The group trudged back to Pembroke. They were greeted by Burgomaster Tomos at the palisade; it was well after compline by the time they made it back. “Leah!” Tomos jogged up to Emyr, who was carrying his daughter. “How is she?” Tomos reached out to take Leah Li Tomos. 

Emyr gently handed the girl over to her father, “She’s been mostly asleep since we found her. But she’s not injured or anything.” Emyr watched as Tomos held the girl in his arms, looking down with relief, tears forming in his eyes. 

“Thank whatever powers there be…” The tears fell from Tomos’ eyes and ran down his cheeks, “and thank you.” He looked out over the group, lowering his head to show them respect. “I’ll give you your quid in the morning. For now, I have to get my daughter home.” He smiled, more tears ran down his face. The Burgomaster turned around and carried Leah off into the distance, towards his two story hut. 

Emyr, Jac, Catrin, Nia and Daffyd looked over at Garrin, who was still carrying the young Eyll girl. “Go on ahead of me.” Garrin told them, motioning his head towards where they were staying, “I’ll meet you at our rooms once I drop this girl off.”

“A’ight!” Jac gave him an exhausted grin and a small wave. The five soldiers walked off together, leaving Garrin, Reilyn and the girl behind. 

Garrin and Reilyn walked in a tired silence to Reaper’s Paradise. Linda met them halfway there, looking about as haggard and worried as they did. A grin crossed her lips upon seeing the two men. Felix, who was nestled on Reilyn’s shoulder, hopped to the grass, ran to Linda and climbed up to nuzzle her face. Linda giggled and petted the undead rodent, “Who is this?” The tavern owner looked over the girl Garrin was carrying. 

“We’re not sure.” Reilyn spoke softly, “She was locked up beside Leah.” Listening, Linda looked between Garrin and Reilyn, squinting in confusion. 

“The kidnappers we tracked down, they had two girls.” Garrin mumbled, his grip on the girl tightened, “-And were taking them…somewhere.” Linda’s expression twisted, horrified. She stepped closer to Garrin and Reilyn. 

Reilyn motioned towards the girl, “Can she stay at Reaper’s Paradise?” He pleaded. “I’ll take care of her out of my own quid.” 

Linda sighed and shook her head, “We can’t leave her out in the cold. Come on.” She led Garrin and Reilyn into the tavern, and up the stairs to an empty room. The layout was almost identical to Reilyn’s, just slightly smaller. Garrin placed the girl on the bed. Reilyn walked over and tucked her in. He pulled the quilt snugly around her, watching her breathe, hoping she’d wake up before long. 

The three left the room and quietly closed the door behind them. “I’ll check on her in the morning.” Reilyn looked up at the other two. They mumbled in agreement. Reilyn walked Garrin down the stairs and to the door.

At the door, as Garrin opened it, he turned to Reilyn. “Um…you should get some rest.” He was still avoiding eye contact with the Eyll. Reilyn gave him a soft smile. 

“Yeah. You too.” Reilyn turned his head to meet Garrin’s blue eyes. The large man looked as if he was about to reply, but he closed his mouth, shook his head and closed the door behind himself. Reilyn sighed. 

The Eyll turned to see Linda at the base of the stairs. She approached him with her hands on her hips, “So, is this where you take off your tunic and show me your injuries?” She grinned.

“Nope.” Reilyn chuckled and crossed his arms, “I didn’t get any.” 

“Prove it.” Linda raised an eyebrow. 

Reilyn shook his head and untied his tunic, setting it aside. He pulled his undershirt off, tossing it with his tunic and exposing his slim toned build. He raised his arms, “No injuries.” He said. Linda smirked, stepping towards him and picked him up. She carried him to the bar counter and set him down. “Whoa- Hey!” Reilyn protested. She ran her hands down his chest and along his arms, the little smirk still resting on her lips. 

“Wow. You actually don’t have any.” 

“I didn’t lie.” Reilyn groaned, “I’m tired though so-” He was cut off by Linda’s lips meeting his own. He grabbed her shoulders. She sucked and nibbled his bottom lip. Her hand entangled itself in his long hair, her other fell to his lap, her fingers dug into the top of his leggings as she tried to pull them down. 

