swipe of his tongue. The world darkened for the human as she pressed her thighs together and he pried them open with his powerful arms as he began to lick her folds. She let out a particularly loud moan before climaxing with a shiver down her body. Finn kept going and Huntress felt as though she would pass out from the sheer pleasure of it all if he didn't stop. Not that she wanted him to, of course. With one last mighty tug on his hair, she finally drifted down from the clouds and spotted Finn with a big grin on his face.

"Well, how was that?"

Her cheeks flared a bright green as she blushed and she felt obliged to return the favor. She eased him onto his back and grabbed hold of his member. Finn settled in and enjoyed every stroke as she worked his length with her soft hands. Huntress wasn't exactly confident in her ability to perform oral but she decided to give it a shot anyways. As her lips took in his staff, she bobbed her head at various rhythms until she found one she was comfortable with. He filled her mouth with each descent and she wasn't surprised when it didn't all fit inside. She looked up at Finn to see if he was enjoying it and he gave her wink before running a hand through her grassy hair. He guided her at his own pace and despite his growing need he never forced her lower than she was comfortable with. Finn let her go and she released his member as she rubbed his shaft with nimble fingers. She gave his tip an experimental lick and he let out a satisfied hiss so she did it again, pairing it with her warm rubs. Once again taking him in, her mouth slid up and down his pole with increasing intensity. However, after a few minutes, he could feel her slowing down. He glanced at her and chuckled when he noticed her rubbing her jaw.

She must be tired already.

Finn sat up and cupped her smooth cheek, "How about we get started then, huh?"

Huntress gave him an apologetic smile as she laid on her back and sheepishly spread her legs. He gave her his most reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I'll go slow."

Her breath caught in her throat as he brushed his entire length across her wet opening. He did this several times and finally ended her agonizing wait as he pushed the tip inside of her. Finn locked eyes with the wizard and kissed her as he pushed more of his length into her and she whimpered as he broke through. She gave a tiny cry and dug her nails into his back as she clamped her hold on him. Finn kissed her neck and whispered in her ear as he carefully slid in and out of her, "Sorry, Hun. It'll get better."

He was right and soon enough the pain was eclipsed by the astounding sensation of him brushing against her walls. She moaned freely as he grew more confident with each thrust and she could feel him go deeper one inch at a time. His hips rocked back and forth and gyrated as his body ignited and he was quickly losing his restraint as her remarkably tight entrance squeezed him with every pump. Her hot breaths brushed against his neck and sent shivers down his spine, her soft sighs playing like an angel's melody in his ears. Finn spread her legs wider in preparation for his more powerful thrusts and his jaw dropped as Huntress stretched her legs all the way up to her head.

"Well damn…"

The wizard gave him an uncharacteristically sultry wink and they both moaned as he plunged his entire member inside of her in one smooth stroke. Finn was nearing his limit with blinding speed and he knew it was only a matter of time until he dropped his load. Huntress was in the same situation as the scout as she tried desperately to catch her breath. Her walls were like a heavenly corridor for his member and he eagerly traversed it with vigorous thrusts that sent fire up his pelvis. Her small breasts jiggled with each impact and Finn reached up to squeeze them with one hand as the other went down to rub her tender button. The sudden sensations broke the dam that was building inside of her and she moaned erotically as she fell over the peak. Finn squeezed both of her nipples as she squirmed in place, spiking her orgasm with even more pleasure. He let out a satisfied grunt as he spilled his seed deep inside her honey pot. Finn rolled off of her and took a long breath as he stared up at the clouds as they floated lazily across the sky.

"Stephanie. My name is Stephanie."

Finn slowly sat up as he stared at the nymph next to him, "Uh…" He blinked a few times before he was able to recover from the sudden curveball, "Stephanie? That's a cute name. It definitely suits you."

"It's been a long time since anybody has called me by my name. Feels strange, really."

"Same here. Now I have to get used to calling you by your real name and not by your nickname. I can still call you Hun, right?"

