The refugee camp is actually a lot closer than Scar had mentioned.

You only seemed to be travelling for an hour or so before you were greeted with the all-too familiar sight of tents and improvised fire pits. It was only when you'd caught a few flashes of white hair however that you found yourself able to relax; for all you had known, it could have been an Amestrian military encampment.

Much like the refugees in the North, these had also been more than willing to take you in, practically shoving food in front of you the moment you arrived. You'd ended up having more than your fair share as it happened, given that Scar took it upon himself to dump half of what he'd been given into your bowl.

It's been a few hours since then, and you find yourself sitting alone by a dying fire, thinking about things. Well, perhaps 'things' is saying too much, as there's only ever one thing that seems to occupy your mind.

Scar.

He's not himself at all today, and it's worrying you.

What transpired inside your tent this morning isn't exactly unusual; uncommon, certainly, but not completely out of place for Scar. More than once he's taken the time to softly caress you as he speaks, the warmth from his fingertips a great comfort.

No, the truly usual things had started after he finished packing up your supplies.

The first thing that caught you off guard was his insistence that he carry you to your location. When you'd smiled and reused him, he'd stared deep into your eyes, demanding that you relent and accept his offer. When you once again refused, he'd tried to get Marcoh on his side, eyes staring straight into the older man's soul. His plan failed however; Marcoh said he was confident you'd be okay with a short walk.

If you didn't know better, you'd swear your lover was fighting the urge to pout the whole way here.

Another thing he'd done is keep his eyes fixed on you for almost the entire journey, almost colliding with several trees in the process. His gaze was not full of it's usual fondness or smoulder though; instead, it was intense, as if he was searching for something. You can't be certain, but that's what it felt like. Then again, that could always just be paranoia; if Scar realises that your stomach is swelling…

Well, you don't have to worry about that for a while now. Scar has been gone for most of the day now, disappearing with Marcoh and another Ishvalan shortly after arriving. After a single quick kiss goodbye, you'd been left to your own devices, something that is a real rarity these days. So much so that you've sat and done nothing but dwell on the events of the last few days. It's still hard to believe that six months from now, you'll be holding a child in your arms. How are you going to manage on your own if Scar doesn't make it? Will the other villagers help you, wherever you decide to settle? Maybe there's a chance the government will see reason after you've helped save the country, and see fit to return Ishval to its people. You'd jump at the chance to raise your child the same place you were raised, as impossible as that seems. You're certain Scar would feel the same, if he only knew.

It's just a shame he'll never know.

You can't tell him. You can't do that to him. It'll destroy him. He'll think it a cruel joke, having everything just as he stands about to lose it all again, or he'll be angry at you for ignoring his feelings on having children, as if it was your choice! You can't risk upsetting him in any way, not now. Let him think everything is normal for these final few months. You owe him that much. Even if it means you'll have to deal with the stress of pregnancy by yourself, you'll spare him the knowledge that he's got more to lose than ever.

You just have to find a way to keep Marcoh quiet too.

Sighing heavily, you give the fire a quick prod with a stick. All of this thinking has you feeling more alone than ever. Maybe you should look around the camp for some company…

As if they can read minds, you hear a voice behind you. 'Excuse me, Miss. May I join you?' You turn around, about to tell the stranger that they're more than welcome to sit with you, but your words die in your throat the moment you realise who it is.

You've only seen the man once before, but with Scar's constant mentioning of him, it feels like you know him far better than that.

It's the visitor Scar had back in the East City slums; his former master.

This is going to be an interesting conversation.

Even though you don't answer, you smile, and he takes that as invitation enough to join you. He takes a seat next to you, smiling widely. 'It's good to see you again, Miss. Please forgive me if you don't remember me, but we met briefly in Easy City. You were treating a former student of mine.' That's only part of why you remember him…

Finally finding your voice, you tell him as much. 'How could I forget the man who urged me to give up everything to help said former student?'

Scar's former master chuckles. 'I suppose that's true. It's not everyday a stranger asks you to do such a thing. Still, as you never returned to the slums, I take it you did as I asked?' He didn't technically ask you anything, but you're still not sure you did.

