There were days in the Uwendalian mountains where the wind was harsh and cold. It stung like a thousand frozen needles, and shook the trees with blind brutal force. No inhabitant wanted to be out on these days, for they were worried their skin would end up chapped like the moutain summits.

Quinn had never truly cared about the discomfort caused by such days. They had always been the perfect occasion to be left alone without any risk of being disrupted. Her ears craved the deafening roar of the shaken trees, and the high-pitched whistle of the wind gliding over the naked flanks of the mountain.

On this day, the sky was a cold blue void. The clouds had been chased away by the vicious wind, an unusual sight for an Uwendalian, for the summits always attracted flocks of them. Quinn squinted her eyes to protect them from the violent lashes. The wind had already attacked the delicate skin of her cheeks and lips, but the ex-ranger was ready to pay this price for unrivaled tranquility.

Quinn had chosen to take a small path leading above her parent's house, into a forest of saplings and low pines. She knew at the end of the track, there would be a beautiful sight on the valley and the river running through it, dominated by the recognizable mountains of her region. Valor was hunting on his own, but was close enough to hear a whistle. The loyal eagle had his own way of accompanying Quinn, even when it was from afar.

The Demacian woman stopped in her tracks when she caught sight of a static shape in the sky. She immediately recognized it: it was a bird of prey. After all these years knowing Valor, it was hard to consider it other than small. But the bird was in fact quite large, Quinn recognized the sharpness of its wings: a falcon. She stood there and watched it, absorbed by the contemplation of it.

The falcon wasn't struggling to maintain its poise, despite being such a light weight. Its wings caught the gusts of wind in a welcoming stance, making its body hover effortlessly. At this very moment, the bird seemed like it had the power to stop time and gravity for the sole enjoyment of Quinn's eyes.

All of a sudden, the falcon dropped. Quinn's heart lurched in her chest, the bird didn't stop and was falling so fast... But it deployed its wings right before hitting the ground and flew up again like it was nothing. Quinn blew out some air she didn't know she had been holding... That falcon definitely was a good pretender.

She stayed there for a long time, relishing the intimate dance of the bird with the wind.

Never had she wished so much to be able to fly on her own.

Quinn regained conscience of her heavy body, anchored to the ground by her legs. Could she ever compete with the perfection of the falcon, could she ever feel as free as him? Quinn already knew the answer. No, never. For each time she had experienced being whole, the world had been keen on taking her other half away from her.

First it had been Caleb, then it had been Talon.

Would the world be so cruel as to take the new life growing inside her, too?

The falcon was taken away by a powerful gust of wind, vanishing from Quinn's sight as if it had never been there at all.

Talon had always hated tea. Especially Kat's Ionian tea.

Tea always meant attempts to trap him into unpleasant conversations, wring information out of him, and force him to finish every last drop of the stale liquid.

But this dark beverage... It hit different.

Katarina had practically forced him to try it, and he had grudgingly accepted to take one gulp. The first taste almost made him spit it out. It was bitter and burnt his tongue. There was no way his sister thought it was appropriate for a drink... The Ionians definitely had poor taste in everything.

But then... Why did Talon want to take another gulp? His mouth and throat were invaded by the strong aroma of the drink. He wanted more. With a contented sigh, Talon laid the empty cup on the table. He was annoyed by Katarina's smug smile.

"Ionians call it kawa, or coffee. I figured you'd prefer it over tea... So, I take it you like it?"

"Mmh..." Talon grumbled.

"What did you say?"

Talon wished he could rip that smirk off her face. Kat was infuriating when she knew she was right.

"It wasn't so bad..."

"Come on, Talon. Tell me you loved it."

"They must have put something in it! Some sort of drug... Or maybe you did!"

"You're paranoid!" Katarina rolled her eyes. "It's just damn good. Accept it."

"I need to get used to it." Talon said in a low voice, looking away from the redhead.

"Whatever makes you happy." Katarina concluded while drinking from her own cup.

Talon took a long breath. After all this time, they were still fighting like children. He wondered if that should make him happy. After all, he had never known a real childhood, and his squabbles with Kat had been the closest thing to a true relationship with a sibling.

"I must admit you were right, Talon. Those Demacian shitheads have stopped raiding us with those pathetic excuses for assassins of theirs..."

Talon nodded. Her admitting that he had been right was already quite unusual. There was no need to comment on it, or taunt her about it.

"... And we have gotten news that the mage rebellion is getting out of hand. That's good."

Katarina stopped, and looked at Talon.

"When do you want to go back?"

Talon was taken aback by the question even if he knew it was coming.

