True to his word, Hawke did make sure I had something to eat and drink. I spent most of the morning in silence, for I wasn't sure what to even say. He allowed the silence to remain for only so long while he packed his camp and tended to his horse. When he was finished he walked over to me and looked down towards me with his eyebrows furrowed.

"So, are you Dalish or….."

I knew this question would come up eventually. I wear armor of the Dalish, but I do not fashion any sort of a Vallaslin. I honestly don't know what to say. I can't tell him who I really am, nor can I tell him what happened with Taren. I open my mouth to form some sort of an answer by omission, but he stops me when he puts his hand up and shakes his head.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't ask you that. I am just curious what brought you deep into the woods alone. I don't know everything about the Dalish, but I know a little. I had a friend, she was a Dalish. But she wore the Vallaslin. She once told me the Dalish would receive their Vallaslin when they reach the age of adulthood. You don't have one, but your armor is similar to hers. I mean no offense, but I find myself curious as to why you are traveling with nearly no supplies and completely on your own."

"No offense taken." I pause to consider my words. "Is it so odd that one would travel alone? Are you not also alone?" I decided my best reaction to his questions is to turn the tables on him.

"You're not going to tell me are you?"

Well, that didn't quite work out the way I hoped it would. I lift my head to make eye contact with him, then allow my lips to pull up slightly into a smirk. "I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you." I wink at him and then maintain eye contact awaiting his response.

He chuckles and then says "Touché." He pauses and breaks the eye contact for a moment, letting the mirth fall from his expression. "Look, there's a city not far from here that I am traveling to. I could take you there as well. At least then you won't be wandering the woods alone."

I stand up and brush my backside off, then turn to stare at him. I search his face for a moment before replying. "Why do you insist on helping me? You don't know me and on top of that, I stole from you while you were sleeping."

His expression turned serious for a moment, then he shrugs his shoulders and looks at me. "Because I know what it is to struggle and be left with nothing."

This man has been through a lot, I can see the pain written in his eyes. He may have supplies whereas I do not, but he and I both have one thing in common. We are both alone and left with nothing. In truth, I can't really refuse his offer. It would be foolish of me to do so. Pulling myself out of my thoughts I turn around to find Hawke coming towards me with his horse. I haven't yet formed an answer for him, but it would appear that he has already accepted my not leaving since he took his wards down as answer enough.

"Alright, being the charming and handsome gentleman that I am…." He waves me over and then pats on the horses saddle and says "Hop on."

"Um….I can walk you know, I do have two perfectly fine working legs." I have not ridden a horse in years, not since I was back home. That and I refuse to abuse the kindness he has bestowed upon me for whatever reason he has chosen to do so. Perhaps it is just in his nature or perhaps he is tired of being alone and welcomes the company. I cannot presume to know his motives, only greatly appreciate them.

"I….appreciate your kindness, 'Dom'. Even when it is undeserving. I do not wish to be greedy with it. If it is all the same with you, I would prefer to walk."

He smiles then shrugs his shoulders and says "I understand. So, you ready to go then?"

I nod my head and begin following him in silence. He does not ride his horse, rather he guides the reins forward in the front on foot, while I follow in the back. I truly have no idea what I will do when we reach our destination. But, it will be better than being alone out here in the woods. I look down at my bandaged hands as we're walking. They don't feel sore any more, perhaps the elfroot healed them completely. I begin removing the wrappings on my hands. Once the bandages are fully removed I notice that my wounds are indeed healed. That's good I suppose. I hope Taren was able to get his wrists taken care of. Deshanna was a wonderful healer, I have no doubt that she was able to restore his flesh without much scarring. At least, I can only hope so. I still feel awful about what happened, and even more so when I think about never being able to go back to them. Trying to shove those thoughts and emotions down I force myself to instead think of home and try to remember my favorite songs. Music was a large aspect of my life, I memorized many songs that I could play on the piano. I always felt like my brain was a jukebox in reincarnation. As silly as it sounds, but truly, I always had one song or another running through my head like an infinite playlist. Remembering music always helped me to move away from unpleasant thoughts.

The sun is beginning to set, we should reach Wycome by nightfall. We have been traveling most of the day, without many stops. Trying to make it there before the dark of night settles in around us. I glance behind me to strike up another bought of random conversation and I see her nodding off instead. I sigh and walk towards her. I really wish she would at least tell me her name. Though, I guess I would need to bestow the same courtesy.

"Here." I go to grab her hand to guide her to the horse, in which she yanks back like it was on fire.