Stephanie tucked her knees in as she shivered from the morning breeze. Finn noticed and wrapped an arm around her before pulling her in to share body warmth, "You can still call me Hun. I'd prefer it if you only called me Stephanie when we are alone. Actually, you can only use my name when we're alone."

Finn gave her a wink, "I'll save it for the pillow talk then."

She gave him an elbow to the ribs, "Idiot."

The scout scratched his cheek, "So, um, what now?"

"When a wood nymph mates, we mate for life."

"Wait, what?" The scout blurted out.

The wizard snorted, "I'm just kidding you gullible donk."

Finn laughed nervously, "Ah, you got me. I never figured you for the joking type."

Stephanie rolled her eyes, "Thanks."

We really do, though. Whether I like it or not, I'm bound to you now.

She glanced at him and thought about all the time they had spent together over the past two years. It wasn't long, but he had treated her as a friend the whole time and had never dismissed her because of her quiet and mysterious nature. The warmth and comfort of his body was beginning to grow on her and she let out a sigh.

He's not so bad, I guess. It could be worse, a lot worse.

Finn scanned her body and realized that he was still primed up for another go. She caught him out of the corner of her eye and blushed as she glanced up to find the sun's position, "Looks like we still have some time before we have to move out again."

His eyebrows lifted unbelievably high, "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

She still felt the warm buzz from their little session just a few minutes ago. Huntress didn't want to admit it, but she now understood why the other wood nymphs talked about getting it on with their partners so much and why they had always tried to outdo the others with their tales, "Yes, now shut up."

She climbed into his lap and planted a slow kiss on his lips while she began to grind her slick mound against his member. Finn wrapped an arm around her small waist and scooted back to lean on the trunk of the tree for support. Lifting her light frame, he slowly lowered her down on top of his pole. She could feel every inch as it slid inside of her and she bit his lip as he pushed the last few inches in with some force. Finn nibbled on the fragrant skin around her neck as she rocked on top of him. Stephanie led his hands up to her chest and placed one on top of each breast, encouraging the human. He kneaded them as he bucked his hips in rhythm with her descents and she wrapped her legs around him as each thrust sent shocks across her body. Finn gave her hair a tug and she found herself staring up at the branches of the tree as the human sucked on her neck, leaving small hickies. As the leaves rustled in the wind, the earth wizard got a sudden idea.

She stood up and placed a finger on his lips to stifle his question before taking a few steps back. Finn quirked an eyebrow and gasped in surprise as several vines coiled around his limbs and tied him up against the trunk of the tree, standing up.

Bondage? Well things just turned rather interesting…

Stephanie strolled over to him and summoned a giant mushroom from the ground that she used as a stepping stone to get closer to him. She lifted a leg and effortlessly placed it on his shoulder. Finn just stood there, amazed.

Damn, this woman is flexible!

After giving his member a few rubs, she led his tip to her entrance and leaned into him, moaning softly as her folds were spread wide by his manhood. Now in complete control, she took her sweet time as she slid on his length with slow precision, planting a kiss on his lips every time she pressed up to him. The horny scout rest his head on the trunk as Stephanie made painstakingly slow love to him and the lustful desire in his loins began to scream for a more aggressive approach. He tried to free his hands but the wizard caught on and she gave him a smirk as the vines coiled a little bit more tightly. Her pale green thigh just begged to be squeezed as it rest on his chest and he groaned with pleasure as she pressed into him more forcefully, his length throbbing inside her wet honey pot. Huntress grabbed a handful of his blond hair as they engaged in a passionate kiss while she took him in completely. Her core felt about ready to burst with his length so she took a step back and gracefully lowered her leg off his shoulder. His eyes traced her dainty hips as she turned around and teased him with a sultry shake of the hips before slowly backing into him.

