The next several weeks went by fast. We had developed a daily routine. We would break our fast, I would help Mother with the cleaning, mending, and then fix the noon meal. I would take it out to the men, Raven and I would eat together. We would practice at sword, bow or hand to hand fighting. Then we would go swimming and relax by the lake. The men would go back to work and I would spend time with Balzar and Sage. Some days I would go to the village. We would all return to the keep for supper. Most nights the men would go outside to do whatever while Mother and I relaxed and talked. Some nights Ash and Raven would go out drinking and I would play cards or chess with Father. Every night Raven and I would retire together, some nights making love, others just holding each other.

Before I knew it two months were leading into three, and I knew I had to go back.  It was after swimming one day when I decided to tell Raven I had to leave. I was leaning against my favorite maple tree, Raven was laying against me and I was braiding his hair.

“Speak Woman” he said. “Och, Raven Haeddre, I hate it when you do that” I muttered. “Aye, but I’ve got it right, so speak what is on your mind, so I may dry in peace” he grumbled.

“I must leave” I said quickly “No” he replied. I sat up some and he mumbled under his breath. “I will be back, I must, there are things you do not know” I stammered. He growled. I never heard another soul growl like he does, a low rumbling from his chest, primal, sexy, dangerous.

“Miss your lover do ya” with that he stood, glaring down at me. “You do not frighten me” I spat at him. “Go then, but do not return” he said and with that, he walked off. What had just happened, how did that go so terribly wrong! I sat and cried.