Five years later, Maria found a good place to stay. The distance between here and Plegia would keep him away. She prayed he stayed away and believed the child had been lost for good. Yet the fear gnawed at the back of her mind and heart—the fear he wouldn't give up Robin and use them in his evil schemes.

She looks over at her child as they play with other children. Maria knew she had done the right thing by running away to Yilsse. Robin can be free to make decisions and create a new fate. Maria realized it was the same with her. She now can create a new fate for herself. A small bittersweet smile formed. They are free from Validar, but he casts a large shadow that could still affect their lives.

A soft sigh escaped from her lips. Maria needed to make dinner. Liver and eel pie, their favorite. Maria was pleased that the eel was reasonably priced, but the liver took Maria a bit longer to find. She smiled. Maria remembered the first time she had this pie. It was the first day she felt safe, and the inn had only this dish on hand. The first taste of freedom can come in different forms.

Robin came in filthy but safe and happy. Maria couldn't help but feel flustered at the sight but was pleased that Robin had made some happy memories. Maria told Robin to clean up themselves and any mud tracks they had made. Robin quickly cleaned up the mess when Maria informed them they could have a bigger slice if they did. Liver-and-eel pie is their favorite, next to bear meat.

Hearing the running water and Robin's laughter eased Maria's burden. It took her a long time to settle down in Yilsse and let her guard down. For the past five years, she has finally felt peace and love. It took the villagers a while to trust her, but she earned it.

She helped with laundry. It was a downgrade from what she used to, but she would disagree. The job felt more fulfilling than being under that cult. More importantly, Maria connected with the locals, something she never did back home.

Livia became her good friend. Even helping her find the recipe for the liver-and-eel pie. They chatted a lot and support each other. Maria taught Livia to read and write. When Livia asked where she learned, Maria told her she lived in an orphanage where a priestess overwatched their learning.

She learned that if she kept her past vague but truthful, it would go a lot easier. When Maria told how and where she learned, she kept it vague. There were a lot of orphanages run by the priesthood, and learning how to read and write was something they did here. It was the same with Plegia but was uncommon and tended to be linked with cults.

Hearing a knock, Maria hesitantly walked to the window next to the door. Even though she had her guard down, Maria still had some trust issues. She felt that her ex would still try to get her. Much to her relief, it was Livia. Maria opened the door to let her friend in.

"Livia, dear," Maria greeted her with a hug. "What brings you here?"

"Besides seeing you," Livia returned the hug. "I remember you said you learned some magic when you were young. Does that mean you can use healing magic?"

Maria returned the hug, "I can, but I was never good at it."

"Oh," Livia looked sad. "I was hoping you could help the villagers."

"Just because I wasn't good doesn't mean I can't try." Maria smiled. "I could always try to use it if needed."

Livia cracked a smile," Oh, thank goodness. Potions can only go so far, and they can be costly."

"I would point out that healing magic isn't a cure-all. There are limits on it."

"Oh, I didn't know that."

"I've gotten a few books on the subject to improve myself. And I also teach Robin to use magic."

"I hope it isn't dark magic."

"Of course not," Maria gave a soft chuckle. "Black magic has its dangers. I've heard that black magic only gives easy situations to one's problems. I've informed Robin of these dangers and why black magic shouldn't be used."

Maria knew firsthand about the subject. She used black magic but didn't want Livia to know about it. Her dear friend was a gossip, and Maria needed to guard her tongue around her. Despite wanting to, Maria couldn't tell her everything. However, Maria still loved her dear friend.

Livia nodded. "It is hazardous. I'm pleased you are keeping Robin away from this evil art form. I don't want them getting into the wrong crowd."

That hurt Maria, but she couldn't say anything. Not everyone in Plegia is evil, but a small group poisons the entire group. Maria can only grin and bear it. She could easily disprove that the people of Plegia are evil but knew it would be impossible. Besides, she didn't want to ruin Robin's life here.

"Don't worry," Maria said. "Robin has a good head. They are learning to be critical when meeting these types of people."

Maria knew it would be a point where Robin would face their father and his evil schemes. To make an informed decision to fight him, to end his tyrannical dream that would end this world. She made sure Robin was a good tactician to go against him.

"You're doing Tiki's work," Livia told her friend. "I thank Tiki that you are being a good mother."

"Thank you," Maria smiled. "That's what I needed to hear. I always doubt my parenting skills."

"You don't need to worry," she laughed mirthfully.

Maria asked Livia, "Would you like to join us for dinner? It's liver-and-eel pie."

"I would love to join you two."

A/N: Please R&R. Thank you to the anonymous reviewer. I do hope you enjoy this chapter as well.