Her eyes narrowed as he watched a young man lead an even younger, innocent looking woman down the street, her hand on his arm.

She hissed in a low voice.

The sight made her sick. Men, having such control over the ladies with just a wink of an eye and a well-chosen word. They were all scum, all just wanting the same, nasty thing. They all just waited for that one opportunity where they could bring their lady home and rid her off her dress, knickers and stockings, putting their filthy hands on their bodies and doing nasty, unholy things.

Not that women were any better, oh no no.

No no, she had seen her share of women playing on their bodies to bend the man to their will. Lowering themselves to a quick tryst in a dark alley. Even making money off it.

Even in times of dire disasters did not ease the lust and darkness that was creeping around in the heart and soul of every living being. Rosmary knew; she had tasted it first hand.

Even the most holy of people could, and would, all too easily submit themselves to darkness.

xoxoxox

Carefully sliding her hand out of Emmet's, Rosmary flashed the young paladin another smile before waving after him. "Stay safe," she called out, earning a happy grin and a wave back before the young paladin snapped the reins and let his mount gallop out of the gates from Stratholme.

Rosmary let out a small, happy sigh, placing her hand over her chest to still her beating heart. Emmet would be back again soon and then they could meet again.

For over two months now the two of them had met, sharing conversations and walks under the moon as they got to know one another.

Sometimes Emmet would leave to go on patrols and training with the rest of the Lightbringers army, but he would always return to Stratholme. He would always return to her.

Though the next time he came would be special. Last night, Emmet had asked Rosmary if he could officially ask her parents for permission to see her so they didn't have to sneak around. He was an honourable man and he didn't wish to shame her by sneaking around and having her break her parents' rules. The thought of Emmet thinking so highly of her made her blush and long for the day when he would return to her side.

Hurrying back to the church, Rosmary allowed herself a moment to calm down before entering the building in silence. She could hear voices inside and she guessed that her father was having a service right now.

Carefully brushing some invisible lint of her robes, she carefully slipped inside, closing the door quietly behind her before moving to the side so she could watch the service. She liked to watch her father preach to the people, to see the love he had for the people and their God. It soothed her, brought a light into her soul that she could carry around with her. It also gave her strength for the question that buzzed around in her mind and while she felt nervous, she was also excited. She just knew that her parents would love Emmet.

She barely noticed it when the people started leaving the church, bowing to her as they left the great hall. She quickly plastered up a bright smile, bidding them good bye, hoping that her cheeks weren't terrible red. She had completely lost herself to her daydream about Emmet and could only pray that her parents hadn't noticed.

As the last person left, Rosmary slowly walked up to her father, gathering the few books with hymns that were left behind after the service. The people were usually very good at bringing them back to the table by the entrance so she only carried five off them once she reached her father.

Her father removed the vestment covering his robes, carefully draping it over his arm before turning, jumping as he spotted his daughter. "Oh, Rosmary. Dear child, you are so quiet, you should warn me when you approach me like that."

Rosmary gave her father a humble smile and bowed her head. "Forgive me, father. I just do not wish to make unnecessary noise in the house of God."

He smiled and placed his hand on Rosmary's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "You are humble, my child. You make me and your mother so proud," he murmured before releasing her, moving past her before gesturing for her to follow. "Put the books at the back," he added quickly as he walked to one of the side-rooms in the church. "And come to my office."

Rosmary nodded and walked quickly to the entrance, placing the books neatly onto the table, even taking the time in making sure that the books were neatly stacked. Once she was done, she followed her father to the back room, knocking on the door before opening it. Her father nodded, carefully straightening out the vestment as it was hung over a knob in the wall. "Now, Rosmary," he murmured, not looking at her as he took his place behind a small desk in the room. "What can I do for you? I can tell something is on your mind, my dear."

Rosmary smiled some, feeling her cheeks redden some from her father's direct question. She should have known that he would realise that she wished for something, she didn't often go to him after service after all, seeing as she had duties to tend to. "You are right," she murmured, placing a hand against her neck, rubbing her fingers nervously over the vein she felt there. "There is… Something I wish to speak to you about."

He tilted his head, studying his daughter silently before nodding for her to go on.

"Father, I have met a man," Rosmary spoke in a quiet voice. "His name is Emmet and he is a Paladin," she added quickly as she saw her father's eyebrow rise in surprise. "I met him outside the church, some time ago. He was lost, a paladin fresh out of his duty and a newcomer to Stratholme. He asked to meet me again for conversations and he now wishes to meet with you and mother so he can properly ask for permission to see me in public." She smiled some, feeling her cheeks tingle. "He does not wish to bring shame on me nor my family by seeing me in secret. He says that is below us both."

She bit her lip as she watched her father frown, wondering if she had gone about this all wrong as he brought a hand to his chin and gently stroked over his skin. She had never done anything like this; this was the first time she had been asked out by a man in her life, despite her being twenty-two. Her status in the town as well as her parents left her all but untouchable to men if her parents didn't find them "holy" enough.

"A paladin, you say?"

Rosmary nodded. "Yes, yes. A holy man, strong in his faith and with a kind heart."

Her father nodded slowly, closing his eyes before turning around, looking out through the window of his small office. "I would like to meet this man," he said finally, after a long stretch of time and with an office so silent that Rosmary could swear that she could hear the flames from the lit candles flicker. "And then I will decide if his worthy of seeing you frequently." He turned around and flashed his daughter a kind, warm smile. "Have him come to my service tomorrow evening, Rosmary, so I can talk to him."