"Tomorrow night."

"I support your decision, Talon... But don't you think it's a bit too soon?" Katarina raised her eyebrow.

"I'm not asking you, Kat."

"Okay, I'll be straightforward with this. You're weak, brother. You're in danger if you go back in that state."

"I know, Kat. But I can't wait."

It had been difficult to share his feelings with the redhead. Talon had only revealed the tip of the iceberg, yet he had felt so vulnerable and exposed right after it. Though he was tired of hiding his love for Quinn deep inside, admitting that in front of his sister was harder than counting his murders.

And Kat hadn't made it easy... She had assaulted him with questions, each more intrusive than the last... Did she give him a love potion, was she manipulating him for the enemy, was she herself manipulated into loving him... Kat's mind was fucked up, just like his own was. She was looking at him with a new eye now, as if he had gone crazy.

"You're wanted dead in that land, brother. I won't allow anyone other than myself to kill you, you know that."

Behind her taunt, her voice betrayed her worry.

"I abandoned her, Kat." Talon almost strangled himself on the words. "I almost died in front of her... And then I left her."

"I still wonder how you could do that. It was so heartless of you." She coldly said. But her tone wasn't judging... It was curious.

"I made her life a living hell when I stepped into it. I thought it was for the best if I... Disappeared."

Talon hadn't mentioned the fact that Quinn had seen his past memories. Even Kat didn't know of his past, and he intended it to stay that way. He omitted that Quinn witnessing his dirty memories had shaken him to the core, and disgusted him with himself. Though he had felt no guilt, he had seen the gap between their lives, and the wretched existence he was dragging her into.

And her eyes... They had been filled with fear, he knew it. That had been the breaking point.

He had freed her.

"And do you trust this woman enough? The witch?"

Talon sighed.

"She had countless occasions if she wanted to hurt us... I had no choice at that point."

"I see..." Katarina took her chin between her fingers. "And do you know where to start your search?"

"I know where not to start it." Talon confessed. "If they fully went into hiding, it'll take time but I'll find them."

"Will you start with Demacia?"

"They must have left Demacia. I see no other option."

"I'm not so sure about that..." pondered the redhead.

"I've drawn attention away from her, as did the rebellion, but she's a traitor. They wouldn't leave her alone."

"But she is... Was a ranger. From Uwendale, right?"

Talon nodded.

"Uwendale stands between the Demacian and Freljordian border. It used to be independent, decades from now. I believe they still have conserved some of their old laws."

Talon was impressed by Kat's knowledge of history. Their father had educated her thoroughly, where he was often missing crucial knowledge due to his childhood in the streets as an orphan.

"Go on."

"I believe Uwendale is still considered an autonomous territory that's attached to Demacia. It means that even if she was considered a criminal, the royal guard would need an agreement with the Uwendalians first to be allowed to capture her on their land."

Talon balled his fist.

"Interesting..."

"And the only news I have from Demacian officials are about the mages... In the main land. So, that leaves us with a viable option."

"She could be there." Talon concluded.

The assassin rose from his chair in haste, his mind already making plans.

"Talon, I said you had to wait!"

"I can't." Talon muttered.

He strode away to his bedroom, thinking of how to prepare for the trip. He had never been to Uwendale before. His targets usually lived in main cities and kingdoms... Not this small province.

Talon had expected Katarina to grab him by the shoulder to try to stop him, but she stayed in her seat, a deep frown creasing her forehead. He didn't give it more thought and left.

He had already waited far too long.

Quinn missed the blessed times when she could contemplate that view and completely empty her mind. The misty valley hadn't changed after all these years, but Quinn hated the person she had become. Her old self who had been standing there used to be so carefree and full of dreams... And there she was now, hopeless and full of worries for the near future.

When she tried to picture it, her future was a mess. She saw pain, fear, humiliation and violence... But she also saw life.

After the terror of understanding that life was growing inside her, and the difficulties that it implied, her mind had settled down a little bit, and had started taking new paths she had never imagined before. She had started wondering if she could find work somewhere, if she had to move across the border to start anew. She had to offer the child a stable life, even if that would delay her search of Talon.

And what would the child look like?

A deep blush covered Quinn's cheeks, even though no one was watching. This part wasn't unpleasant to think about...

She immediately thought of amber eyes and dark brown hair. She had always liked that Talon's hair wasn't completely straight and how the soft, messy locks fell on his shoulders. Talon's features had been engraved in her memory from the start of their relationship.