"Your falling asleep, at least come sit on the horse if you need some rest. We will arrive within an hour or so." This got her attention enough to give me a small nod, then she moves towards the horse's saddle. I follow behind her just in case she may need assistance. Which she does, she attempted to step up and slipped falling back slightly. I brace my hands on her waist and give her the extra support she needs to swing her leg over. She places her hands on the swell of the saddle and begins to nod off again. I remain by the side of the horse as we continue our travel. I do so to provide additional support should she begin to slip off in her sleep.

I don't know what it is that compels me to want to help her so. At first, when I awoke to notice I had been robbed in my sleep I was furious. But, after checking my wards and finding them completely undisturbed, I became thoroughly confused. It wasn't until I threw my head back in frustration and wonder that I saw her curled up in a ball with my pelt high up in the tree. I actually laughed and was impressed. Both that she thought of and managed such a feat, as well as she actually stayed in my camp. Any normal person would not have stayed behind after robbing someone for fear of getting caught. Then again, most normal thieves would not have only taken what they needed and not more. I had a full coin pouch next to my bedroll, it did not even look like it had been touched. She only stole enough food to satisfy her hunger pangs and a pelt to keep warm with. After that realization hit me, I felt nothing but empathy for her. I knew what struggling felt like and I knew what doing whatever you needed to survive felt like. Both were terrible feelings and both were feelings I had still. But then, after waking her she became a curiosity. She surprised me with her beauty and her stubborn persona. She carried features that I had never seen in an elf before. Her red hair was so vibrant and deep. Almost like a wild fire, beautiful but fierce. She carried those features in her eyes along with pain and sorrow. More emotions I could understand fully. I saw too much of my own inner turmoil's within her eyes. I needed to help her and get her to safety. I just could not allow myself to walk away and never know if she would survive or wither and die. I didn't want to be a reason that fire within her went out.

I hear her shift on the saddle, I look over to see her straighten her back slightly and lift her head. Seems sleep is a difficult task for her. We're much closer to Wycome now, I at least want to know her name before we will inevitably go our separate ways. Of course, I will make sure she gets set up at least for the evening in Wycome. Then surely she will venture on her own after. So, I suppose now would be a good a time as any to exchange my name for hers. Hopefully, this goes well.

Trying to sleep on a horse is not easy. Perhaps if I didn't already struggle with sleep because of my disconnection to the Fade it would be slightly easier. But, honestly I highly doubt it. I decide to give up on that endeavor and sit up to see where we were. I look around and see nothing but dim sunlight and trees. Seems we won't be arriving to wherever he is taking me until nightfall. Hopefully I can manage to find some place to rest when we get there. I doubt Hawke will help me with that much, he has already done more than I deserve.

I sigh and look over to see him walking next to the horse. Did he really walk so close now to make sure I didn't fall off? This entire time we've been traveling he was up a few feet in front guiding the reigns to the horse. But now he's literally almost bumping his shoulders into my leg by walking so close. It seems his kindness never ceases. Almost as if it is built within his very nature to help and look after others.

I catch him glance up at me then he immediately tenses up and pulls the reins on the horse to a stop. He sighs and looks away, then says "I have a deal to make with you."

Curious. "Yes?"

He sighs again and runs his hands through his hair. "If I tell you my name, will you give me yours?" He pauses before saying "Our real names though."

I ponder his request for a moment. Honestly, I already know what his name is, though I haven't voiced that fact to him. It would only seem fair that he should know mine. After all, it's not like he's going to run off and turn me into my Clan. He does not even know about what happened between Taren and me. I highly doubt Deshanna posted wanted signs all over the forest. So, reaching my decision, I hop off of the back of his horse to bring myself to stand in front of him, pulling my lips into a smile. I reply "Alright, you have a deal. My name is Hallie."

He looks over at me and makes eye contact. He looks almost worried, but why?

"Hallie…I like it. Alright I'll say it fast. I'm Garrett Hawke." Then he scrunches up his face as if waiting for backlash. When it doesn't come he slowly peeks open one eye. Then he drops his expression and rolls his eyes. "You know, Champion of Kirkwall….may or may not be the reason for the Mage rebellion and technically the start of the war." He's looking at me like he's waiting for me to freak out. But I just look at him with a nonchalant expression and say "Pleasure to officially make your acquaintance Garrett." Oh, wait maybe he only goes by Hawke like in the game. "Er, I mean…Hawke?"