Finn let out a heated breath as she guided his staff into her and slowly pushed back into him. She summoned vines and used them for support as she backed into him repeatedly and the loud clapping of her cheeks against his pelvis was driving him to the edge. Her energetic moans weren't helping anything, either. Finn was bound tightly against the tree but he did his best to buck his hips in harmony with the sexy wood nymph. She was starting to enjoy this sense of control over his libido as her pheromones once again worked their purpose on the human. With each stroke inside her, his eyes grew cloudier and his blood hotter. As Finn felt himself reaching the end he wanted desperately to ram her from behind until the raging fire in his loins was snuffed out, one powerful plunge at a time. Huntress was slipping and she gasped as she took him up to the hilt several times in rapid succession. She dug her nails into his thighs as her walls buckled and she felt a ripple reverberate through her body as she climaxed. Her moans of ecstasy only hastened his desire to release and he let out a disappointed breath when she stopped backing into him. He was so close that it was torture and when she glanced back the look on her face told him that she was well aware of it.

She walked up to him and gave him a light kiss before once again throwing her leg over his shoulder, resuming the previous position. This time, however, she only teased him by rubbing her hot womanhood against his erect member. Finn groaned with both pleasure and need as she grabbed hold of him and slid his tip across her folds and sensitive trigger. Her nails trailed down his chest and left red marks as she pushed her bosom up against his chest, her nipples grinding against his pecs. The movements kept him simmering just below boiling and he couldn't take it anymore. The scout flexed his muscles and tore free of the vines in one smooth motion, stunning the wizard. He picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist as he laid her down on the ground. Spreading her legs wide, he plunged into her with mighty thrusts, robbing the nymph of coherent thought. Each stroke brought him closer to his destination and he was now running at full speed, the small woman now taking his full assault. Stephanie quickly realized her mistake of toying with him but she was more than happy to accept the punishment. It was as though a beast had been released inside of him as he poured his seed into her with a few final thrusts. Huntress clawed at his back as her juices spilled once again and she could feel as he filled her from within. She wiped sweat and grass off her face as the human collapsed on her, his face pressed neatly between her natural pillows. Her soft fingers caressed his back as her fingertips brushed against the scratches she had left on him.

The wizard felt a rather deep mark and she was worried that she had gone overboard, "Finn, did I hurt you here?"

He could feel the point of her touch and he knew exactly what it was, "No, you're okay. Its just an old wound." Pushing himself up, he got off of her and stood, offering her a hand up.

Much to his surprise, she didn't swat his hand away, "Thanks."

They walked back over to retrieve their clothes and Huntress lagged behind when she realized that she was walking a bit open-legged. She breathed out a sigh as she rubbed between her thighs to relieve some of the stiffness and she wondered why none of the other nymphs ever mentioned anything about this. Huntress chuckled as she thought more about it and realized that maybe they had never been with a guy like Finn who had an impressive 'personality'.

"I know that today is the first time I've ever seen it, but I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing that smile of yours, Steph." She looked up and noticed him glancing back at her and her cheeks turned even greener from his gaze, "Still, I never thought you'd be into the whole 'bondage' thing." He gave her a thumbs up, "I like it."

"Quiet, donk."

"What does that even mean?"

"Nothing."

Finn crouched and checked to see if his clothes were still wet, "Well I'm pretty sure it isn't an affectionate name."

Stephanie reached down and found that her cloak and the rest of her clothes were still damp, "Great…"

"Looks like we'll have to wait a bit until they dry." Finn watched as thin vines sprouted from the ground and hooked into her clothes before raising them above the treetops to take advantage of the morning breeze, "Well that's handy." His clothes followed next and he gave her butt a small squeeze, drawing a yelp from the woman, "Thanks, Hun."

She pushed him aside as she went to sit beneath a tree, "Yeah, yeah."

The scout turned around as a noise caught his attention and she took in a surprised breath when she spotted the huge scar running down his back. It started at his left shoulder and ended down the right side of his waist. The scar looked jagged and rough and she felt his eyes on her so she quickly looked away. Finn was used to that kind of reaction whenever people saw what he called his 'Mark of Vengeance'. It was a cool name for a horrible wound that he had received at the hands of a vampire patrol and some days it would itch for no particular reason, almost as if a reminder that he shouldn't forget what he was fighting for. After all, he had received it while trying to protect Fionna and he had a feeling that he would get a few more along the way. Finn wandered over to the wizard and together they waited for the sun to rise higher in the sky. They took the time to review their notes and maps and the scout was infinitely glad to have the once silent wizard now talking. She was still her same old grumpy self but at least now she was expressing it with words rather than fists and kicks to the shin.

