“He needs a place to stay for a while. Ana and I have healed his wounds well enough. The room is needed for other patients. Besides, having him do things around the village will be good for his improvement.”

Torbjorn furrowed his brows in thought. “Witch, he’s still a stranger that we do not know his motives.”

“I don’t believe he has any ill intentions, a man lost and far from what he knows of home. Your clan used to feel that in your ancestor’s time when I first helped the Lindholm’s.” Angela said. “He has done nothing to warrant harm, even around your own daughter. If you are that worried, just continue keeping a guard on him.”

“I suppose he can stay in one of the guest huts near to you.” Torbjorn said, knowing the healer was right but with all the news of attacks, he was on edge. He knew he could trust Brigitte, but it worried him she had grown so attached to the wolf man. “He can also do small duties until he has gained MY trust, but someone shall guard him.”

“Then I’ll get things arranged. Thank you.” Angela said, getting up from the chair. “About the news you’re receiving, would you like me to get more information through nature? It would surprise you what it hears away from the eyes of mortals.”

“If it gets me answers, then do so.”

Angela knew how much he didn’t enjoy relying on her magic and him saying that meant it was getting worse. “You will be the first to hear any answers I receive.” She said, nodding before walking out, leaving Torbjorn.

“Oh, good day Angela.” Ingrid said, greeting Angela with a smile as she wiped her hands on the apron around her waist.

Angela looked up, greeting Ingrid with a smile as well. “Fair day to you as well.”

“Another meeting with my husband?” 

“Yes, seeing if I can assist with knowledge of the recent attacks.”

“I hope you can. Morrison has lost several good traders and if it gets any closer, our caravans will fall to the same fate.”

“I can not make any promises, but I shall do my best. Nature knows all, so I shall see if she wishes to speak to me.” Angela replied, placing a hand on Ingrid’s shoulder. “Though worry not.”

“I have faith in the clan and the gods. My worries are little.” Ingrid replied. “We have gone through worse and survived to become stronger.”

Angela guessed by the other woman’s change in her aura that she was talking about the Talon War. It had been over twenty years since the war had ended. The older warriors still remembered it well. The memories were still fresh for Angela as well; watching her former teacher turn on everything. Though she chased those thoughts away. “He is fortunate to have you by his side.”

“As I am to have him. Also, the rations you asked for will be ready later. I can send Brigitte with the delivery, since it’s for the young man.“

“Thank you. I hope it wasn’t any inconvenience.“

“None at all. Brigitte is always looking for an excuse to visit him. I’ve never seen her like this before.“

Angela chuckled in a soft tone. “She is a young woman. Attraction is inevitable.”

“I just pray that it will not end up in heartbreak.“

———————————

Angela opened the door, allowing Hanzo to step in first. “You’ll be staying here until your health returns fully.”

Hanzo limped in, holding onto the walking stick crafted for him. Surprised that he was being given a place to stay on his own.

“It’s small but cozy.” Angela continued, smiling as Hanzo looked around curiously.

~It’s certainly a step up from sleeping on the cold dirt.~ Yomi sniffed the ground. ~Though it seems we are still being watched.~

~Understandable, but at least we aren’t in anymore harm.~ Ama replied.

“Thank you.” Hanzo said, sitting down with a grunt on the bed. 

“You may stay here, but me or Ana will visit you for your continued treatments. Do you have questions?”

“Why am I being allowed a place to be on my own?”

“It took some convincing, but I thought it would be good for your recovery.” Angela said. “Of course. Brigitte will come by to help you manage here when she can as well.”

Before Hanzo could respond, the door opened with a small squeak to reveal a familiar tall blonde woman.

“Angela, I brought some of the stuff you asked mama for.” Brigitte said, placing a few baskets on the ground next to the door. Then she looked over to give Hanzo a soft smile.

“Thank you, Brigitte. Now that he’s good in your care, I shall make my leave. I have many things to finish.”

“So long, Angela.”

Once they were alone, there was a small, awkward silence. Hanzo inspected her form. Noticing the amount of dirt on her clothes and the patch on her nose, she must have been out in the fields this morning. Though what made the biggest difference was the fact she was wearing a dark blue dress with brown furred lining. All the time he had been here, all she had worn were tunics and pants. She looked beautiful and he couldn’t look away.

~Staring is rude, little one.~

~Though I can’t blame him. She is pretty for a human.~

Hanzo shook his head, realizing what he had been doing, then blue eyes met his.

“You alright? You seem far away.”

“Reminded of something from long ago.” Hanzo said. It was more of an excuse to not have to say why he was staring.

“I wanted to ask you something. There is going to be a communal dinner tonight. Would you feel up to joining?” Brigitte said excitedly. 

Hanzo pondered her question. He did have some contact with a few people of her village, but it was brief interactions. They had mostly been friendly considering the situation, except a part of him would like to enjoy a lone meal. Another nudge of a wolf’s nose urged him to change his mind. 

“I’ll be near you the whole time.” Brigitte said.