He drops his shoulders and lets out a breath that I didn't even realize he was holding in. Then smiles at me in relief. "You can call me Garrett. You are not bothered by who I am?"

"No, why would I be? Sure, I have heard the stories. But, who I am to judge you when I have only just met you? The mages in most of the Circles were abused, tortured, and raped. The Templars in those Circles acted as if they were not people but monsters deserving to be punished, removed from their homes and families and locked away. Because of something they were born with. Something that was out of their control. Just as our eye color, hair color, and facial features are out of our control. It's just what we were born with. No one should be punished because of a trait their body inhabits after birth. I don't agree with the Circles and I don't believe in the Chantry. I do believe something needed to change, how it changed is a subject for debate. But, it was also inevitable to some degree. No matter how or when the mage rebellion happened, it was never the less bound to happen. I do not blame you and I do not blame your fellow mage companion. It was something that happened that I myself did not witness. Therefore, the stories that circled around were not something I considered to be full truth. Stories change as they go from ear to ear. Some truth remains, but only most of what is within those stories are what people have warped into something the public wants to hear. Not what it truly is."

"So, no. I am not bothered. I will only judge you based on what you show me and who you are as a person. I can see you have a good heart. That you can't help but to care for and help others. I see pain and regret in your eyes as well as sorrow and compassion. Those are not things one would see in the eyes of a man who means harm and evil to others."

The look that he gives me is so intense that I wonder if my words had pushed the wrong button. I spoke only truth from what I see and believe. And yet, he locks eyes with me, his brows furrowed and it almost seems as if he is searching for every detail about me and who I am within my eyes. Like he is looking into the depths of my very soul. He moves to take a step towards me and then slowly brings his hand up towards the side of my face. Then he stops and drops his hand back down to his side and says "I…..Thank you."

I keep my eyes locked on his for a moment and realize that it is not that I upset him. I made him feel…..free? Free to be who he is and be judged by who he is as a person. Not what his title means as it is placed upon him. It would appear that not many, if any, people whom he has come across have accepted him as a person and seen past his title. Seen past what his title now means to Thedas. To some he is a hero and is to be praised. To others, his head is wanted for crimes, a criminal. No one ever seeing past those two outlooks. He hides himself from the world. Hides from both praise and accusations. Because none allow him to be a person, none allow him freedom to be who he is.

I break our eye contact first and move to walk past him, patting him on the shoulder.

"We should keep moving, I hope by now we are not that far."

He shakes his head and turns to follow me. "So, just Hallie then? Noooo….backstory as to why you were alone in the woods perhaps?

I ponder his question and quick change in subject for a moment. I guess when I consider what I already know about him, both from the games back in my world and what he has told me. I already know so much about him, things he was even worried about sharing with me. While he only knows my name. A secret for a secret? We're both wanted and exiled. Though for different reasons and extremities. But wanted all the same.

"No, not just Hallie. Technically…well, It's Hallie of Clan Lavellan. But, now I'm presumed exiled from my Clan for reasons that I wish to keep to myself." Enough detail to hopefully satisfy his curiosity without giving myself away. He nods his head in acknowledgment.

"I can respect that, and I thank you for sharing that much with me. I hope someday you will find someone you can trust enough to share your full story with. For now, I believe Wycome awaits." He smiles at that as we continue moving forward.

Wycome is much larger than I expected it to be, and more free as well. Large buildings that line up around the streets, people almost crowding the streets and diverse in race. Tall trees set in front of most of the buildings along with banners that have symbols of only what I assume to be of that certain families name. There are so many people here, it's almost overwhelming to me. Considering I've only been with my clan since being her in Thedas. Now I understand why Clan Lavellan are able to trade with them so peacefully. I never got to visit Wycome with the Clan and I never really questioned it vocally. But, I have assumed it has much to do with the fact that I am technically an outsider to the Clan. Found and taken in, not born and raised. Still, I found it to be quite admirable that the Clan and the people of Wycome got along well enough to allow trading. But, It seems that I won't get to see much of the city itself today however. Not only has the sun now completely set and the two moons arisen, but Garrett immediately led me to a rather large Tavern.

The tavern is quite large on the inside as well, filled with crowds of loud people. Tables everywhere and a rather large fireplace just across from the entrance with a set of stairs sitting over to the side of it. The bar set along the wall to the right of the fireplace and stairs. Two large chandeliers hang down over the tavern and light the place up. The smell of strong ale and cooked food fill my senses. People shouting and tankards clanking to the music of the bard. I almost didn't hear what Garrett said next to me shortly after arriving.