Finn collected his dry clothes and slipped them on before strapping on his boots and Blood sword. He slipped his mother's red dagger into the sheath on his left arm and gave it an affectionate rub before gathering the rest of his gear. Once all the journals and maps were tucked away into his waist packs he turned to Huntress to give her the heads up. She was already walking up to him, now donning her hooded cloak and scarf, and he gave a nod in the forest's direction. She took the lead as she backtracked to the location of last night's battle and Finn pulled his sword in case anything had decided to come back to finish them off. They stepped into the rocky clearing and were dumbfounded by the lack of bodies. The dead corpses of several Lumiwolves lay strewn about, some even chewed on, but there was no sight of the vampires who had attacked him. Unless all of their bodies had turned to ash and blown away in the wind, there should have been some evidence of last night's battle. Even their signature cloaks and weapons were gone and it was as if they had never been there.

Finn scanned the forest as he stepped closer to Huntress, "I don't like this. Its like someone picked this place clean and took everything. I doubt it was looters. Why would they bother sneaking in here just for some weapons? I'm pretty sure it wasn't the local wildlife, either."

Stephanie kneeled and placed her palms in the soft grass as she channeled magic into the local vegetation, reading any signs that might reveal a source or a clue. After a few moments she straightened up, "There isn't much. Somebody did come through here but it couldn't have been more than one or two people."

And not to mention the remnants of an ancient presence that are still lingering here. Its just like the one I felt in the woods last night.

The scout pointed toward the trees, "Well whatever it was, it's not our problem. We gotta get back to the kingdom with the info we have so they can get the war machine rolling. The general won't care about some odd mystery. Come on."

Trekking through the forest was relatively easy during the day if you knew where you were going and what killer vegetation to avoid getting close to. They made quick work of the trip and they arrived at the usual clearing they used to summon their transport. Finn pulled out a whistle from his pack and the nymph covered her ears as she stepped away from the piercing shrill of the calling device. After a few minutes their call was answered with the loud screech of an eagle and it landed a few feet away.

Finn strolled up to the large predatory bird and offered it a squirrel that he had caught on the way there, "You hungry little guy?" The eagle chirped and swallowed it whole as the scout rubbed its beak, "Now who's a good little boy?"

"It's a girl."

"Who's a good little girl?"

Huntress rolled her eyes and climbed aboard and Finn followed behind her, "I'll steer this time."

He scooted up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist before whispering rather suggestively in her ear, "That's fine by me. I prefer the back anyways."

A warm shiver ran down her spine and she delivered a quick elbow to his stomach that elicited a grunt and a chuckle from the human, "No funny business or your ass is walking home."

"Yes, dear."

The eagle stretched its powerful wings and climbed into the air with a loud screech. Finn reached back to make sure his packs were tightly secured and wondered what Jake was making for lunch today. The cook had taken him in when he had first arrived at the kingdom and had taught him most of what he knew about swordsmanship and fighting. Despite his looks, he held a sword masterfully and was more than a match for any other professional soldier. Finn had asked him numerous times where he had learned such skill but he always responded with the same chuckle every time.

The castle came into view in the distance and they soon landed in one of the eagle towers shortly thereafter. Finn hopped off and offered her a hand down that she reluctantly accepted, "I'm going to deliver the reports to old man Mathers and-" The wizard simply walked off into one of the hallways without a word. "Jeez, fine then." As he made his way through the castle to the general's office he noticed the flurry of activity as the staff shifted back and forth through its interior.

Oh, that's right. The engagement party is tomorrow. Must be nice getting to go to a fancy shindig like that. Imagine all the food. And alcohol.