It's your turn to chuckle. 'Scar is a hard man to guide, especially when his mind is set on something. Still, I like to hope I've played some small part in shaping who he is now. He's in camp somewhere, if you'd like to speak with him.' You point in the general direction of where you last saw Scar, incase the man wants to take you up on that.

Instead, he waves his hand dismissively. 'Actually, there's something I'd like to ask, and I feel like you're the one who'll give me a straight answer. You see, the first I heard of my former student's return was a woman talking about a tattooed Ishvalan and his wife arriving with an Amestrian Doctor. Forgive me if I'm being intrusive, but I must ask; what is the nature of your relationship with him?' Why did he have to ask you? You don't want to tell him anything that'll make him think less of Scar, but you don't even know what to say. What do you tell him? 'Oh, a Xingese girl assumed we were married, so we went with it. Please don't tell Marco because then he'll tell Scar about our bastard baby.'?!

You feel your heart ache at that last part. Your baby isn't a bastard. It's not like you and Scar have had a chance to marry. It's a little miracle, if a secret one…

Sighing, you do your best to explain your situation without incriminating you both; if he finds out the exact nature of your relationship, there's a good chance you'll be ostracised by the community, thanks to the scandal of a monk having relations with a woman outside of wedlock. 'Well… I'm sure you know that Scar and I aren't actually married. A friend of ours made the assumption months ago, and we kept with it because we didn't want to upset her. Our other companion Doctor Marcoh thinks the same, because we haven't told him any different. I apologise if you find out decision inappropriate.' That explains the most of it. Why couldn't he have asked Scar?! At least Scar would know what to say, or would be able to explain this properly.

Scar's former master nods, a hum forming in his chest. 'I see. That explains that much, at least. It doesn't answer my question though. What is the nature of your relationship?' He's still pressing you for answers. What are you supposed to tell him now?

With no words to say that won't incriminate you both, you look at the ground between your legs, and try your best not to sob as your tears begin to flow.

You almost jump out of your seat when you feel a hand land on your shoulder.

Trying your hardest to see with your tear-filled eyes, you look at the hand, then trail your eyes along the arm it's attached to until you find it's owner; Scar's former master.

His voice is a lot softer than it was a moment ago. 'I need you to understand that I'm not judging you, nor am I trying to condemn your actions. I'm only asking because the man you know as Scar is like a son to me. I only wish to know if he is happy, and to thank you for any part you may have played in his happiness. If you're concerned I'll think less of either of you for what you may or may not have done, you're mistaken. Scar has already broken so many of his ancient vows, all for the most abhorrent of reasons. Knowing that he crossed the final line out of love… it would almost be a comfort to me. At least then I'll know there is something of himself left inside of him somewhere. So please, tell me the truth.' How are you supposed to lie when he says things like that?! It's a dirty trick, and it feels like he's trying to lure you into a false sense of security. Yet looking at him now, you don't think you could lie even if you are right…

Taking a deep breath, you give him the answer he's been looking for. 'You ask the nature of our relationship, but I'm certain you've already figured it out. I have been in love with Scar for a while now, and about three months ago he told me he returns that love. He's even promised to marry me, should he survive long enough to do so.' It feels so strange saying this all outloud. You've never had to explain yourself like this before. You feel like a teenager, caught hiding behind a building kissing a boy. You shouldn't feel this way, but you can't help it; it's just the way the man in front of you is making you feel.

The older Ishvalan considers your answer for a moment, before humming once again. 'I see. And has your love manifested itself physically?' Well now, isn't that the last question you want to answer…

Regardless, you nod. 'It has. More than once. Ever since that first confession, Scar and I have… well, I'm sure I don't have to say it. It was all of my instigating however. I am the one who seduced him. If you are to blame anyone for what has happened between us, I would ask that you blame me. If you wish for me to face judgement of some kind, I'd ask that you keep Scar out of it.' He has enough to deal with at the moment. If he had to face the wrath of his former master… it would break him just as surely as your death would.

