Ana dressed and left her home in Bree. "Home" she thought. She had just found one, and a life, and was willing to give it up so soon. What was wrong with her? She was pretty sure that she now had the makings of a life that others would be more than content with, yet here she was, again, offering to throw all of that away, in an attempt to earn forgiveness for her past mistakes.
She made her way into town, as certain preparations must be made before this tournament, and what may follow. She visited the market, and sat for a while in the auction house as well as making an an appointment with the Notary. Just as she was leaving, she was approached by a man in armour. "Hello there, I believe I have message for you, from lady Deorla" Ana took the envelope, ripped it open, and began to read. As the words Deorla had written begun to sink in, Ana's mind again began to whirl. So many emotions. Sadness, yet relief, quickly followed by guilt for feeling relieved she would not have to leave this place, her family. She was a mess. Did Amaken really know what he was letting himself in for? Ana sat for a while, watching the people get on with their normal lives. Could she be content with such a life? As happy as she was, she still longed for the open road, and for adventure. She felt lucky that she had found someone who shared similar desires.
Brushing herself off, she decided to call in at the Pony for refreshment before heading back. She was not sure how long she had been there, when she noticed she had been joined by Altheric. He had also received a letter, and with it extra responsibility. They chatted for a while, about the Company, about the Tournament, and of course formation training and push-ups. Ana was concerned about Furleys reaction to the letters, however Altheric said he was conducting business elsewhere in the tavern, so, in Ana's mind she was happy he was not alone, so knew not to bother him. When the drinks were emptied, and it was time to leave, Ana bid Altheric farewell, with both offering the best of luck for the tournament. Ana knew she was out of practice, and was pretty sure she would end up nursing various cuts and bruises from the upcoming tournament, however, she was looking forward to it all the same.
Ana was thankful that her horse needed no guiding to return back to the kin house. She had just finished stabling her when she saw Amaken by the gate. He also had an envelope in his had, with the handwriting she now recognised. They greeted each other, then moved from the kin house back to Ana's cottage. Once in and comfortable in front of the fire, Ana reached under the bed to retrieve a bottle of wine and two goblets she had stored under there earlier. Relaxing with the wine and in Amaken's arms, Ana asked to hear more of his childhood and his journey to Bree. He told her of his parents, and the generations of blacksmiths in his family, of the expectations that had been put upon him to continue this family trade. When this had became too much for him, arguments followed, his father telling him that he brought shame upon family, "His only son, an adventurer !? What about our reputation !? Our legacy ?!" Ana could see the hurt in Amaken's eyes as he told the story, and she wished she could take that away.
His journey to Bree had indeed been a hellish one. From Lothlorian, through the Misty Mountains, to Rivendell, and then to Bree. They had been involved in many a skirmish and life threatening experience, and sadly very close to Bree, his friend and companion on the journey, had been fatefully stuck by a brigands arrow. Amaken was still filled with guilt "If i had acted differently, could his death have been avoided?" In that moment, Ana knew. They shared the same pain, and they would help each other heal.
As Amaken rested his head against Ana's, he whispered "Thank you. You are my light in this world slowly consumed by shadow. I thank you so much for trusting me enough to be with me". Ana looked at him, her eyes looking deeply into his, "And you are mine", she whispered back.
They both sat there, by the fire, resting in each others presence, and enjoying their time together, hoping this moment would last forever.