"Go ahead and find somewhere to sit, I have to take care of something. I'll be back soon." At that Garrett walked off and then got lost to me within the crowd of people.

Well, alrighty then. I found a smaller table towards the back of the Tavern and sat down. There seems to be a lot of drunken people out tonight, loud and full of energy. I glanced around looking for the bard, I want to see one play. I spotted her towards the middle of the tavern playing a Lute by the large fireplace. She didn't sing, but she swayed her hips while she played causing her dress to swish and twirl around her feet. People danced around to her rhythm. It's so relaxing to finally hear some music. I watched the bard and the people dancing for a few moments, stopping when my eyes fell upon a diamond in the rough. A piano?! I did not know they had pianos in Thedas! I immediately stood up in excitement. No one is playing, perhaps I could just move closer and examine it while I fantasize about the time when I played weekly back on Earth.

Gathering my feet I practically skipped over to the piano and sat my happy bottom in the bench. It's dusty, does no one know how to play? Or, does everyone just prefer the lute instead? I have no idea, nor do I actually care. I glide my fingers gently over the keys. My memories coming back in full swing as song after song flows through my mind. Next thing I knew, my fingers betrayed me and pressed one of the keys. Allowing one note to release a beautiful sound wave through the piano. It is actually not too badly out of tune. In fact, it sounds so much like the first piano I ever had. Then I press another key, my head swimming in memories. So much so that I never noticed that the bard stopped playing her lute and the tavern grew quiet. Before I knew it, I start playing the beginning notes to my favorite song. So delicately, so calm, and so peaceful. It's beautiful to me. Pulling me in so deeply with a rush of emotions rising from my stomach, to my chest, down my arms, and reaching my hands. Guiding my fingers through each and every note. Then I can't help but to allow myself to be fully carried away and begin to sing.

"I'm sailing away, set an open course for the virgin sea

I've got to be free, free to face the life that's ahead of me

On board, I'm the captain, so climb aboard

We'll search for tomorrow on every shore

And I'll try, Oh Lord, I'll try to carry on

I look to the sea, reflections in the waves spark my memory

Some happy, some sad

I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had

We live happily forever, so the story goes

But somehow we missed out on that pot of gold

But we'll try best as we can to carry on"

A tear falls down my cheek as I keep playing along with every note and key. A smile breaks within my lips and I straighten my back and breathe in deeply. Excitement and happiness coursing through my veins as I deepen the song. Flowing through the notes faster with all the passion my body possesses.

"A gathering of angels appeared above my head

They sang to me this song of hope, and this is what they said

They said come sail away, come sail away

Come sail away with me

Come sail away, come sail away

Come sail away with me"

I hear movement behind me as I break from lyric and continue with each key. Guiding my fingers through memory which each delicate movement. The music flowing from the piano. I hearing clanking of tankards and whistles from behind. The sounds push my passion deeper and I can't help but allow the wide grin appear on my face. My stomach bursting with emotions of joy, peace, laughter, and happiness. I inhale deeply to continue the song.

"I thought that they were angels, but to my surprise

They climbed aboard their starship and head for the skies

Singing come sail away, come sail away

Come sail away with me

Come sail away, come sail away

Come sail away with me"

I move my fingers to finish the last notes of the song. Coming to an end, I sigh and smile, then let out a giggle with tears swelling in my eyes. I heard people dancing and laughing while I played. Whistles broke out when I finished the last note. I drop my shoulders and stare at the piano with a smile reaching so high on my cheeks. Then I feel an arm wrap over my shoulders and hot breath up against my ear.

"That was beautiful." I look over to see Garrett looking back at me over my shoulder and smiling, mere inches from my face. Heat rushes to my cheeks and I quickly turn back to the piano.

"Thank you, I haven't played in so long. It felt amazing."

He squeezes my shoulder then moves to sit next to me on the bench. I look over at him and notice that he is still smiling at me, but with eyes filled with curiosity.

"Not many elves know how to play any instrument, much less a piano. I'm actually impressed! You'll have to tell me how you fell upon the opportunity to learn someday." He winks at me then hands me a tankard filled with ale. I gladly take it from him and steal a quick sip. Not the best ale I've ever had, but it'll definitely get the job done. Still coming down from my high, I move to stand with shaky legs. Garrett in turn, follows my movements as I make my way back to the table I found. I sit down and notice he is still standing.

"What's up?" I ask him with a questioning look.

