The leech and the lady of the lake

by FablePsycho

It was another sleepless night for the lady of the lake...then a leech swam cross her path, and an unlikely bond was forged. Follow these two on their misadventures, as they embark on a quest to end some of the greatest threats that has ever plagued Albion. The shadows of Albion are growing, and strange winds are blowing. Can these heroes pull together? A Fable Legends Fanfiction

2. Chapter 2: Chicken chasers

So uh...turns out Leech's accent is brummie. Credit to WesGreenMcQueen for telling me this fact. Well at least I got Evienne's accent down. As for Leech, I've decided that he has a reason for not speaking in his normal accent, so that will be revealed next time. For now, I hope you all enjoy chapter 2, so without further ado, ON WITH THE STORY.

Chapter. 2

Evienne rolled in bed, trying to shake off her last nightmare. This one involved the towns people and the villagers. They all had formed an angry mob, and started to chase after all the heroes. Some fought, but were overtaken by the mobs, while others ran, running deep into the forests with the people on their tails. Evienne had hidden herself in one of the buildings to hide from the mobs, but had been discovered by a group of torch wielding men. They took her, and the others, which included Winter, Flash, Glory, and Leech, and bound them all together to a large wooden poll. Then the villagers all cheered in unison as they watched the fire consume them all.

Evienne had no idea of why it was she had even had such a nightmare. The people had loved them...for the moment. Plus, she had been going to Leech for a whole week and a half now, she had figured that the nightmares would all be gone by now. That had been the point of why she was now visiting him from time to time. It was repayment for that one night they had in the dungeons.

Flashback

"You want me to "heal" you, like I had two nights ago?" Leech asked surprised. Evienne nodded, and told him, "Tha' night yew spoke ta' me...it 'elped me through the rest of tha' day. All I'm askin' is tha' yew do wha' it was yew did ta' me tha' night." Leech just looked at her as if she had a screw loose. What had happened that night was one of the most disturbing experiences he had ever gone through...he had thought it had been the same for her. He was just glad that she hadn't spoken out against him to the others.

"Consider it repayment. I did tell ya tha' mornin tha' we should do this again, did I nawt'?" Evienne asked, trying to get Leech to remember. Leech slowly nodded, but then said, "Yes, but I thought..." Leech hesitated to say those last words on his mind. He had thought that after he and Evienne had learned a bit about each other, that she might consider him a friend. He could have definitely used one to help him gather specimens, and aid him in his discoveries. He had thought that Evienne's young mind would be more interested in asking why it was so important to study the bodies of the creatures they've defeated in their quests across Albion. It would have been nice to have someone who finally understood his obsession, even better if she had become his pupil. They'd have long discussions, aid one another in dissections, and have a jolly good time asking and answering each others questions.

"'Ello, any one in there?" Evienne asked, waving her hand in front of Leech. This snapped Leech out of his thoughts, and back to Evienne, who was now frowning at him. She then said, "Could ya' nawt' space out when I'm speakin to yew?" Leech's shoulders just slumped as he nodded. Evienne then made a stern face, and said, "Good. Now, wha were yew gettin' at earlier? Yew thawt' wha' exactly?" Leech wouldn't say, he didn't want the girl to think less of him for hoping. He shook his head, and answered, "It was nothing...nothing at all. Just a thought, nothing more."

Evienne cocked her eyebrow, wondering what it was he was going to say to her. She then dismissed it as unimportant, and went back to her proposal. "So, are ya gonna 'elp me or nawt'?" Leech nodded, and told her, "I am a doctor after all. I've made an oath to heal people any way I can." "Good," Evienne smiled, "Then we're in agreement." She then held out her hand to Leech to shake on it. Leech obliged her, and the two shook. "You are now officially under my care." Leech said in a hearty voice. Evienne's face then became serious, as she said in a suspicious voice, "They're won't be any funny business like las' time, will there?" Leech's eyes widened at the question, as he quickly replied, "Oh no no, none of that. It's all strictly business, nothing to fear, so don't you worry about a thing."

