A/N: I can't tell you how sorry I am that I've kept you all waiting for this long! I'm ashamed! Though I myself absolutely hate excuses, I must tell you that I have very little time to spare during my days. There are countless of articles, books, short stories and other texts to read and several assignments to do every week. I had almost forgotten what it was like studying. With that said, I should give a warning that it might take a while to write the next chapter. I don't know, it might be done within a week, but it could also take a month. I am very sorry about this, but I wanted you to know that if this story doesn't get updated for a while, it is not abandoned, but I am being bombarded with school work!

Enjoy!


A Valiant Heart

Chapter XXVIII

Returning to life as it used to be proved to be harder than I had ever imagined. As I feared, people had started to notice me. I was now someone else than Ariana the Tailor's daughter; I was Ariana the Balverine Slayer. One after another, the most ridiculous stories of my encounter with the beast reached my ears, to the point where it was almost unbearable to hear. I went back to the tavern to work, and it was the only place in the whole of Bowerstone except for home where I felt safe. In the tavern, I had Mary and Alan and Patrick to save me from curious townsfolk, and the Hero to hand me enough work to have no time to spare for their curiosity. Mary was thrilled to have me back, and during my time away, she seemed to have grown. She seemed more mature and not at all the same girl she was a few months ago. I was rather impressed by it, and though I had always enjoyed her company, I had to admit that she was now my preferred company. While all the others tried to find out what it had felt like, being injured, Mary simply let it all be. Of course, there would be those occasional questions, about what I had been doing all by myself for almost an entire winter, and how I felt about the newest fashion I had missed, but they were all very trivial, and essentially quite entertaining.

"Again, Felicity tried to be something of significance," she said as she braided my hair one late night when the tavern had emptied, not long after I had returned. "Frankly, I cannot see anything special about that girl, at all!"

"There's nothing wrong with Felicity, Mary," I chuckled. "She is a lovely girl. I think you two would make wonderful friends."

Mary laughed. "Friends? With her? By Avo, I wouldn't want to be her friend for anything in the world! Oh well, thankfully, I don't have to see her that often. Also, I should tell you that she has been very fond of Garrett. But of course, you should know that. She hasn't been particularly delicate about it."

Swallowing hard, I tried to seem as unmoved by this as possible. Indeed, it was quite publicly known that the relationship Garrett and I had was of a romantic nature—though no one knew of my short, secret meetings with the Hero in the tavern cellar—however, I seemed less certain of my feelings for him, than he did of his feelings for me. Furthermore, as the rumour of mine and Garrett's relationship had started to spread over the city, it started put some constraints on my relationship with Wolfsblade. Though the Hero treated the whole thing as a much amusing joke, there was still resentment in his ways towards Garrett, and consequently, towards me. That Felicity showed interest in the sailor was, of course, making me rather jealous. However, I had little right to be jealous, as Wolfsblade so eagerly reminded me of.

"I think they make a very handsome couple," he had said when I had first seen Felicity's flirtatious ways towards Garrett. "It would be a shame to break them apart, don't you think?" He had smirked at me while leaning back against the bar, and I had chosen not to answer him. However, my silence had only made him smugger. "But of course he would go seeking comfort in another woman, for what I have heard, his current flame is a bit chaste. Or perhaps she's only having it a bit difficult in deciding over something?"

Furiously, I had turned to the man and growled, "don't you dare, sir! You know how difficult this is for me! Don't you dare mock me for it!"

He had then stared back at me, his smug face turning dark. "I'm not mocking you; I yearn for you. Make a decision, Ariana. I want to hear you say it, I want to hear you say that you choose him. If not, I need to know. I'm not getting any younger, love, and I miss doing certain things." And with that, he had slipped away into the crowd, and I had not spoken with him again that night. Nevertheless, his words echoed in my mind, together with my own thoughts and every lovable thing Garrett said to me.

Mary was observant, and my silence after her comment made her carefully spin me to face her. "Ariana, dear, there's something gloomy about you! I know it must be difficult coming back after what happened to you… if there's anything you'd like to share, I'm here."

I clenched my jaw. Oh, how I would like to tell her everything, tell her about the Hero, tell her about Scarlet Rogue, but I did not know if I could. However, I did not have to, because as the Hero himself walked past the bar, we exchanged rather tense looks, and though we did not utter a word to each other, Mary pulled me back into the pantry when the Hero had left the building.

"What was that?" she demanded.

"What was what?" I muttered.

"That look, Ariana!" Mary persisted, but it was evident in her eyes that she already knew the truth. She took a deep breath and shook her head. "I should have known. Not even you have the power to withstand his charm forever. How long?"

Again, I clenched my jaw, determined not to reply, but it was pointless. Finally, I caved in. "I don't really know. It's been coming on so gradually, I can't tell when it started. All I know is that I hated him once, and now… I just wish things were different."

For once, Mary did not judge, nor did she try to force her opinions on me. Instead, she nodded. "Garrett is a good man. He will most certainly make you happy."

Even though I should be very pleased with that answer, I was not. "How can you be so certain about that? What is it that Garrett has that Wolfsblade hasn't? They are both travelled, they're both intelligent… they're both incredibly handsome."