"Are you hungry? I'm starving, I'm going to get us some food real quick." He smiles at me then turns on his heel and makes his way to the bar. I go to take another sip from my ale when a scruffy and pretty damn smelly man comes to sit next to me. I look at him over the rim of my tankard still in mid sip, with wide eyes. 'The fuck? You can't be serious right now.' His hair lay long and thin down to his shoulders. His eyes are a dark brown and glossed over, likely the effects the ale. He's clean shaven, I'll give him that, but his breath is something fierce. What was it called in my world? Dragons breathe? yes! The man has some fierce Dragons Breathe. He wore a simple pale tunic and leather breaches. This man is all kinds of messed up from ale, I am honestly surprised that he can even hold himself up.

"Where's a pretty little elf learn to sing and play like that?" He asks me, with a drunken sway to his head movements. It really takes all the will that I have not to gag at his raunchy smell. I decide to just stick my tankard back up to smell and sip on, not answering him. 'Garrett better get back here fast.'

"Hey Bitch! I'm talking to you! I'll bet you know how to move those fingers in other ways just as well too huh?" He stands then and bends over me to whisper in my ear, placing his hand around the back of my neck, beneath my hair. "Only one way to find out, pretty little rabbit." I slowly move my tankard back down to the table and lock eyes with him, giving the most daring glare I can manage. I can feel the fire beginning to boil in my chest. I clench my hands to the side of the chair, attempting to keep the fire down. Then I hear a loud voice booming towards me, but cheerful?

"My darling, I'm sorry I took so long." It's Garrett sauntering over with two plates in hand. He gently sets them both down on the table, with one in front of me and winks at me. Then pulls a key from his pocket. "Here my love, the key to our room." I look at him wide eyed, eyebrows lifted, and jaw dropped. Much to my surprise so does the man who was trying to force himself on me. The smelly man stands up straight and stares at Garrett about to open his mouth to say something, but only a gurgled noise came out when Garrett's quick hand wrapped around the man's neck. He pushes the man back against the wall and speaks calmly. "You ever treat a woman like that again and you won't have a tongue to talk with or fingers to touch a woman with anymore." Then he pulls a knife from his pocket and rotates it once in his hand before bringing it up to the man's mouth. "Does this make me crystal clear?" The man frantically nods his head against Garrett's hand on his throat. Garrett smiles and releases the man, then takes a step back. The man looks at Garrett with wide eyes, sizes him up and stops on Garrett's staff. Then he clears his throat and speaks "I-I…" Garrett waves him off and moves to sit next to me and begins eating his food. I'm still staring at him in shock. The man took no moment to ponder what just happened and immediately stumbles his way out of the tavern.

"Um….thank you." He nods at me in acknowledgment to my thanks. I can honestly say I am truly at a loss for words right now. A lot of information just came into my brain in like a matter of two minutes. And Garrett's just sitting over there eating and acting as if nothing just happened. I blink a few times then shake my head and grab my ale. Long and big gulps are needed. In fact, I chug my ale down and set my empty tankard on the table. Then I sigh and move to take a bite of my food as well, until I hear a skidding sound on the wooden table. Garrett slowly pushes his tankard full of ale over to me, nonchalantly. I start laughing at that point and take it.

Garrett looks up at me, smiles and says "You're most welcome. It was kind of fun acting as your lover and throwing that man for a loop. Though, I really did get us a room and before you freak out, it has two beds. Sorry I couldn't get you your own room, this was the last available for the night."

I nod my head and take another long gulp of ale. I am really beginning to feel the warmth of the ale spread throughout my body. That's when I realize I have literally not touched my food and gulped an entire tankard full of ale. Now working on my second one. Whelp, this should be a fun night.

"I don't think I will ever fully understand why you have decided to help me so much, but know that I am extremely grateful and will find some way to pay back your kindness, or at the very least pay it forward."

"It has truly been my pleasure Hallie, now eat up. Otherwise I'll end up having to carry your butt back to the room. That'll just add fuel to the lovers fire that I started." He laughs at that, while I go berry red. Luckily, the ale has warmed my cheeks enough that I doubt he would notice.

"Ha! I'm sure. Don't you worry your pretty little face. I'll crawl up those stairs if I have to." He lets out a chuckle at my words while I begin working on some of the food on my plate. It looks like some cooked meat, that actually smells good with some bread and cooked potatoes. Seriously, I am not letting his ass carry me up those stairs. Now, I want more ale. I deserve a good buzz, it's been years since I had a good one. Even back at home I didn't touch beer or any alcoholic beverages because of ballet. Here and now, that's a different story entirely. Give myself at least one night to forget the events of the past two days. And since Garrett has so graciously bestowed me another tankard of ale, I will take full advantage of it.