Evienne giggled at Leech's nervousness, and told him, "Don't worry. I wos' jus' messin' wit' ya'." This caused Leech to ease up, as he began to giggle with Evienne. Of course nothing would happen, last time was just an accident. When they broke their handshake, Leech then said with great pride, "So how may this humble physician help you this fine night?" Evienne humored him, and replied, "I con't sleep doc, so I need ya' ta' fix me like ya' did before." Leech thought what she said over, and tried to think of what it had been that made Evienne feel as good as he said she'd been that morning. He doubted that a simple conversation could have had the affect to ease her mind, especially after witnessing everything she had down in the Wendell Glass dungeons. The girl had scared herself so bad, that she ended up giving herself a concussion that he had to...THAT WAS IT. When Leech had healed the nasty blow to Evienne's head, she seemed more wide awake and willing to listen. She had been able to relax herself in a moment that had earlier caused her to panic. 'Interesting.' Leech thought.

"Evienne...come here." said Leech, prompting the young woman to come closer. Evienne asks, "Wha' for?" Leech puts up his right hand, and answers, "I think this might be what helped you that night." Evienne looked at Leech, and then to his glowing hand with suspicion. She then asks, "Are ya' sure this is 'ow yew 'elped me las' time? Cause las' time yew touched me wit' tha' hand, I was bloody naked." Leech blushes in embarrassment at the memory, and looks away from Evienne saying, "Yeah...I wish that hadn't happened. I never wanted to undress you, I didn't want to risk seeing what you looked like under that dress." Evienne looks at him offended, and asks him in a accusing voice, "Oh I'm sorry, wos' I tha' hideous to look at?" Leech just looks back at her confused, but before he could respond, Evienne glared at him with dislike. She then said, "Yew shouldn' even be embarrassed. I wos' the one naked, nawt yew."

She then takes his glowing right hand, and tells Leech, "Where should I put it? Since yew con't stand ta' look ya'self, it looks like I'll hav' ta' do it myself." Leech then pulls away from her grip, and says in a flustered voice, "I can do it, just...hold still for a moment." Leech then puts his hand to Evienne's head, and begins to use his healing power. Evienne begins to feel the same sweet sensation she did two nights ago, and almost leans into Leech's touch. When Leech finally pulls away, she feels...empty for a moment, but then realizes that she feels as good as she did that morning after. She was now wide awake, and ready to take on the next day." Leech then asks, "How are you feeling? Any changes, new sensations, or irritability?" Evienne just hugs Leech, catching him off guard. 'The change in behavior is definitely a good sign.' Leech thought, 'Though I hope she isn't always this affectionate.' It wasn't that he didn't appreciate a good hug once in awhile, he just...wasn't used to the sensation, especially when it came to people he barely knew about.

Evienne then broke the hug, and looked at Leech like a cute puppy. "I feel wonderful," she declared in a cheer, "Thanks Leech, I'll come to yew if I'm eva' feelin' crappy again." She then ran out of his room, and into Brightlodge, with a new kick in her step. 'Hopefully that's enough of her for awhile.' Leech thought. He knew the girl had some problems, but he didn't like the idea of dealing with her every night. He either used this time to sleep or to continue his studies in the dungeons. As much as he liked to help his allies, he still needed to take care of himself too. He was hoping he wouldn't see her again any night soon, but for some reason he knew this wouldn't be the case.

End flashback

Leech woke up to loud banging outside his door, and groaned as he put his mask on. As soon as he opened it, he saw Evienne whose eyes were now just as dark as his was. "Another sleepless night?" he asked, trying to rub the sleep from his eyes. Evienne looked down guiltily and nodded, not even bothering to give a reply. Leech just groaned, and told her, "Well, I'm not going to "heal" you tonight...or any other night for that matter." Evienne's eyes widened in shock, as she thought, 'Did he really just say that?' After registering what Leech had just said, Evienne began to giggle, which eventually turned into an outright laugh. She then said, "Tha's funny, but I thought I heard yew say yew weren' goin' ta' help me."