Mary nodded. "Indeed they are. While Garrett is kind, Wolfsblade can protect you."

"I don't need protection," I muttered and stepped out of the pantry and grabbed a cloth to wipe the tables, for the second time this evening.

Mary shrugged and followed. "Then what can he give you?"

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I straightened and let my hands fall to my side as I looked at her. "Love, warmth, security, adventures…"

"And Garrett cannot?"

I huffed furiously. "Of course he can! It's just… well, not the way the Hero can."

"Well then, it seems as if you've made up your mind," Mary said.

"I certainly have not! They've got different qualities! Garrett, for one, is a wonderful man!" I was beside myself. I knew neither how to convince Mary nor myself of who I preferred of the two men.

"And Mr Wolfsblade is not?"

"Well, he… he has his good sides as well as bad," I muttered. "The same as any man."

"Perhaps you don't wish to decide?" Mary asked. "You have two very eligible suitors, Ariana. Any woman would want to keep it like that for as long as possible."

I shook my head. "But I don't! It is tearing me apart, Mary! And ever more so, for I despise myself for letting the Hero get under my skin as he has! I hated him, Mary! I hated him! Garrett should be the only one for me, but as it is… oh, Mary, what do I do?"

"I would give my right arm to be in your position," Mary sighed. "Do forgive me, Ariana, but I cannot be otherwise than jealous of you!"

"Mary, dear, you certainly should not." I sighed rather heavily as I turned to clean the table from some spilled ale.

"How can I not?" asked she. "After what happened with John, I find myself rather sceptical towards men. I can't really speak to them, let alone flirt with them! But I would give anything to be in love, and to be loved back!"

"But not like this," I replied. "You do not know the history I share with the Hero, nor do you know the many things Garrett and I have in common. I could see myself in a life with him, but then Wolfsblade made things complicated."

"Have you kissed him?" The question was blunt, not at all soft or refined. It was pure curiosity, almost raw, and her intense glare said more about her than anything else.

I, on the other hand, had neither the wish nor the courage to speak the truth, or even look at her, and turned my head away, red of shame.

Mary then gasped. "Oh, dear Avo! You have!"

Groaning, I frowned. "Mary, you are not allowed to speak of this! To anyone! Is that clear?"

"What was it like?" she blurred out, the old Mary starting to resurface. "Oh, he was magnificent, was he not I can just imagine those strong arms holding—"

"Mary!" Angered, I stormed off to another table, but she followed.

"Oh, don't be so prudent!" Mary spat. "You have told me of Garrett's kisses! Why not the Hero's?"

"Because, Mary, it is just that—kisses! It's two pair of lips meeting each other. There's nothing exotic about it, nothing extravagant. You've kissed men as well! What is the difference?"

She burst out laughing, leaving me even more angered and ashamed. "You are too funny, Ariana! This is the Hero we are talking about! Of course there is a difference! His lips are magical, aren't they? Please, be honest; is Wolfsblade a better kisser than Garrett? Of course he is, what a silly question of—"

"Mary, I swear by Avo, that if you don't stop this at once, I won't speak to you anymore!" I growled at the girl.

Finally, she seemed fairly taken aback, but I could sense that she would not let the matter rest. Of course she would not. She had been interested in the Hero for as long as I could remember—like any other girl in Bowerstone—and she had known of his interest in me ever since it appeared, most certainly. I was her best friend, and when I finally had given in to the Hero's charm, it was rather obvious that she wanted to know the whole story with every detail attached. So, in the end, not even my futile threats would intimidate her. "Why are you avoiding the matter? Are you embarrassed? Oh, dear… you are, are you not?!"

After wiping the fifth table rather viciously, I sighed and turned to her. "Yes, it embarrasses me. Are you happy?"

"Why?"

"Because he is the Hero, Mary!" I groaned. "Do I really have to explain that to you? He is the greatest man in all of Albion, feared by all, wanted by all!" I did not ever try to hide the sarcasm in my voice as I gesticulated with my hands. "Is it really surprising that I find it utterly embarrassing to speak of my elusive romance with the man?!"

"I wouldn't necessarily call it 'elusive'." As his voice carried across the empty tavern, my heart came to a sudden stop. I dared not look towards the voice, but I knew that he was there. How much he had heard of the conversation, I did not know. I felt how the blood rushed to my face, and I wanted nothing but to disappear. "And I should thank you for those kind words, Miss Ariana."

Mary seemed just as uncomfortable and stumbled on her words, "s-sir, I'm sorry! We were only speaking of—we didn't mean—"

"Don't you worry, Mary," Wolfsblade said calmly as he walked towards the two of us. "Why don't you finish early tonight? I'm sure Miss Ariana can aid me in closing up for the night."

Mary seemed sceptical as her eyes flickered between me and the Hero, but she knew better than to cross him, and left the tavern shortly after.

When it was only Wolfsblade and I left, I tried to keep myself occupied, but he made it rather difficult for me by carefully grabbing my wrists and pulling me towards him. "Please, Mr Wolfsblade, not here, not now!"