He looked back at her as her hand placed itself on his knee.

“You seemed cautious with your answer.” Brigitte said, continuing. “If you are worried about such a large gathering, I’ll stay by your side.”

“I shall go, if you’ll be there.” Hanzo said. The look of joy on her face pulled at his heart.

Brigitte noticed where she had kept her hand, blushing as she moved it away. “Would you like to take a walk again for fresh air? Might as well catch a good seat for the dinner.”

The lack of warmth from her hands made him feel like he wanted more, but Hanzo could feel the grins from his wolves bearing on him from that. Carefully standing up, he said. “I would..enjoy that.”

They stepped outside to the sun, slowly setting off to a golden hue. Their walk was pretty uneventful, besides the occasional passersby that greeted Brigitte, asking random questions. 

“You are quite popular.” Hanzo said, after the last one left them alone.

“Being daughter to the clan leader has that effect.” Brigitte said with a laugh. “Have to prepare when all this is mine to lead.” 

Hanzo noticed she sounded slightly stressed about the last part. “You do not want to lead?”

Brigitte sighed. “I don’t really feel like I’m right for it.”

He knew the feeling of having a position of power thrust upon you by birthright. “It may be from the view of a stranger who knows not of all your customs, but from what I’ve seen, you have gained respect. You are never alone. You have the wisdom of others to guide you.”

“I know.” Brigitte said, though it surprised her at how much Hanzo sounded like he had experienced the same matter. “Just I never saw myself as anything other than a blacksmith.”

“All I ever wanted was to be a hunter, but circumstances sometimes never go the way you wish.”

Brigitte heard the pain in his voice. Although she was curious to ask, Brigitte couldn’t bring herself to force it out of him. “Here is to hoping fate has better in store for us both.”

He knew she meant well, but he felt fate would be much more kind to her.

“Over here Brigitte!”

“Erland!” Brigitte said, waving back, then turned to Hanzo. “Care to join my friends?”

Hanzo squinted to see one of the long table ends occupied by the two boys Brigitte had introduced to him a few times. They were fine, but that Aren had a tendency to be obnoxious.

~I could give him a love bite if he gets too annoying~ Yomi chuckled.

“Never had time to ask before, Hanzo. Where are you from?” Erland asked after taking a long drink from his horn. 

“From east, many winters travel.” Hanzo said, thinking it wouldn’t matter much how he responded.

“So you are like Ana.”

“She came from the southern lands when Reinhardt returned, before the war.” Brigitte corrected him.

“Still, both of them have seen places we’ve only imagined.” Erland said. “I would love to do the same besides just seeing the other villages.”

The enthusiasm of the boy’s wish amazed Hanzo. It had been a long time since he ever felt anything like that. It reminded him of his brother.

“At least you have some luck with traveling, since your father is the trading caravan leader.” Aren said, with his mouth half full.

“Yeah, but it’s not the same.” Erland replied.

The music changed beats as some of the crowd went over to the enormous bonfire and started dancing.

“Sister, Sister!”

Hanzo looked at where the voice came from. A small girl ran up to Brigitte and tugged on the sleeve of her tunic.

“Hello Malin.” Brigitte said, smiling widely as she stroked over the small girl’s hair. “What is with all the excitement?”

“Come dance with me!” Malin said, jumping up with excitement.

“I promised a friend that I’d stay with him during the feast.” Brigitte said.

“Oh, okay.”

Hanzo noticed the change in Malin’s face fade to sadness, he inwardly sighed. Reminded of all the times he couldn’t be with his brother as children because of duties. “Go ahead.”

Brigitte turned on the bench to look at Hanzo. “You sure? I promised.”

“Go ahead.” Hanzo repeated. “I think I will manage with these two. I would not want to disappoint a child in such manner.”

“We’ll keep him company.” Erland said, patting Hanzo on the back.

“And I shall make sure these two do not get our guest into too much trouble.” Said a booming voice from behind them, revealing it to be Reinhardt.

“I’d have been good…for a while.” Aren laughed out loud.

Giving one last look to Hanzo, who nodded, Brigitte got up being dragged along by Malin. For Reinhardt to take the place where Brigitte once sat.

Reinhardt wasn’t blind to the looks the white-haired man gave his niece. In all honesty, there was nothing more he could do besides keep an eye on what happens. Considering no one knew what would go on after this man’s wounds were healed. Brigitte had always been an excellent judge of character and being attached to Hanzo probably was a part of that as well. Though that didn’t matter if the other party was to leave.

Barely paying attention to what was around him, Hanzo couldn’t take his eyes off Brigitte dancing by the light of the bonfire; skirt billowing with every movement, as if lost in the music. Her hair glowing like gold, blue eyes shining with her wide smile. Deep down, he knew he shouldn’t allow himself whatever he was feeling at the moment. He was just a lonely man, too far gone, and didn’t deserve to even be here after all that he’d done.

~Just let yourself enjoy it, little one. It’s alright.~ Ama said with a small whine, nuzzling Hanzo’s leg.