Leech shook his head, and replied, "I didn't say I was going to stop helping you. I'm just not going to use my powers for this issue." Evienne's toothy grin then turned into a dark frown. "Bu'...it's workin. Why...why would ya' stop if it's workin?" she said in a sorry tone. Leech felt bad for making her feel the way she did now, but he had to be firm on this decision. In a stern voice, he answered, "Because the treatment is ineffective. If it really was working, you wouldn't be here, asking me to "heal" you. I'm sorry, but we're gonna need to find another way to help you." "Well 'ow are we gonna do tha'?" Evienne asked, growing more irritable.

Leech then took some time to think over her problem. The girl was suffering from insomnia because of her nightmares, that much was known. The only issue was of how he could go about removing her problem. He could offer to perform a surgery, in where he removed the part of her brain that causes her nightmares, but he wasn't sure she would go with it. Plus the procedure would likely kill her if he wasn't careful, so that option was least likely. Then an idea hit him, 'Maybe I can find the answers in her dreams.' he thought. Yes, that could work, the problem wasn't one of the body, but that of the mind. He'd have to help her find a way to cope with her fears. It wasn't a cure like she wanted, but for now, it would have to do.

"Evienne," Leech finally spoke, "I need you to tell me the nature of your nightmares." Evienne looked at him with a blank face for a moment, and then asked, "Wha'?" Leech then rephrased what he had said, and told her, "I need you to tell me what was in your nightmares. Who was there. What monsters haunt you. What it is that you're afraid of." This caused Evienne to look at Leech like he was an idiot. She wasn't afraid of anything, she was a hero, why would she be afraid.

"I'm nawt' scared of anythin." She told him. This time Leech looked at her as if she were an idiot. Of she was scared, she had to be if she was having nightmares every night. "Oh come now, everyone's afraid of something." Leech tried to assure her. "Well nawt' me. If I wos', I wouldn 'ave become a 'ero." she replied, as if it was a matter of fact.

Leech inwardly groaned, the girl wouldn't listen. Maybe if he told her he was afraid, maybe then she would try to open up. "I'm afraid of the creatures we face." Leech admitted. "I don't like facing Balverines, outlaws, or even recaps. It scares me to think what a human being can become if twisted by dark forces." Leech inwardly shuttered at the thought, and then looked to his own hands. Even when he used his powers to help people, he couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. Whenever he warped his flesh to the darkness...it always left him a cold and empty sensation.

"Well tha's yew, nawt' me. Don't like it, yew shouldn' 'ave become a 'ero." Evienne replied, not understanding Leech's fear. "When yew become a 'ero, yew're duty is ta' the people, and ta' killin' those dark forces. This is wha' it means ta' be a 'ero, and if yew play ya' cards right, ya'll become a legend. Sorry if yew're afraid, bu' yew've been given powa', and with tha' powa comes responsibility."

Leech didn't know how to respond to that. He would be amazed at the young woman's bravery, if she wasn't stressing him out...'Stressing me out.' Leech thought, as an idea came to him. "Evienne, do you remember what you told me that night you discovered my laboratory? The part about the hobbes, and how terrible it was when we learned what they did to the children. Do you remember that?" Evienne's face looked as if she was on the verge of crying. "Don' remind me. I con't stand the feelin' I 'ad when we came back to Brightlodge wit' tha' failure. We were 'eroes, bu' we couldn' do anythin' to save those children...I never wont' ta know tha' feelin' again."

'That's it,' Leech thought in realization, 'The poor woman hates feeling helpless. To feel she couldn't do more then she actually could. To be put down by the people, while trying to live up to her reputation as a hero.' All of that would certainly be enough to cause her stress and grief. It would definitely make her regret some of her decisions, and make her dread the next days challenges. She was still new to this whole "being a hero" thing, and he could relate to her in some ways. There was a difference between them though. Leech had grown up around death and failure. He knew what it was like to face an unknown disease. He knew what it was like to lose a patient. He knew what it was like to fail in his duty. He knew how people could be when you didn't live up to their expectations, and how it was to be shunned by his peers. Still...Leech never regretted being what he wanted to be in life, and had learned in his time as a physician that failure would always be hand in hand with success. This was probably why he was able to adjust to the life of being a hero so quickly. But Evienne...from what he had learned from the girl, she was just someone trained to wait for someone else to take that sword she wielded. She hadn't experienced much of the world before she took up the life of a hero. She didn't ask to be one, she just wanted to be free of her current responsibility. He doubted she'd even be here if it wasn't for that sword. 'She's like me in a way.' Leech concluded.