Finn cleared his thoughts as his stomach grumbled in protest and he arrived at the designated room. He knocked a few times and heard the gruff voice of the aging general, "Come in."

The smell of smoke hung in the air as the general sat at his desk with a cigar tucked into his mouth, "You're the best thing I've seen all day." He set down the tedious paperwork in his hands, "You got the reports we need? I could really use an excuse to get out of here to do some real work."

"One excuse coming up." He pulled various journals, scrolls and papers from his packs and laid them out on his desk.

Mathers took several minutes to skim through the collected intelligence while Finn checked out the various medals and commendations around his office, "This is exactly what we need. I guess there's a reason you're considered the best scout."

"I just do my best, sir."

"Excellent work. I'll get my subordinates up to speed before tomorrow since I'll be tangled up with the princess' engagement party."

"Sounds like fun. Don't forget to hold out your pinky."

The general let out a hoarse laugh, "I remember back when the only thing I had to worry about holding was my sword and my pecker. Sometimes I miss those days out in the field." He stared at Finn's sword longingly, "Well, duties change, as well as responsibilities. Good work, Finn. We'll put this to good use." Finn took his cue to leave and made his way to the door, "And don't forget to thank Huntress for me."

"You got it." Finn closed the door behind him and felt his stomach growl once again, "Let's go pay Jake a visit then."

He walked to the mess hall and found it to be relatively deserted. Since most of the troops were either out in the field or training and preparing for the assault it was mostly quiet around the barracks. He found the cook handing a plate to a lone soldier and a grin spread across his face when he caught sight of the scout, "Finn. Good to see you made it back alive."

"Well someone has to eat this slop that you call 'food'."

Jake scoffed, "Says the guy who scarfs it down like it was the best thing he'd ever tasted."

He leaned on the counter, "So how is the cake coming along?"

The cook began stacking a plate with the day's meal, "It's almost done. Those tears you collected should really bring out the taste." He passed the tray over the counter, "You going to the party?"

"As if I'd get invited."

"I could get you in, if you don't mind wearing a staff uniform and working the tables, of course."

"Uh, no thanks."

Jake shrugged, "Suit yourself. I'll talk to the ladies for you."

Finn chuckled, "Oh I just bet they'll be all over you by the night's end."

"You know it."

The scout shook his head and grabbed his tray, "Thanks, man. I'll see you later."

"Take it easy, brother."

Finn poured himself some mead in a large mug and spotted Huntress in her usual spot, "Ah, so this is where you went in such a hurry." He took a seat across the table and gave her a smile, "Hey." She put up her scarf as soon as he arrived and gave an irritated sigh as she stared down at her half-eaten food. "What is it this time?" She just responded with an annoyed grunt and turned away to look out the window. "You are one grouchy woman, Steph." Her eyes widened and she snuck a glance behind her before fixing him with a glare, "Easy, easy. There's no one else here."

"I thought I told you only to call me by my name when we're alone," she hissed.

Finn motioned behind her, "This place is empty. There's literally only one other guy and he's across the room."

Stephanie kicked him in the shin, "That's for being a jerk." She kicked him again, "That's for being a donk." And again, "And that one just because."

He rubbed his leg, "Jeez you're abusive." Finn noticed that she wasn't eating anymore, "You finished already?"

"Yes."

Her stomach rumbled and they both sat in silence for a few seconds, "Doesn't seem like it to me." She began to push her food around with her fork, "Why aren't you eating then?"

Huntress sighed and looked away, "Well…because…"

Finn was confused and then he finally saw the problem, "Oh, I see." He reached over and pulled down her scarf, exposing her soft lips, "There you go."

She gasped and pulled it back up, "What are you doing?"

"Like I said, there is no one around. Eat."

"Well you are around."

"Oh and like your lips are the only thing I've seen?"

She blushed up to her ears and threw a napkin at him, "Shut it, donk."

Finn caught it and dug into his tray, "Well I don't know about you but I'm starving. Oh, and the general gives his thanks."

