Disclaimer: Only Sylwen and Lucy belong to me :)

"You want me to teach you how to use a bow and arrow?" Bard looked incredulously at the elven women before him. He had grown so accustomed to having Sylwen around, that he tended to forget that she had forgotten her memories prior to when he found her. When she came to him with the question, it had caught him off guard; to say the least.

"Yes." Sylwen nodded in confirmation, staring up at him, determination shimmering in her green orbs. She had watched Bard on their last lake trip, observing how he used the weapon to take down the rabbits to feed the hungry mouths they had left at home.

All whilst Sylwen stood off and watched on the sidelines. She wanted to help. She didn't want to sit back and feel helpless. She was sure she knew how to use the weapon, but she could barely recall the last time she had ever held one, let alone used one.

Bard let out a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the cold nipping at his fingertips. He watched her for a few moments before chuckling a bit, knowing she wouldn't stand down on the subject. "I suppose I can." He agreed finally, before smiling. "Does that mean the fair maiden will be accompanying me on today's trip?" He inquired, unable to help the smile that formed as her face lit up like the break of dawn.

"It'll still be a a bit before we leave then. Run home and gather what you need." He told her with the nod of his head, watching as she nodded without a word and headed back down the docks in the direction of the house.

It had been two days since their run in with the guards, and since then they haven't bothered her, allowing her to wander the town on her own. Though he still felt slightly uneasy about her going out by herself, and Lucy would volunteer to go out with her. He really needed to thank her for not asking questions and instead just acting. She was a good kid.

Lingering on the docks for a few moments, an idea came to mind as he put a hand to his chin, scratching his beard slightly. "Bow and arrow huh.." He mused to himself, glancing toward the market in town. He should have enough time..

Scampering down the docks, Sylwen quickly made her way back to the docks, bringing the her pouch with her this time, making sure she had a bag in case she found more berries along the way. Though it was a long shot since there wasn't much last time, winter coming in quick.

Excitement rushed through her veins, barely able to keep it at bay. Something nagged at her in the back of her mind, ever since she spotted the mountain, but kept it at bay as much as she could, instead focusing on her trip with Bard. It was a new day, a new chance to make more memories.

Running around a corner, she just about ran into another body, as she squeaked in surprise, stumbling slightly.

"Woah there, in a rush?" The familiar voice reached her ears, Sylwen glancing up as she found Lucy, a smile spreading across her face. "Lucy!" She greeted excitedly.

Examining her attire, a smirk twitched across her lips. "Going on another trip with the bargeman already?" Lucy teased, nudging her lightly. She couldn't help but smile as the blush lit up Sylwen's cheeks. "Aha so I'm right!"

"N-No its not like that!" Sylwen stammered, trying to explain herself but she stumbled with her words. "He's going to teach me how to use a bow and arrow. Well I mean, help me with since I'm sure I know how but I don't remember off hand and I want to help too..." She trailed off, realizing she was rambling as she pressed her lips together.

Lucy burst out laughing, hugging her friend tightly as she grinned. "Sure sure, I believe you." She said, before pulling away once again, patting her head once. "Better hurry up, wouldn't want to keep your love waiting." She said, pushing her off in the direction she was heading.

Sylwen opened her mouth to protest, then decided against it. She couldn't win an argument against Lucy to save her life. "I'll see you later!" She finally said, continuing down the rocks.

Lucy stood there for a few moments, smiling lightly to herself before shaking her head. "God help those two." She sighed, shaking her head slightly before continuing on her way. She was glad Sylwen was able to freely roam the town now, though she was never very far from Bard's side.
She'd never hear the end of it from Alfrid though, but she could bare it for Sylwen's sake.

Reaching the docks, she quickly caught sight of Bard, a smile lighting up on her face. "Bard!" She called, rushing down the dock toward him.

Hearing her voice, Bard felt a smile tug at his lips. He stood up from his task, looking over at her as he watched her run down the docks.
"You shouldn't run!" He called to her, feeling a little weary about how unstable the docks were. Though as he said this, the docks began to wobble from the water beneath it.