Leech looked at Evienne with new resolve, he knew how he could help her. The only question was, would she be willing to go with it?" 'Looks like I'm about to find out.' He thought, trying to build up courage for what he was about to suggest. Meanwhile Evienne was losing her patience. She knew Leech was trying to think of something, but it didn't mean she liked waiting for the answer. Then Leech spoke, and asked out of nowhere, "Are you busy tomorrow?" Evienne just looked at him confused, she wondered if she had let the man spend too much time in his own world, that he had forgotten about her problem. "Wha's this got ta' do wit' anythin'?" she asked, trying to understand. Leech answered, "A lot actually. I think I've found a way to help you with your insomnia. So if you do have time tomorrow, I'd like you to meet me in the center of Brightlodge. Can you do this?"

Evienne was still confused, what could it have been that it had to wait till morning? "Why con't we do it now?" Evienne asked, not wanting to wait any longer. Leech replied, "Because I'm too tired to do it now, and you having me think about another form of treatment has made me even more exhausted. I'll help you in the morning, so for now, just let me rest." Evienne's face just became even more irritated as Leech made his way back to bed. "Oh no," she said, turning him back around "If I'm nawt' gettin any sleep, then neitha are yew." Leech just rolled his eyes, and used his powers on her. "There," he said in an annoyed tone, "Now get out of my room." Leech then pushed her out, and locked the door. Evienne just stood there, at a loss for words. 'What got up his arse?' she thought, feeling a little fazed. She thought he'd enjoy a little company, even if it was strictly business. 'Maybe that's all it is.' Evienne wondered. 'Maybe he's just doing this cause he feels obligated.' Evienne couldn't help but feel a little hurt at the idea. She had thought he had been sincere when he said they were friends all that time ago. It certainly made her feel better thinking there was at least one person among the heroes who liked her. Not that she needed anyone to like her, she was there to be a hero, not to make friends with them. It was just...she had never relied on any of them to help her...until Leech.

She hadn't told the others about her dreams, she didn't want to look soft. If she wanted to prove she could hold herself among them, then she needed to play the part. She didn't want any of them to think she was just a stupid little girl who was way in over her head when she claimed the sword for herself. No, she wouldn't make herself a proper legend then. When she went back to Leech after that awkward night, she knew she might have been taking a risk, even if he wasn't like the others. 'But it wasn't.' she confirmed in her head. He kept quiet about it all, and helped her, even when it seemed inconvenient to him. She wouldn't admit it, but it felt good to know she could confide in someone. 'But if his idea works.' she thought, 'We'd have no more reason to speak to one another.' After taking a moment to ponder this, Evienne supposed this would be a good thing, the guy literally had skeletons in his closet. Yet...the idea still wasn't appealing.

The sun rises in Brightlodge

Evienne had gone to the center of the city, and waited for Leech to arrive. True to his word, he arrived at the center, where he greeted Evienne good morning. "Hey Evienne," he greeted, "How was your night?" "Wha are we doin here Leech?" Evienne asked, crossing her arms. 'Oh she's serious this morning.' Leech thought, 'Probably didn't like to be kept waiting.' He concluded.

Leech then looked around, and circled the towns center. Evienne looked at him as if he'd lost it, and asked, "Wha' are yew tryin' ta' find?" Her answer came in the form of a chicken, that had bumped into her by accident. "There it is." Leech cheered, "That's how we're going to cure you." Evienne looked between Leech and the chicken, trying to figure out what he was getting at. Then thought came, and she told Leech, "Uuuum...I don' think havin some chicken soup is gonna 'elp me wit' my problem." Leech looked at her for a moment, and then erupted into laughter. Evienne glared at him, if he was trying to make fun of her situation, that wasn't going to happen.

As soon as Leech finished his laughing fit, he told Evienne, "We aren't going to eat the chicken. We're going to chase it down, and then kick it into the air." Evienne was again, at a loss of words. The only thing she was thinking now was, 'That's it, the man's completely lost it.' Leech then ran after the chicken in front of Evienne, which caused the chicken to run around the town center with Leech on it's tail. By the ninth time around, Evienne had had enough of Leech's foolishness. Just as Leech was about to make his tenth go around, Evienne stood in front of him, and stopped him dead in his tracks.