Would the child have the same nose as him? Talon's nose was straight, but had a slight bump. Had it been that way from birth, or had Talon's nose been damaged during his life? Quinn was dying of curiosity to find out.

Quinn lost herself in these thoughts on her way back home.

She almost didn't notice the large form lightly shaking the bushes on the side of the path. She jumped in surprise when a human silhouette rose from there. Quinn was on her guard, ready to whistle for Valor to fly to her. There was never a soul around there, and she had decided not to be seen by the inhabitants of the region.

"Oh, hello!"

In front of her stood a young man, probably of the same age as her, carrying a basket filled with dark purple mushrooms. He had peculiar features that she had rarely seen around there. His deep-set and almond-shaped eyes were an icy blue colour, and his hair was almost white. He was not unpleasant to look at, and Quinn realized with no effort that he was a Freljordian.

"Sorry if I scared you. Is this your home?"

The man had an almost unnoticeable accent and a warm tone. Quinn was reassured by the friendliness it conveyed.

"Yes, I live in the house down there. But..." She cleared her throat. "You can come in those woods, of course."

"Thank you. My name is Dismas, by the way. And you are?"

"Q... Quinn."

"Pleased to meet you! You live in a splendid region."

The coldness in his eyes made Quinn slightly uncomfortable. It's not that they lacked emotion, but they looked like they were able to read her mind and pierce her darkes secrets. Still, she decided to engage in the conversation he was trying to start. She couldn't deny this sudden interest in her was flattering, as much as it was making her anxious.

"Thanks. And you come from the Freljord, right?"

Dismas chuckled.

"How did you know?" His tone was laced with playful irony. "I came here with a few members of my tribe to collect some ingredients. Maybe you could help me during my stay!"

"Sure, I'd love that." Quinn smiled. "What do you need those ingredients for?"

"We own a herbal shop, and want to add rare products from outside the Freljord. The members of my tribe are my brothers, actually." He added.

They started walking down the path while they continued to talk. Quinn was comfortable in Dismas' presence. It had been so long since she had a casual conversation with someone that she had almost forgotten how simple human interactions could be.

"How long do you plan to stay?" Quinn asked.

"We'll leave when we have everything we need. We're halfway there, I think."

Quinn took a look at the mushrooms in his basket, and rose an eyebrow. She looked at the caps of the mushrooms, and suddenly understood what they were.

"Do you already know this species, or have you actually just discovered them?"

"Oh, I perfectly know what they're used for." Dismas said with a knowing look. "Our clients love them... They're ready to pay a good price for the experience."

Quinn sighed, but didn't share her dislike for the practice. Uwendalians never used those mushrooms apart than for poison, or remedies to the same poison. They all knew of their hallucinogenic properties, but despised such a use.

"We call them Marisk Caps. I didn't know they were so famous..." Quinn casually said.

"Oh they are."

She didn't dare to ask if Dismas used them himself. He didn't seem like he was, since the mushrooms were known to create deep creases under the eyes and a dry mouth. Dismas looked healthy and vivid, unlike the users of these shrooms.

"And if you know how to help me find more... I promise to share a part of the income with you."

"Now we're talking!" Quinn had a smirk.

"Besides... These forests are so foreign to me... I could use some company." Dismas passed a hand in the back of his neck. "Especially your company."

Quinn blushed. They had just met, and Dismas was already complimenting her.

"I don't see what's so special about me."

"Oh, nothing! I- I mean..." Dismas stuttered. "You're probably more special than I know, but you're simply, I don't know... Kind? The people I met here were... Not what I expected."

"A lot of Uwendalians work as herb sellers too. And they don't like competition."

"I see..."

Dismas' cheeks were a dark red colour that had spread up to his ears.

"So anyway, I must go. It was a pleasure to meet you, Quinn. Shall we start the search tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow... Yes, alright. My partner will help us too."

Dismas suddenly looked disappointed.

"Your... Partner?"

"Haha!" Quinn had a deep, smooth laugh. "He's an eagle... You'll see."

They parted in front of Quinn's home. She waved goodbye to her new friend, glad of this unexpected encounter. Quinn didn't want Dismas to nurture unwanted feelings for her, but he was her only chance of making some money, and possibly leave Demacian territory. She had to take this chance.

She didn't want to wait for her belly to start showing. Though Quinn still loved her parents, their lack of understanding hurt her more than she wanted to admit. And she dreaded the mere thought of them discovering the truth. She coudldn't stay there, it was impossible.

Her emotions started turning dark again, and she rubbed her temples with her fingers. Again, she was forced to give up a part of her life. Would she ever see her childhood home again? Her and Caleb's bedroom? The forest path she loved so much?