Sylwen watched in horror as the dark waters came rushing up to meet her, shutting her eyes tightly. It was then she felt a sharp tug to her arm, pulling her away from her chilly fate.
She was then quickly met with a warm embrace, the smell of old smoked skin filling her senses entirely. It didn't take long to realize it was Bard that had caught her, feeling the tight grip that he had on her.

Her heart suddenly went into a frenzy, feeling the warmth flush to her cheeks quickly. Moving slowly, she placed her hands on his chest, pulling back slightly as she peered up at him. "B-Bard?" She stammered out, flustered.

She was extremely aware of the warmth that radiated off him, his arms that still held her and the chest that laid beneath her hands. She was more than aware of all these things suddenly. Her head barely reached the bottom of his chin, his embrace was warm and comforting..

Bard hadn't thought before he acted, seeing her begin to wobble as he moved forward, grabbing her as he pulled her against him. He hadn't realized how small her frame was until he held her against him, feeling her hair tickling his chin. A faint scent of the woods wafted off her, feeling himself begin to relax.

He was pulled from his thoughts as he felt her pull away from him slightly, tilting his head down as he watched her. Her green eyes peered up at him, the unspoken question dancing in those speckles of gold. His gaze scanned her face quietly, lifting a hand as he gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
He noticed the way her green eyes sparkled in a way he had never seen, how the highlights in her hair shone in the sunlight. She had the beauty of an elf, but the spirit of a human.

"Don't scare me like that." He said softly, his brown eyes watching her intently before he let out sigh. "No more running on the docks, alright?" He told her, tucking the hair behind her ear before stepping away from her.

Sylwen felt the cold seep in through her colds once he let go of her, only managing to nod in understanding. She couldn't even try to make words at this point.

Bard smiled softly, turning as he stepped onto the boat, his mind reeling at what had happened. Things were changing..things he never thought he'd allow himself to indulge in again. He shook his head, the smile never leaving his face.

Sylwen put a hand to her chest as she felt the rapid heartbeat beneath her skin, the warmth that rushed to her cheeks as she replayed the scene in her head again. Had that really happened? The feelings that rushed through her suddenly brought forth a familiar sensation, but she couldn't make out why through the forgotten memories that clawed at the edge of her conscious.

"Sylwen?"

Her heads snapped up at her name, finding Bard waiting for her on the boat, a bow and quiver in his hands. Her eyes lit up, rushing carefully over to the boat.
"Bard! You didn't!" She exclaimed, looking up at him with bright wide eyes.

Bard couldn't help but chuckle softly at her reaction. "I had some extra coin to spare, so I went and got you these." He told her, holding them out to her. "I figured if I was going to teach you how to handle a bow, you would need one your size." He laughed as he watched her take them, watching her awe struck expression before he stepped over to the stern of the boat.

She took the bow from him, though she couldn't help agree with his statement as she glanced over at his bow which laid on the floor of the boat. It was at least half the size as she was.
"I suppose you have a point." She grinned, trotting over to his side as she stood up on her tip toes, planting a soft kiss on the side of his cheek. "Thank you." She said, before shuffling across the boat and settling herself down.

Bard was a bit taken aback by her action, but smiled to himself nevertheless.

Her fingers slid across the smooth wood of the bow, her eyes examining the intricate designs that were carved into it. She strummed her finger against the twin as she heard the 'thrum' reverberate from it.
Part of her had wanted to scold Bard for spending money he needed for his family, knowing how hard it was to come by as is. But at the same time, the gift made her happy. He had thought of her enough to buy her the bow and arrows she needed.

He had done so much for her already. He gave her a home, clothes, food. On top of saving her life.

She glanced over at him from the corner of her eyes, feeling her heart leap into her throat. Her eyes dropped to the bow in her hands once again.

When had it happened? She wasn't even sure. But somewhere along the line..

Sylwen had fallen in love with the Bargeman without even realizing it herself.

Authors Note: I tried far too hard to wait a week to update this, but unfortunately it didn't turn out as such. Close enough though, and I figured after abandoning the story for god knows how many months, updating sooner than later would be a bit funner xD I hope you guys enjoyed this! Next chapter we meet the dwarves~

R&R