"What are you doing?" Leech asked, faking urgency, "You're letting him get away." Evienne gave Leech a look that told him she didn't care. "I thought yew said yew'd 'elp me." she said through gritted teeth. "Instead, yew're chasin' a chicken aroun', and embarrassin ya'self. Does bein' a 'ero mean nothin' to ya'?" Leech looked thoughtful for a moment, and then asked, "Why can't heroes chase chickens?" Evienne's face then immediately turned from one of annoyance, to one of confusion. 'Does he really not know why?' she thought. Deciding to go along with it, she told Leech, "Because 'eroes don' act like little kids. 'Eroes are strong, an' courageous warriors, who take themselves seriously."

"Hmmmm," Leech poked fun, "That sounds like Rook to me. Not everyone else is like him." Evienne went silent in that moment, realizing what Leech had said was true. Trying to deny it, she said, "Oh yeah, well...wha' about the others aren' 'eroic?" Leech then counted his fingers, and said, "Well Sterling likes flirt and bed his fans. Shroud is an assassin, who's only goal is to get noticed by the people so he can improve his trade. Winter's a hero for fun, and Tipple likes to drink. Malice...he's a hero cause he's cursed to be one. So tell me, what's a hero supposed to be?"

Evienne remained silent for a moment, she hadn't really given herself the time to think about it that way. Still, they all had an image to upkeep for the villagers they rescued. Heroes should assure the people they're protecting, that they are capable of doing so. With this in mind, Evienne told Leech, "Wha' about the villagers, eh? Don' ya' think they'll look down on ya' for doin wha' yew're doin? Yew'll nevah make ya'self a proper legend then."

Leech nodded, but replied, "What does that matter?" Evienne answered, and with a stern voice said, "Do yew really want ta' be immortalized as a joke?" "No," Leech answered, "I'd like to be remembered for the person I was. If that's your idea of a funny joke, then I'd hope it's a good one. The kind that would make children laugh, and fill the hearts of adults with warmth." Evienne had no come back for that. Leech then finished saying, "Evienne, I'm not just a hero. I'm a physician, as well as a romantic, an adventurous soul, and a proud chicken chaser. Sorry if this is not what the people want in a hero, but rest assured, I am here to protect them. And if they still have doubts, what does it really matter?"

Evienne was astounded by Leech's reasoning. What Leech had said had given her an immense feeling of relief, though she wouldn't admit it. What she had said earlier about being a hero was still partly true after all. Still, it felt as if Leech had lightened some invisible weight with simple reasoning, and his own take on being a hero. It made the whole idea of being a hero feel a bit more bearable for her. "Still, kicking chickens won' 'elp me wit' my problem." Evienne insisted, getting back to the subject at hand. Leech just chuckled, and said, "We won't know until you try." He then pointed towards the chicken, and waited for her to try. Humoring him, Evienne walked up to the chicken, and tried to kick it, only for the thing to move before her foot could make contact with it.

Evienne just looked down surprised. The thing had moved, and she had missed it completely. She then tried again, but hit only air as the chicken turned in different directions. Growing frustrated, Evienne kicked at it again, only to stub her foot against Brightlodges center piece. She then began to jump on one foot, cursing into the wind, not even minding the passing villagers who covered the ears of their children. When she looked to Leech, she saw the masked man laughing hysterically at her.

"OH DEAR, HAS THE IMPOSSIBLE HAPPENED?" he bellowed, "HAS THE MIGHTY HERO EVIENNE, SLAYER OF REDCAPS, BALVERINES, AND OTHER FOUL CREATURES, BEEN DEFEATED? AND BY A MERE CHICKEN NO LESS?" Leech continued his laughing fit, even when it caused him to fall on his back. Evienne glared furiously at him, and kicked him saying, "Don' jus' lay there, 'elp me get this little bastard." "Leech rubbed his arm, and still laughing said, "My pleasure."

