Seven
"Children, come here," Keara called, "Gavin has something to tell you." Conor stood next to her with his arm around Keara's shoulders.
Gavin knelt down as Maeve and Kern came running. "I've come to say good-bye," he said as he held a child in each arm. "It's time I return to my village and start a new life."
"No," cried Maeve, "you promised to always be here – no matter what!"
Gavin sighed. "Your ma and I have discussed some things and we decided it would be best if I go now. You have all the people here to care for you now. We'll all be better off this way, Maeve."
She pulled away and stood next to Keara. "Ma told about Romans and that man," Maeve asserted, "but you don't trust her. You promised to be here no matter what."
"Yes, I know, but Keara lied to me about who she is and why we left. I can't stay."
Kern pulled away and stood next to Maeve. "You lied," he whispered.
Gavin felt his eyes tear up. "You turned them against me," he said accusingly, "This is your fault!"
Keara went to Gavin. "You turned them against yourself," she replied, "They remember when you swore to always be there for them no matter what happened and now here you are telling them your leaving because of me. They deserve to know the truth, Gavin, and don't think for one second that they don't understand our words."
Gavin grabbed his things and mounted his horse. "Children, I love you," he declared. "I really do. I'm sorry that I have to break my promise, but I'll never for forget you. Never."
"Liar," cried Maeve, "You're the liar."
Gavin rode off, hurt and upset over the events that came to pass. He, however, promised to return someday soon. Time alone would help him clear his head and sort things out, but he knew he'd be back.
Keara felt the tears welling up in her eyes. "Go inside," she weakly ordered her children. "I'll be in soon." They obediently followed Fergus back into the Sanctuary.
"Are you all right?" Conor asked. He came up to stand behind her.
She turned to face him. "I just lost my oldest friend over the fact that I didn't tell him everything. My children are crushed and I feel so lost without him already." Keara paused to wipe her face. "Why did it have to be this way?"
Conor helped her wipe the tears as they fell. "I don't know what to tell you to make the pain go away," he replied. "I wish I knew the words to make it go away, but I don't."
"Why are you so nice to me?"
"You needed our help and I gave you all I could. I promised a friend I would."
"That's not what I meant, Conor," Keara said. "Why do you care so much about how I feel or how safe I am?"
"I've always has a soft spot for short, beautiful women with deep blue eyes and red hair," Conor joked. After thinking about it, he amended his statement. "To be honest, I'm attracted to your beauty, charm and disposition so I guess I do have a soft spot for you."
Keara softly chuckled. "Thank goodness for that," she replied with a bright smile, "I was beginning to think I'd have to admire you from afar."
Conor cupped Keara's chin in his hand and drew her closer to him. Then he kissed her. It was only a soft, short kiss, but it was magical to them both just the same.
Catlin had been watching from behind a tree. She smiled to herself as she saw the two kiss. She was happy to finally see Conor show emotions beyond rage and hisoccasional fit when things went wrong. Conor was capable of loving someone again and Catlin was happy for both of them.