By the end of the night, it's safe to say that we both probably had a little too much to drink. We spent the rest of the evening sharing stories. Though, more me than her. I was honestly surprised about how much she knew of Kirkwall. She must have read the Tale of the Champion, that's really the only plausible explanation I can form. Still, I enjoyed her company. It has been refreshing to have a companion along after so long of being alone. To have someone to just sit and talk to like this means more to me than I believe she'll ever know. I told her tales of Kirkwall and some of my adventures. But, mostly I told her about my old merry band of misfits. She wanted to know everything about them and listened intently, asking questions here and there. I told her about Anders and his cat. Muffy was her name, though I never thought it fit her. The name was too sweet and innocent. That cat literally hated everyone and everything but Anders. I told her that currently, no one knows where Anders went after he blew the Chantry up. He was a close friend and even closer to Fenris. I could not bring myself to execute him for his actions. Which inevitably ended in me taking the blame for them, whether I agreed with them or not. Didn't even change the fact that he hatched his plan in secret. No one, even Fenris knew about his plan. I spoke to her about Isabella and Merrill falling in love. Even though they are no longer together, they still remain happy. Merrill stayed in Kirkwall to help the elves, while Isabella left to captain her new ship. Meanwhile, Fenris decided to steel his heart after Anders and left to free Tevinter slaves. Then I told her about Varric, the hardest story to share. Varric was and is my best friend. I shared as many good stories with her as possible. Avoiding not telling her what happened to him, best I not sour the evening.

I stop talking for moment and watched her laugh at a guy who had attempted to walk out of the tavern and instead fell square on his face and passed out. I can't help but smile. It's been too long since I have sat and laughed with someone. I would gladly repeat my helping her ten times over for more moments of friendship and laughter like this. Though I know it will only last for so long. In the morning no doubt, we will part ways. At least I got her name and was able to share with her who I am. She never once judged me for it, never once changed her outlook upon me. Just accepted me for the man that I am. She has repaid me in more ways than one.

I look down at my empty tankard and sigh. Best not have any more to drink tonight. I look back up at her when I hear her chair move slightly back. "Heading to bed?" I ask.

"Yeah, I believe it is about that time for me. I feel like my eyes are trying to glue themselves shut from exhaustion. Though, could you tell me how to get to our room?" I look at her and chuckle.

"You sure you can walk there?"

I laugh then when she shoots me a fierce glare. She moves to stand up and take a step, then sways to the side a little. I stand up readying myself to help her if she were to fall. But she snorts at me and waves me off. Trying not to laugh, I back off and watch her attempt to walk to the stairs. Swaying as she does so and holding onto anything she can on her way over. When she reaches the stairs she stops and sizes up the long path of steps. She sighs. It is taking all of what is left of my will to not laugh. I bite my cheek in attempt to hide my mirth. Then she lowers herself down to her hands and knees. True to her word she attempts to crawl up the stairs. Okay, I can't help it now. I burst into laughter.

"Alright nope, if you can't walk up these stairs then I'm picking you up." I watch and wait.

"Garrett…..fucking hell there's a lot of steps!"

I laugh and bend over towards her, in one big swoop I scoop her up and toss her over my shoulder. She protests with a squeal and then slaps my lower back.

"Garrett, so help me if you don't put me down…"

"You'll what? Miss my lower back and slap my ass? Go for it." I chuckle and she scoffs at me. Then she just hangs there while I bring us up the stairs and towards the room. A barmaid comes down the hall and looks at us, I shoot her the biggest grin I could muster and wink. She giggles as she walks past and Hallie sighs "I hate you." To which I laugh and unlock the door to our room. I walk over to her bed and with my free arm pull her covers back. Once the bed is turned down, I gently lay her on the bed. To which she glares at me the entire time. I chuckle and with a big grin I move to pull the blankets over her. She slaps my hands away and yanks the blanket from me to cover herself up.

"Goodnight sunshine." I say to her as I walk to my own bed. She gives me a sharp, irritated response "Goodnight."

Once in my bed and ready for sleep, I smile and roll over. I hear her shift the blankets off her and remove her bow and arrows from her back, dropping them by her bed. Then I hear her softly whisper "Thank you, for everything Garrett."

"You're welcome Hallie."

[Song by the Styx: Come Sail Away]