Would she ever have a chance to see Talon again if she left?

A new, treacherous question snaked its way into her mind...

If Talon found out she carried their child, would he abandon her forever?

The fear induced by this question dug into her heart like a dagger coated with poison. Quinn's legs trembled, and she fell on her knees, barely catching herself before collapsing on the ground. Her lip quivered, and her eyes became watery.

She didn't know.

Talon had given her countless proofs of love and of his loyalty... But he had left her once. Though she understood his reasons, yet didn't agree with them, the situation hadn't been the same. Would he accept this new life with her? Would he open his heart to a new future?

Quinn hit the ground with her fist. The instant of hurt grounded her to the present.

She stood back up, and released a heavy sigh out of her lungs. She chose to stop torturing herself with unbearable possibilities. For the child wasn't leaving her the choice, and she had to be strong.

Quinn opened the door of her childhood home. An innocent though suddenly spread her lips in a soft, unexpected smile.

And what if Talon loved their child?

She imagined her holding a small body, the proof of their love, and Talon protectively draping an arm over her shoulders, looking at their child.

When she stepped into the living room, Quinn clasped a hand over her mouth to conceal her unstoppable grin from potential prying eyes.

Yes, she wanted that. All of that.

A new flame of courage kindled in her stomach. Though she had lost so much in the last months, there was still a possibility that hadn't been taken from her. It would be hard and painful, but it was worth fighting for.

The night was cold and windy, gracing Talon with a cloudless sky.

He had left the manor without a look behind and without saying goodbye to Kat. He never did, after all.

Talon had chosen to dress like a wanderer, putting on old clothes and a dark brown cloak. The perks of such a disguise were countless, and allowed Talon to travel unnoticed. Luckily, his face was still unknown from most authorities, and wouldn't betray him. In the past and more recently, he had made sure that all who had seen his face weren't alive to tell the tale...

A familiar feeling nestled in his guts. Talon stopped dead in his tracks, and turned around. The forest looked empty, and no particular sound went out of the ordinary.

Yet, Talon simply knew he wasn't alone there. He couldn't exactly pinpoint what had caught his attention, but he slowly lowered his hand to his belt, taking the grip of his blade. Though he had been the shadow of himself for the past days, that didn't mean he had become an easy target...

Talon inhaled the night air. His nose caught the scent of many familiar elements: wet, earthy moss, heather, laurel and...

That fucking Ionian tea.

Talon relaxed his muscles, and sighed.

"I know you're there, Kat!" Talon rose his voice.

Only the silence of the forest was there to answer his call. The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, as if nothing was there. But Talon knew his sister by heart. He waited as immobile as the trees surrounding him.

Finally, the sound of footsteps crushing dead leaves broke the fake stillness of the forest.

"Fine, fine." The deep whisper of Katarina was soon accompanied by her silhouette in the dark.

"What was that for?" Talon growled through gritted teeth.

"Are you really this dumb?" Katarina drawled.

This should have made him furious, like it always did. But Talon's goal occupied the entirety of his mind, he didn't have the time or luxury to waste his energy on an insult.

"Don't follow me." Talon ordered lowly.

Katarina snickered.

"Then, make me. But be warned, I won't change my mind easily."

"Fucking hell, Kat..." Talon bit his cheek.

"Come on, Talon. After all you've told me, didn't you expect me to come along?" She put a hand on his shoulder. "Besides, I want to see what the woman who stole my brother's heart looks like."

An electric shock coursed through Talon. He slapped Katarina's hand away and menacingly pointed his finger at her.

"If you touch even a single hair on her..."

Talon didn't finish his sentence. It was too dark for him to read Katarina's face, but he knew she was delighted by the situation.

"Chill, little brother. I got the message, the little ranger's all yours."

Talon grit his teeth so hard they could have turned to sand. He took a deep breath, turned his back to Kat, and started walking again as if nothing had changed. He suspected she was a bit more than curious, but couldn't waste his time to stop her from coming along. The discreet footsteps in his back told him she was following him closely.

Whatever.

"Press on."

Talon knew the journey would be long and tedious, but the countless cups of coffee he had swallowed kept him awake, as well as the image of Quinn permanently engraved in his mind, guiding him in the darkness like a lighthouse.

He couldn't wait to press her warm body against his once more, to never leave her again.

Nevermore.

[A/N: It has been so long since I posted the last chapter! I'm so relieved I found the time to write. I missed these two so much. This chapter is the last one where Quinn and Talon are separated, just so you know. Thank you again for reading my story, this means a lot to me.]