The two then proceeded in chasing the chicken all over Brightlodge. Evienne was hard on it's tail, while Leech who had been laughing a few minutes ago, was now gasping for air as he tried to keep up with Evienne. A small measure of relief came when the chicken ran through wooden fences, stopping Evienne in her tracks long enough for Leech to catch up. Leech breathed hard, and said, "Damn...(huff)...he got away...(huff) (huff)...Oh well, there are always others." "No," Evienne told him, "We go ovah' the fences."

"What?" Leech said, looking surprised at how far Evienne was willing to go. "Wha's a mattah Leech?" she asked with a smile, "Nevah tookin a shortcut before?" Evienne then made short work of the fences, as she flipped over each one with graceful fluid movements. Leech just stood there, and you wouldn't know it, but his mouth had been agape at what he had just seen. 'That woman's quite the acrobatic.' he thought, trying to register what he had just seen. Snapping himself out of his surprise, Leech then told himself, "If she can do it, then so can I." He ran toward the first fence, and jumped as high as he could, only to have one foot trip over the fence, and land face first into the ground. When he got up, his mask's nose looked as springy as an accordion. He then shook it off, and attempted to jump over the second fence, but landed on top of the fence instead, and had to jump down from it, making him pull a hamstring. Leech then awkwardly limped towards the third fence, and hoisted himself over, ungracefully landing on his back. For the fourth and final fence, Leech had attempted to try and jump over it, but had no energy to do so, causing him to crash through the last one.

Meanwhile, the same chicken from earlier had been hiding in an alleyway. It had thought itself safe, until a dark shadow castes itself over it. Before the chicken could react, Evienne kicked the flightless bird high into the air, as she shouted, "TAKE THA' YEW SMUG SHITE." She then reveled in her victory, waving her arms in the air like she won a prize. When she turned to tell Leech they got it, she saw that he was nowhere in sight. "Musta fell be'ind.' she told herself.

When she found him again, he was recovering at the town center. "You got it?" he asked. His response was a gleeful grin, and two thumbs up. "Good good, come sit down, take a breather." he said, motioning her to sit down next to him. Evienne obliged him, and took a seat, smiling as she looked at the condition of Leech's mask. "Wha 'appened to yew?" she asked, trying to contain her laughs. Leech, turned to face her, and said in a defeated voice, "You made jumping over those fences look easier then it actually was." This made Evienne snort as she laughed, she thought it was funny how she had beaten him at his own game.

"So," she said turning to him, "Wha' do I win?" Leech cocked an eyebrow, trying to understand the question. "What do you mean?" he asked, not liking the mischievous smile he was getting from her. Evienne then told him, "I beat ya' at yew're own game. So I'd like some sorta compensation for it." Leech nodded in understanding, and thought, 'Well, my goal was to have her lighten up. I suppose playing along, and giving her a reward wouldn't hurt.' He then asked, "What would you like?" Evienne thought about it for a moment, and then came up with a good one. She told him, "I'd like ta see yew're face." Leech was taken back by the request, and hastily replied, "Oh...uuuuuuuuhhhh...uuuummmm...how about another request?" Evienne shook her head, and answered, "No, I think I'm entitled ta finally see wha' it is yew think yew're hidin'.

Leech quickly changed subject, and asked, "What about that question you asked me that other night? I'll answer that if you let my mask go." Evienne didn't like that he was trying to bribe her out of seeing his face, but she guessed she could always see it another time. It wasn't like he could avoid her forever. Besides, she had completely forgotten about that question she had asked him that night, and it was high time she finally got her answer, now that he brought it up. "Okay fine, I'll take the answer ta' my question." "Alright," Leech said, preparing his answer.

"The reason I don't tell anyone I'm a hero is because...because I wasn't born one." Leech answered, waiting for a reaction. Evienne's reaction was one of disbelief, what did he mean he wasn't born a hero? After witnessing her take on this truth, Leech went on and said, "It was mere luck that I even became a hero. I was just the village idiot to most people in Whitehollow. Only a few accepted me as a healer, but the majority had thought me a nutter." "Tha's ridiculous," Evienne said outraged, "Did they even know ya'? I mean sure, some of the things ya' do are unsettlin, bu' yew aren' doin' it for some sick pleasure." Leech looked at Evienne, and chuckled at what she had said. Evienne didn't understand what had been so funny, wasn't he angry at them? "I'm sorry," Leech said in between laughs, "But you were the same way when you caught me that night. I find it funny that you can't remember it now."