Slowly, he caressed my face with the backside of his hand. "Why not? I, for one, have missed our elusive romance."

"It isn't a laughing matter," I muttered, "so stop making it one."

Despite my efforts of making him not to, he chuckled and let one of his arms slide around my waist. "I can't do much else than laugh about it. You're taking your time, that much is certain, and for what? Are you still trying to determine which of us suits you better?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "Which one that suits me better? I'm not vain! Not like you."

Again, he chuckled. "You show too much spite towards me to deny me. It's all a deceptive facade, is it not? A hint of how much you really want me?"

Trying to break free from his grip, I growled, "don't flatter yourself."

"Can't help it." Carefully yet decidedly, he leaned in and pressed his lips on mine, and I could not do a single thing to stop him. It that moment, I was not even certain I wanted to stop him. Like a curse, a horrible yet irresistible curse, his lips moved over mine and continued along my jaw and down my throat. "I bet you Garrett doesn't kiss you like this," he purred against my skin.

"It seems as though the only one you're trying to convince is yourself," said I, though keeping my voice even was a challenge.

"Perhaps," he said as he straightened and looked at me, his voice soft as silk. "Perhaps you enjoy breaking the hearts of two men? Giving them false hope?"

"Oh, stop it," I muttered and turned to continue wiping the table.

"Then why haven't you decided?" he asked.

"Because," I started, but nothing seemed to follow. I had nothing to say, no excuse to give. "Because I don't know yet."

"Well then," the man muttered and spun me to face him. "Ariana, marry me."

Stunned by his sincerity, I found myself lost on words. "W-what?"

"Marry me." There was nothing in his voice that told of lies, only raw honesty. He wanted to marry me. "I haven't actually asked you before, so now would be as good time as any. You know my wishes."

I was silent for a moment before I exhaled deeply. "Well… you know my answer."

The Hero then smiled and nodded. "That, I do. Well, at least it was worth a try." He breathed in slowly as he pulled away from me. "And I will keep on trying, until you say yes."

"Then you will be trying for a long time," I muttered.

"Why are you like this?" I could tell in his voice that he was losing his patience. "Why are you so afraid? You can't decide whether you want me or Garrett, if you even want any of us at all. What's so frightening about making a decision?"

Clenching my jaw, feeling rather tired of hearing his constant nagging, I crossed my arms. "Do you want to know what I find so frightening? The feeling of neglect and remorse if I settle for anything less than the only Hero of our land, and the feeling of neglect and remorse if I do choose the only Hero of our land." I felt involuntary tears burn behind my eyes, and I huffed in anger to repress them. "I fear that if I choose Garrett, I will miss you. I fear, that I will feel pain and jealousy and anger and sadness if I ever see you with another woman, knowing that I could have been that woman. But I also fear, that if I do marry you, I will eventually become nothing but a burden to you, an old lady you have to pay for while chasing after some younger girls to satisfy you. I fear, that if I marry you, I will regret it, and forever wonder what my life would have been like if I had chosen someone else, someone more common, someone like Garrett. That's what I find so frightening."

Wolfsblade seemed surprised, and perhaps even a bit offended. He exhaled slowly while flexing his jaw. "I would never discard you."

"How do you know?"

He chuckled softly. "Because I've struggled so long to get you, and now that I have, I won't let you go." Then he sighed. "Ariana, I can't even begin to describe to you what makes me want you as much as I do. There are just too many things. I have met many women in my life, but there has been no one like you. I never met anyone as fierce as you, as intelligent as you… mind you, I have met women more handsome than you—though they are extremely few—but none of them has ever made me feel the way you do. I'm in love with you, Ariana, don't make me grovel."

Though I was rather certain that I had known it for a long time, that he was in love with me, I had never heard him say it out loud, until tonight. I did not know what to tell him back. Was I in love with him? I probably was. I swallowed hard while trying to determine what to tell him, when he pulled me back to him.

"Forgive me. I should not have said that, but I was sincere." With another sigh, he caressed my face. "Can't you see what you do to me? I am the Hero of Bowerstone, a man that can have any woman in this country. Any woman—except for you, and you're the woman I want."

I sighed heavily. "I never said you couldn't have me. I just need you to wait."

"For how long?" He sounded like a little boy complaining to his mother. "Perhaps I'm tired of waiting?"

I tightened my jaw and settled my eyes on something far away from him. I did not want to look him in the eye, but I knew that stern face of his. Finally, I gave him a light kiss on the lips. "Give me another week, and I will promise you to give you an answer."

He, however, seemed sceptical. Then, his countenance changed, and I could not read it. "Well then, I'll hold you to that."

Though feeling a bit alarmed by the mystery in his face—and most prominently in his eyes—I nodded. We did not speak anymore on the matter, and together, we closed the tavern for the night. He walked me to Old Town, and before we parted, we kissed in the shadows, and I knew that he was deliberately making by choice less easy by using all his might to make my knees weak.

"Good night, my love," he whispered in my ear.

I pulled away from him to head towards my home, and told him good night while I slowly watched him disappear in the darkness of the shadows.