Hey There,

This chapter is not so long as the previous ones but the next one will be longer again. You will understand why when you read this.

The girls do some traveling ( yet again, I'm sorry for all the talking during these travel scenes but it gives me chance to tell their story )

they come across an obstacle that wasn't quite on the planning.

As always lots of reading joy

Greets

Tigergirl

The Calm Of Darkness

The girls decided there was no time to waste. Night travel was common courtesy now so they packed some things and went on their way.

Come daybreak they passed trough the whole of Brightwood and came up to an still empty bandit coast during midday. "Guess we swept this place pretty clean didn't we" Hammer said. "Yep they didn't even try to replace the gate" Sparrow said with a grin "Come on I want to sit a while before we go to the inn in Westclif. "What you're afraid to show me off in public ? "You know I wouldn't do that Hammer, I love you and anyone anywhere may know that fact.

It's just these damn woods. Balverines could be lurking around every corner.

"You're still afraid of Balverines ? Hammer didn't see this one coming. "You can beat these mutts easily Sparrow you're fast as lightning.

"I know Hannah that's not the problem. Balverines are different from other enemies. There not all violence like bandit's, not pure power like trolls and not strength by numbers like hollow men and Hobbes. Balverines analyze every move you make and act accordingly. They are smart it makes me wonder. What if their still human underneath all that fur ? And they just attack us to keep us entering their homes.

"You think to much Sparrow. It makes that pretty face of yours look all serious. Sparrow smiled at this. "You're probably right Hannah, I think to much. Maybe they decide to stay in the halls tonight. But do you mind if we take a rest anyway I want to be ready for whatever comes our way tonight.

"No of course not love, we can head for Westcliff whenever you want.

They sat down in the bandits tower Hammers arm on Sparrow's shoulder. Sparrow's head on the shoulder pillow.

"I'm glad you're back Hannah. I know I said this before and the whole love confession is out already but I still wanna say it : I am so happy to have you back.

Sparrow said all of this with her eyes closed laid back against Hammers arm and shoulder completely relaxed. Hammer never saw a prettier sight.

"I still think this is all a dream. That I'll wake up in the monastery up north and none of this ever happened" she said.

"You know I finished my training and thought of scowering the land as an anonymous hero for those in need but I couldn't do it. I needed to know how you were doing, I needed to see you again. If not to confess my love then at least to see you happy with another. It would be very hard but it would be the end of a chapter that needed closure.

Now it seems that the chapter has a gotten a sequel and I'm very happy.

Sparrow was touched when she heard Hannah talk like this. The normally so sarcastic woman was talking fuzzy about love. Sparrow was proud and felt loved because she knew Hannah only showed this side to her.

"Can I ask you something Hannah ? Sparrow asked.

Of course hun what is it ? Hammer answered lazily.

"What did you dream about when you were younger ?

I always dreamt of adventure Hammer said with a smile "so that worked out alright.

"Did you ever think about settling down, having a family ? Sparrow continued

"No not really Hammer said thinking about it "A family would mean settling down and seeing I was already settled I didn't see the point, that and I wasn't really interested in the monks.

When the journey started and I got know you I always thought you would have a family some day though" Hammer went on. "The son of the blacksmith had his eye on from the first day you walked in there. He told me so when you were on a mission and I went into Bowerstone for a new tunic and a new handle for my hammer.

I always guessed he would ask you and that you would own the smithy by now. His arm around your shoulder, on your arm a little girl and a boy coming up to your knees. "That's a nice image but it wouldn't have worked" Sparrow sighed looking up at Hammer. I could never leave that behind. I had a very hard time leaving you how in earth would I've managed to leave my family behind ?

"The same reason why you left me Sparrow. You had a job to do. And besides love, I would've took care of them. I would've told your children how great their mum is every time I saw them and I would see to it that your husband would remember you.

Sparrow melted right there in her lovers arms. She knew Hannah meant every word she said and it made her feel fuzzy.