Evienne was going to make a retort, but stopped when she remembered it was true. She couldn't deny the fear she felt that night, and she wouldn't lie to him, or deny him that truth. He already knew, so it was pointless to even try, it would be an insult if she did. "You see," Leech said, as if making a point, "That's why I don't tell anyone I'm a hero. I'd like them all to know me by my heart, not because I was given the power to change their minds. Those who doubt me back home, don't know I'm a hero, if they did they'd only respect me for being just that. Others would become fearful of me, and try to disprove me, even though I mean no harm."

Evienne could only agree with Leech, he was right about all of it. She had seen how different people were towards her, back at Muddypuddle. Where they once saw a simple maiden, the people now saw a battle hardened warrior. Life was different being a hero, she knew it, and now she knew Leech had known as well. They didn't have any goals to become heroes, but it seemed fate had different plans for them. Neither had been warriors, but by mere chance, they had joined others who have lived and trained to be what they are today.

With this all in mind, Evienne turned to Leech, and asked, "So wha' now?" Leech chuckled, and answered, "I don't know, but I'm sure we'll figure it out." Evienne rolled her eyes, and replied, "Nawt' tha', I mean wha do we do now?" "Oh," Leech blushed in embarrassment , "I don't know...you wanna chase more chickens?" Evienne shook her head, and and thought about what else they could do. She then thought of the pubs, and suggested, "How 'bout we go to the pubs?"

"Oh," Leech sounded unsure, "If you want to go, then that's fine." "Great," Evienne said getting up, "Let's go." She began walking towards the nearest pub, until she turned and realized Leech hadn't budged. She then walked back, and asked, "Are ya' comin?" Leech then got up, and said, "No, I should really be getting back to work." Evienne furrowed, and said in a taunting voice, "Work, work, work. You have all the time in the world to work. I thought we were havin' some fun." Leech just backed away, and said, "Look...I just don't do pubs."

'Don't do pubs?" Evienne thought, trying to figure out his problem. "Oh wait," she said snapping her fingers, "Yew didn' bring any gold coins with ya', did ya'? Oh well, tha's alright, I can pay for the both of us." Leech just shook his head, and began to walk away. Evienne wanted him to come with her, but she wouldn't force him. 'Oh well, he'll join me when he can.' She thought, turning back to the nearest pub.

Later that night

Evienne sat in Leech's room, waiting for him to come in. A few moments later, Leech walks in with a bag of strange items. With one, he holds it towards her left breast, and listens to her gentle heart beat. He then puts the item away, and begins writing in a notebook. When he looks back down at her, he see's that she's tense, as if her body desired a soothing touch. To remedy that, he positions himself behind her own the bed, and begins to massage her shoulders.

He spends a good ten minutes on her shoulders, and then moves to her lower back, and then her hips. Before Evienne even knows it, Leech has moved to her chest. She didn't even mind, it just felt so good. He holds her close as he continues her massage, his mask poking just over her shoulder. She wants to see what's under his mask, and sneakily moves her arms toward it. Evienne quickly removes Leech's mask, and is surprised by what she see's. For under Leech's mask was the head of a chicken.

In the waking world

Evienne awakes from her dream to see that it is now morning. When she realizes this, she's overcome with joy, and begins to dance around her room. 'This is wonderful,' she thinks, 'I can't wait to tell Leech his treatment worked.' That's when she stopped dancing. Leech...he probably already knew, since she hadn't woken him in the middle of the night. Evienne worried, she knew she shouldn't be, but she was. 'What if he doesn't want to talk to me anymore?'

Evienne knew that if she was cured, there wouldn't be any reason for the two to speak to one another. Evienne thought this over, and then rolled her eyes at the idea. After what he had told her yesterday, please, how could they not be friends? She was sure he wanted to see her. Though another thing bothered Evienne...what had been that dream she had of him last night?