The young priestess' face broke into a huge smile and she resisted the urge to run over to her father and hug him. "Thank you, father," she replied instead, curtseying with a deep, elegant gesture to the priest before hurrying out through the room to continue her duties. Oh, she could not wait until she could tell Emmet the good news!

The paladin wasn't hard to find, conversing with other paladins at the local inn, laughing and enjoying a cold mug with ale after a hard days work chasing orcs.

As she entered, she still found it so amusing and yet so humbling that they all arose from their chairs and gave her a bow, greeting her as "priestess". Still, she smiled at them before looking at Emmet. "I wondered if I could have a word with you, please."

Emmet blinked his eyes before nodding, stepping towards Rosmary. "Certainly, my lady. Shall we step outside?"

"Actually, it is a private matter," Rosmary replied, giving Emmet a small, shy smile. "Could we take it somewhere where we would not be disturbed?"

Emmet looked more worried now, but he hid it quickly with a warm smile and gestured towards the stairs that lead up to the inn's rooms. "Certainly, my lady. Will my room be sufficient for a conversation?"

"It will be perfect."

Not wanting to draw attention to herself, she took her time walking up the stairs, waiting at the top of them so Emmet could show her where his room was. He was right behind her and as soon as he reached the top, he walked to his room, inserting a brass key from his belt-pouch into the lock before opening the door. "After you, my lady."

Rosmary smiled and entered the room. Emmet came right behind her, closing the door behind him before reaching out to take her hand with both of his own. "What is it, dear Rosmary?"

"Oh, Emmet," Rosmary smiled widely and moved to place her free hand on top of Emmet's. "I have wonderful news for us!"

"What is it?"

"I spoke to my father this morning, about what we discussed. He has agreed to meet you and invited you to our service tomorrow morning so he can talk to you."

Emmet smiled back, squeezing her hand. "Oh, that is wonderful news! I am honoured, my dear. Tell him I will happily accept the invitation and I will be there tomorrow, armour shined and faith at the ready."

Rosmary smiled happily and moved to give Emmet a quick hug, though ended it just as fast. It wasn't appropriate for a lady to do such after all. "Then I will see you tomorrow, Emmet," she murmured in a shy voice.

Emmet smiled and gave Rosmary a small bow. "I will look forward to it, my lady."

That evening, Rosmary felt restless, sitting by the window in her room, gazing out over the city while brushing her hair. She was excited about tomorrow, hoping that her father would approve of Emmet.

She had never felt something like this for a man before, but something about Emmet just drew her to him. His charm, his faith… He was handsome, kind and he seemed to wish to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him.

She giggled softly for herself, feeling her cheeks heat up from just thinking about him. She had never really thought about men before, at least not in the way she was thinking about Emmet. A man was to be a provider, a protector of the family first and foremost, that is what she believed. But now… Now she was convinced that Emmet was more than that, that he was the man of her dreams. A gift from God maybe, for being a faithful servant. A rock she could cling to if she felt scared, someone to protect her.

Smiling, she gently reached out and touched her reflection in the mirror. She was truly blessed, having met a man such as him.

"Oh, stop acting like a silly girl, Rosmary," she scolded herself, getting up from the small chair and walked towards her bed. "You have a long day tomorrow and you need to be ready."

As she lied down on her bed though, blowing out the flame from the small lantern resting on the table beside it, she felt that tomorrow just couldn't come fast enough.

"So this is the young man who has asked my permission to see my dear Rosmary."

Rosmary looked down, hands clasped together in front of her while letting her father inspect Emmet with a strict look on his face, going around the paladin as he looked him over.

"You know, she is my only daughter and she is to take over here once her mother and I are gone," he murmured softly.

"I am aware," Emmet replied, looking unfazed, though humble as her father continued to inspect him. "I would not dream of taking her away from her family, nor make her shun her duties and responsibilities. I only wish to be able to see her without bringing shame to her or her family." He gave Rosmary a warm smile. "And, if it should be fitting… To see where our… Relationship takes us next."

Rosmary's father game a small nod, pursing his lips a little as he stopped in front of Emmet, still looking him over. "You are saying you will show her respect. And you are a man devoted to the light. I trust that you know right from wrong. And have a sense of honour and duty."

"As necessary and demanded for any paladin belonging within the Lightbringers ranks," Emmet murmured.

The priest nodded, rubbing his chin, looking directly into Emmet's eyes. Emmet didn't flinch under the gaze, holding his ground with a firm stance.

"I see nothing wrong with you two seeing one another."

Rosmary looked up at her father, smiling widely. "Really, father? You mean that?"

The priest nodded and gestured towards Emmet, allowing Rosmary to step forward. Emmet smiled just as widely, spreading his arms towards Rosmary and taking her into his arms. "Good Father Eledron, I am honoured and blessed that you allow me to see your beautiful daughter," he murmured, hugging her closely.

Rosmary just beamed up at Emmet, her face split into a wide smile. "I promise you, I will treat her right, as she deserves."

xoxoxoxox

Lust.

It was always about lust.

Lust and power.

Respect was a thing of the past. Nobody respected anyone anymore, oh no no no. It was lust and power, the will and desire to dominate. To humiliate. To break. Destroy.

She knew all about it. Had felt it, tasted it.

The vile, bitter taste of darkness, the feeling of being dominated. Broken into pieces and recreated into a toy. A pet.

Nobody was immune against it. Nobody could run and hide from it.

It would find you.

It would always find you.