Reilyn pulled back, gasping. He grabbed her hand and gently pushed it away from his hips, “Linda’da, wait.” She pulled her hand from his hair, waiting for him to continue. “I really care about you. But, I don’t think I like women…in this way.” 

“Just my luck-” She sighed and stepped away. She pushed her curls from her face, “Being into a gay man.” Reilyn glanced away, wrapping his arms around himself.

“I’m sorry.” 

Linda shook her head, her eyes downcast, “Don’t be.” She slowly raised her gaze to meet him and winked, “I’ll move on. Normally I prefer lassies anyway.” Reilyn looked back at her with widened eyes. “Aw.” She chided, “I’m sure you’ll find a guy you like.” She chuckled. Reilyn shook his head, and attempted to straighten his hair. 

He smiled, his eyes facing the floor. “There was one.” Reilyn hopped off the counter, “I miss him. Gods, do I. Every day.” He looked over at the raven feather cloak hung up by the door. Linda took a step towards him and pulled him into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her, his fingers clinging to the back of her shirt. Reilyn felt the tears form in his eyes. They ran down his face. “Re unhil quontis kiwsonis kyut tai…kyr brillel? Kyr don hwaliq’nu re’yspor…?” |Of all the people to go…why him? Why not anyone else…?| He buried his head in her chest as she stroked his hair. 

“I think we both need a drink.” Linda gently broke the hug. She gave him a pat on the shoulder as he wiped his eyes, and walked behind the bar counter. 

Reilyn chuckled quietly and walked over to grab his undershirt. He slipped it back on, “That sounds like a good idea.” 

“So.” Linda started pouring them some mead, “How’s Nia doing? What do you know about her?” 

Reilyn raised an eyebrow, “Nia? Seriously? Catrin is way nicer, you know.” 

Linda grinned, her blue eyes sparkling, “I like a challenge.” 

—

The sun beamed through Reilyn’s window, much to his chagrin. He peeled himself out of bed, his head was pounding. He groaned and threw on his clothes. Upon walking into the hallway, he heard stirring from the Eyll girl’s room. 

He made his way to her door, walking quietly, and peeked his head into the room. He watched as she groggily sat up and looked around. Her face confused, her gestures anxious. Reilyn gently knocked, pushing the door in and making his presence known. She turned to him and tensed up, visibly beginning to panic. 

“Gaeilve. Clybeo’ku bodum bynum?” |Hello. How did you sleep?| He asked the girl. 

“I’m s-sorry, I don’t…” The girl stuttered, she gripped the quilt tightly. 

“You don’t speak Tey’Fat?” Reilyn furrowed his brow and crossed his arms. The girl shook her head. “Did you sleep well?” 

She nodded, “Yeah…w-who are you? Where am I?” 

Reilyn pulled a chair up beside her bed and sat down. “You’re in Pembroke. We found you on the road to Narber.” He frowned, “You got abducted.” 

The girl’s hands clenched the quilt even tighter than before, “I…was attacked. And they put me in a cage.” Her big violet eyes began to water. 

“They’re gone now. They can’t hurt you.” Reilyn spoke softly. The girl looked at the older Eyll. 

Her lip quivered, “What’s gonna happen now?” 

Reilyn reached out to touch her hand, “You can stay here. You’ll have a room, food. I can ask Linda’da if she has some clothes that will fit you.” His hand cupped the girl’s. Her grip on the quilt loosened slightly. 

“Really?” By her tone, and the look on her face, Reilyn didn’t think she believed him. 

“Really.” Reilyn stood up, letting her hand go, “What’s your name, little one?”

“My name is…Rena.” She glanced away.

“Rena Li…?” 

“Just Rena.” She shifted in her bed, “I…my parents…I don’t know them.” 

“My name is Reilyn Lu Telnur.” He turned and went to walk out of the room, “And you can stay here as long as you need. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.” 

Rena slowly stepped out of the bed and onto the floor. Her legs were wobbly. “Like…a father?” 

“Nee…yeah.” Reilyn chuckled and turned to face her again, “Like a father.” Rena stepped unsteadily over to him. The girl wrapped her arms around Reilyn, she sniffled quietly. Reilyn returned the embrace.