She snuggled closer into the embrace and Hammer hugged her just a bit tighter.

Sparrow sighed contently. "How about now hmmm ? Still after adventure ?

"Nah... I've had enough adventure, after this is finished I would love to settle down with you in the lake house. Shame two girls can't have kids huh.

Sparrow's eyes widened. "You want kids ?

I would love to if I could have them with you love because I think you would be a great mother Sparrow.

You're smart, caring, you always put the needs of others before your own those are some great qualities for a mother.

"Thanks Hannah but don't trow yourself away either. You are strong, gentle and protective and you're the only one that can make me smile"

Hammer smiled at that"yes we would be quite a pair wouldn't we ? Having some buggers of our own" she gazed into the distance for a few moments before looking down at Sparrow again. "Even though that can't happen I'm damn glad I have you Sparrow" she said in a satisfied whisper.

"Yes me too" Sparrow whispered back before kissing Hammer soft but tender.

They dozed off like that and when they woke up it was just passed twilight, the moon was coming up. Sparrow was first to wake up but she didn't want to. She huddled closer to Hammer gripping her tight. Hammer smiled still half asleep nuzzling into Sparrow's embrace.

"We need to get up" the big woman said.

"I knooow" Sparrow whined just a bit.

"Damn this heroism" she grumbled.

Hammer stretched out one arm while she shrugged the shoulder Sparrow was still using as a pillow in an effort to get her up.

Sparrow grumbled again but before Hammer could scorn her she caught her lips in a kiss. Hammer laughed into the kiss and she could feel Sparrow smiling.

When they broke apart Sparrow stood up

"There I'm up, same as the moon" Sparrow said as she looked up. The moon was shining very bright tonight and was completely full. even on a bright night like this the moon shouldn't be this clear, something was strange was hanging in the air tonight. And while Sparrow was brooding over this thought she could hear howling in the distance.

"All of us creatures of the night" Hammer said as she came up to Sparrow.

"Come on, with all that money you gave to that poor bugger Barnum they made a bridge we don't have to go through the Halls" Hammer said while she put an arm on Sparrow's shoulder. Like that the girls took of for Westclif

Soon enough Sparrow saw the big red flags which meant that the bridge was close. When they came up the hill however they saw that the flags were ripped to shreds and when they came 'round the corner the saw the bridge crumbled to pieces.

"I hate these woods Sparrow sighed sounding very tired.

"I know love but you you've improved a lot since we last came through here. We can do this. "I know we can Hannah I just wish we didn't have to.

I had enough of senseless violence. The men that are terrorizing Bloodstone need to be stopped and I will do that but this trip down the halls is just killing Balverines. The attacks stopped years ago. They're calm now. But this may just stir them from their slumber.

Sparrow really looked tired of the whole situation.

"I know what you mean Sparrow, It's one of the reasons I left. But if what you think of them is true, that they are still intelligent humans under all that fur we may be able to speak with them. Maybe they will let us pass if we don't attack first.

Sparrow did not expect this. She knew Hammers lust for adventure had numbed over the years and wasn't really fond of Balverines either but for her to come up with such a peaceful option pleasantly surprised her and it made Sparrow love her that much more.

"You really think we can persuade them ? Sparrow asked. "Sparrow if I learned anything from our journey is that you can whatever you set your mind to".

Sparrow blushed at that and decided that she was right. She did get over the mind control in The Spire after all.

She gave Hammer a tender kiss. "I love you Hannah, thank you for being here.

"Always love" she drew Sparrow close and returned the favor by kissing her

Yellow eyes were watching the pair and decided it was time to return home and inform the leader.

After all two very special guests were coming their way and they needed to prepare for their welcome

Hahahahahaha cliffhanger. Now you understand why this chapter is so short it just needed to end here.

The next chapter will be kinda intense if you want to find out in which way you'll just have to stick around