Before the man has time to answer, you hear a gruff voice coming from the other side of the fire. 'She is lying to protect me. I am in the wrong here. If our love is sin, then I am the one who should face damnation.' How long has Scar been stood there? Has he heard everything? Will he hate you for coming clean so easily?

To your surprise, Scar's former master scoffs. 'You talk as if this is the thing that is worth damnation, as if you've not already committed even greater sins. However, as a pillar of our community, I must ask that I speak to you in private.' You've ruined it. All of it. You know in your heart that Scar will take that man's word as written. If he tells Scar to leave you, or that your relationship is forbidden…

Scar grunts. 'All right. Come, the trees over there should give us enough privacy to talk.' He points to the forest with his left hand, and you gasp; it's bandaged up.

What did that other Ishvalan do to him?!

As the two men make for the trees, Scar gives you an intense look, before speaking to you with unexpected tenderness. 'You must be exhausted. If you ask, I'm sure someone will find a place for you to sleep. I'll join you when I can.' If he can is more like it. What if his mentor bans contact between you too?

Scar and his former master quickly disappear from your sight, once again leaving you alone by the fire.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

As they make it to the trees, Scar's heart drops straight into his stomach.

This situation reminds Scar of something that happened when he was just a child. His master (who at that was little more to Scar than a monk) had caught him kissing a female friend once. It was a purely innocent gesture of course; at six years old, Scar had no idea that such a thing was wrong. His mother kissed him often when he was hurt or upset, and given that his friend had just hurt her knee on a rock, he thought it would cheer her up. He'd been ashamed of himself when the monk told him the true meaning of such an act, and sworn never to do such a thing again.

Now here he is all these years later, preparing himself to be reprimanded for so much more than an innocent gesture.

He shouldn't be surprised. What did he think would happen? Did he assume he could live in his perfect little bubble world forever? The world that he never intended to create, but will now protect at all costs? He should have seen this coming, should have realised he'd be punished for his indiscretion.

At best, he'll be ostracised and shamed. At worst, he'll be told he's to avoid any further contact with the woman he loves.

Just the thought of such a thing hurts Scar in ways he'd never even imagined possible.

He deserves it though. He's known all along that someday he'd have to pay for his luck. He only wishes he could have had this happiness just a while longer, at least long enough to know if she really is carrying his child. Would his master spare him the pain of losing her if he knew? Or would he send Scar away and force his lover to abandon the child at birth, to spare it the shame of being born outside of marriage? It seems so cruel a fate for such a pure soul, a pure soul that Scar created. The only good thing he's ever done.

Still, maybe the baby would be better off without him, if it even exists. For all Scar knows, his lover could truly be dying. In that case, forcing Scar to abandon her would be a kindness to him, but an unrivalled cruelty to her; she needs someone by her side as she prepares to cross over, but the thought of watching her die is too much for him to even think about.

Scar is so lost in thought that he barely registers his master coming to a halt, and only narrowly avoids walking straight into him.

Scar's former master gives him a look that could melt stone. 'I thought better of you. When I sent that young woman after you, not for a moment did I think you'd seduce her like this. I meant for her to be your companion, not your whore. Do you have anything to say for yourself?' The words cut deep, but Scar isn't hurting for himself.

Scar all but growls in response. 'Don't call her that. You think she means so little to me? That all she does is warm my bed? She means more to me than that.' Though if pushed, he'd have difficulty saying jut how much…

Still, Scar's former master glares. 'You say that you love her, yet you bedded her without hesitation. You know our culture better than anyone. You know full well the consequences of your actions.' Better than anyone, as it happens…

Scar scowls. 'You said yourself that I have committed sins far worse than sleeping with the woman I love. My reputation is beyond repair, and I am already facing the consequences of that.' The fact that he's certain to face execution at the end of his journey being the biggest one…

The look on the older Ishvalan softens. 'It is not your reputation that concerns me. In matters such as this, what the woman said is true; she is the one to blame for seducing you. That is what the entire world will think when news of your indiscretion reaches their ears. They will say that she seduced you for her own wicked purposes, and that you as a man were powerless to resist such seduction.' Is that truly what they'll think?! How could they?! That they would blame his lover for his own weakness…

Scar is running out of things to say, ways to justify his actions. So, against his better judgement, he says the first thing that comes to mind. 'I forced myself on her. That's what I'll tell people. She was so pure and good that I wanted to corrupt her. Would people judge her then?' They couldn't. How can you judge the victim of such a thing?