She watched as he tore into his plate with fierce determination and her tummy growled once again. With a final glance back, she lowered her scarf and resumed eating. Finn gave her a goofy smile and she couldn't help the warm feeling in her chest. The scout put her at ease and she still didn't understand why so she just stashed it away for further review. Their plates now empty and their bellies full, they threw away their trash and settled back into their seats. Stephanie sipped on a glass of water while Finn drank from his mug, both silent. Finn noticed her cup go empty and held up a finger before heading over to the large mead barrels.

He came back with a smaller mug filled with the drink and offered it to her, "How about something with a little bit more character?"

She quickly pushed it away, "No."

"Aw, come on."

"No."

"Just a taste?"

"No."

"But it's not so-"

"No."

"Is that all you're going to say?"

"Yes."

Finn groaned and rubbed his head, "Well I can't let it go to waste." He made short work of the drink and let out a satisfied sigh. Huntress pulled up her scarf and stood up, "Where are you going?"

"None of your business."

"Man, sorry for asking."

"I…have something to get ready for tomorrow, okay? There."

Finn held up his hands, "Alright, alright. I know better than to keep a woman from her privacy."

"Well its good to know that you're not completely daft."

"Gee, thanks."

Stephanie walked off and Finn gathered the cups and dumped them into the wash bin before heading to his own quarters. He unlocked the door and stepped inside and was surprised to see an envelope on the floor. After removing his gear and slipping out of everything but his boxers, he reached down and picked up the odd letter. He turned it over and found a red stamp with the kingdom crest and he tore it open to see what it was. Inside he found a formal invitation to Princess Bonnibel's and Prince Bubba's engagement party tomorrow night. He skimmed over the fancy words and checked to see what time he had to be there. Realizing that he now had to attend her party, he walked over to his closet and searched inside for a tuxedo. After pushing aside more blue shirts and shorts than he could count he finally found what he was looking for. He pulled it out and set it on his bed. It had been about a year or so since he had last worn it and he wasn't sure if it still fit him. With only one way to find out, he put it on and was glad that it still did, though it was a little snug around his biceps. Setting it back in the closet, he put on his shorts and started his usual workout routine inside his room. It was important to stay in top form in his line of duty and he always made sure to get some physical exercise at least six days out of the week. In between his sets of push-ups he heard a low hum coming from within his room and he let out a deep sigh as he got up and went to its source.

That's the third time this month already.

He grabbed his sword and sat on the bed as it reverberated softly in his hands. It was a deep maroon instead of its usual bright red and it began to glow as he gazed at it. The sword was seemingly indestructible and it had even shattered other swords while in combat. It was definitely one of the finest swords ever crafted but such a sword doesn't come free. There were costs to its power, and he had to pay a personal price just to pull it from the sheath it was imprisoned in when he found it in a cave in Widow's Forest. He grabbed his mother's dagger and made a small cut on his forearm before letting the blood drip onto the sword. Giving it a constant source of blood, his blood, was just one of the requirements of owning the sword. It rumbled hungrily as it absorbed the red substance and Finn squeezed his fist to get more flowing. After about a minute or so the sword had its fill and returned to its usual hue and grew slightly heavier as the blade once again returned to full strength. Its edges became razor sharp and the small chinks it had were instantly fixed. The scout sheathed the weapon and bandaged the light cut before walking over to the window, the last rays of evening sunshine streaming through.

"Sometimes I wonder if the sacrifices were worth freeing the sword."

He glanced over at the small rabbit doll sitting on his cabinet and then at his mother's dagger laying right next to it.

"Yeah. They always are."

A/N

And there goes chapter four just like that! Hope you enjoyed the latest entry into this lemony tale! I decided to make a mention of Roselinen in this chapter just because she's one of those characters that everyone seems to forget, even though she and Finn had a whole life and family together. I'm kinda tempted to have her make an appearance but the problem is that she wouldn't be too significant to the plot because, I mean, you're all here for the plot, right? Thank you for the reviews/favorites/follows and for taking the time to read my humble story. Till the next one!