The monk shakes his head. 'You think she would allow you to do such a thing? She told me that she is in love with you. I doubt she would be willing to lie about that. No, I am afraid there is no way out of this for you. The two of you have both committed a taboo, and there is only one way that I shall overlook it.' Scar's breath stops. What is it to be then? Exile? Separation? Is there no way out of this?

All but defeated, Scar nods. 'I'll hear what it is you'd have me do, but if you think for a moment I'll let you take her from me…' he doesn't want to hurt anyone, but if that's what it takes to keep her by his side, he'll do it without hesitation. Even if she might not forgive him for such a thing, he has to try.

Unfazed by Scar's threat, the older Ishvalan smiles. 'I want the opposite as it happens. After all, these problems only exist if you remain unwed. If you were to marry her tonight, I see no reason why I or anyone else should take her from you.'

What? Is he?

Scar's shock must show on his face, because his former mentor keeps talking. 'I've seen the way you look at her, and I've just heard how you'll do whatever it takes to be with her. I can't allow your affair to continue, but the last thing I want is to rob you of your happiness. While you may have categorically failed as a monk, there is still time to make something of your life, and I believe marriage is a good first step. So, what will it be? Will you choose to continue living your life of sin, or will you take the first step towards redemption?' Scar is still finding this hard to take in. His former master would truly do this for him? Whatever his fiancé said must have made quite the impression; if Scar had requested such a thing back at the refugee camp, he would have been shot down immediately. Then again, he wasn't quite himself back then. Now however…

Finally getting over the initial shock, Scar finally responds. 'I have already taken steps towards redemption, though I am not sure if such a thing is possible for me at this point. If it were, then marriage would certainly come into it. I have done things these past months that will come to haunt me, should I survive long enough to sleep properly at night. Of all this things, that which you would call a sin is not one of them. I will never look upon my love as a thing of nightmares or regret. It was the catalyst for everything that has happened subsequently, and the one thing that keeps pushing me forward. So, if you would have me marry so that I may keep that love, then so be it. Were it not for you suggesting it tonight, I would have sought you out to beg for such a thing. The only thing that woman in the camp has asked of me for so long is that I marry her before I die, something I had thought impossible. Now here you are, offering to do it without me requesting such a thing. I'm almost certain that this whole conversation is not real.' If it were a dream though, surely Scar would have not received such a tongue lashing earlier? Then again, such a thing would be in-keeping with his memories of the man…

Scar's former master smiles. 'I believe that settles it then. An hour from now, I want you to take your lover to a small clearing north of the camp; ask someone if you're unsure of the location. I shall go there now to prepare. If you fail to arrive on time, I shall send you and your traveling companions away tonight, and make sure everyone in our community knows of your actions. Is that clear?' He's still making threats after everything he just said? Well, at least Scar is determined it won't come to that…

Scar nods. 'Very well. We'll meet you there.' He hopes so, at least. He can't speak for her, even if she did express a wish to marry him just this morning. There's no guarantee she's not changed her mind.

Even if there was, Scar has long since stop taken anything as a certainty.

As Scar silently makes his way back to camp alone, he contemplates how best to tell her of this conversation. Does he tell her what's at stake if she refuses him, or just get on his hands and knees and beg her to marry him? Or, maybe all he'll have to do is ask her. While there's no guarantee she's not changed her mind, there's no guarantee that's she has. He just has to think of the best way to vocalise his thoughts.

As he finally makes it back to the fire, and sees his lover still sitting alone (Marcoh had retired as soon as he'd left the tent earlier, the continued walking clearly a strain on him too), words suddenly form in his mind.

As his lover looks up at him expectantly, the light from the fire making her skin shimmer a little, he blurts his words out without hesitation.

'Marry me tonight.'