1st chapter

Be advised, this is not a finished product.
There's still a lot of error's and incongruences that you will almost certainly find. I'm writing it all in one go and only correct minor mistakes, after finishing I will review and edit anything I find necessary.

Anyway if you still want to read I would be grateful if you pointed to any mistake or sentence that you didn't understand or felt it was out of place.

Thank you.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It has been 8 years since the last time John stumbled on this lands. Nothing has changed much. A land so far away from war seemed to not change, if it weren't for people to get older it was like a city where time didn't matter.
- Sir you need to surrender your sword to me, you can pick it up when you leave. - A soldier got on  john path.
-Oh, and if I have papers for it?
-Then you need to show them to me, you also need to remove your hood and identify yourself! - John didn't had the intention of doing any of them
-I refuse, but I will wait here for your superior.
-Sir surrender your weapon right now or I will take it by force! - John was really annoyed, his chance of going unnoticed was now mostly down the drain, thanks to that fool and his quiet friend that reached for his sword.
-I will not, I will be sitting right here while you call your superior, I would also advise to not unsheathe tha pointy thing before he arrives.
-This is my last warning, surrender your weapon or suffer the consequences. - The Soldier ignored john's warning and unsheathed half of his sword, his companion imitated him.
-Let me just confirm something, you are saying that you will attack someone that offered no resistance but only asked to talk to your superior? Or are you the captain, who just forgot to put your insignias when you left home? - The soldier seemed shaken but he charged once again.
-I won't warn you again, surrender....
-What the hell is going here!?- Three soldiers where coming from the city.
-Captain, this man refused to heed the law.
-And which law is that?
-To surrender his weapon before entering the city.
-And why did you refuse it sir?
-I do have papers for them. - John reached for is bag, and got some piece of folded paper that he hand to the captain.
-Soldier, did he ask to see me?
- Yes. - There wasn't much time before the answer of the soldier and the fist of his captain connecting with his face.
-You are on latrine duty until I say so, now get out of my face!
-Yes sir. - The soldier got up and just ran away from the site.
-My apologies, it's not usual having this kind of request around here, the lads tend to  forget about this kind of regulations.
-No worries. - As the captain offered his hand for john to get up, the murmuring was already going about the man that could make soldiers get scolded by their superiors.
-Again I apologize, do you need anything else from me?
-Actually I haven't be here before so if you could assign someone to show me around it would be helpful.
-I think I can show you around.
-No need for someone of your position to do it, I'm not here to check your people, I'm on a personal business.
-Ah!- The captain finally relaxed- Follow me then, I will get someone at the garrison. You two will stand watch here until the next shift. - The two soldiers nodded and went their ways
- Why are you people still lingering here!? - People got startled at his sudden yelling.-Move there's nothing ele to see! - And so they did. - Are you looking for something specific? He asked john, while signing with his hand to follow him.
-Is there someplace you want to recommend to me Tom?
-There's a place where... Wait, how do you know my name? Have we met?
-We sure did. If you can't recognize me, you will have to wait until we get to the garrison. I do not which to show my face here after that little party.
-You could just say from where you know me.
-If I did that I wouldn't enjoy you frowning while you try to discover who I am.-John! You goddamn bastard. - Tom hugged him, while people where happily talking about this john that Tom was a friend of.- How long as it been?
-Eight years.
-Damn you don't sound like the old john.
-Well if you could see my face I doubt you would recognize me anyway.
-So what brings you here.
-As I said a private matter, and I would like keep it that way while it's not finished.
-So you still want someone to show you around? Nothing changed that much for you to not be able to move around without a guide.
-Actually I just want somewhere to store some of my gear and not be identified by all the Town as the man who made you punch your subordinate. It would be enough attention with my folks wanting to try to throw a party.
-A party? That's a good idea, I will pass the word around. As for your stuff you can store it on the garrison
-Thank you, it would be bothersome to walk with my sword around.
-Don't you mean swords?
-So you noticed.
-Yea, when I hugged you, otherwise its well concealed for it's size.
-I will be holding on to that if you don't mind.
-Nothing I can do about it anyway. How do you got that kind of paper?
-It's a long story, that I cannot talk about.
-Point taken. - Tom came to a stall and pointed to a building in front of them. - Here we are, this old place is still the same, you can change in the dressing room and drop your stuff after in my office.
Tom leaded John to the dressing room, and after opening the door for him, told that he would send someone to get him. John got is cape off and looked for some cloth in is bag to wrap the sword in his back. Good manners dictated that a sword not intended to be used should be wrapped on a white cloth. Someone knocked at the door.
-Yes?
-Sir can I enter? - It was a woman's voice
-Sure.
-My husband asked me to bring you a white cloth to put over your sword, he did not believe you would have nothing besides gray or brown
-And he was right, but I do have to say that I'm impressed that he somehow married you Jenny. - The woman looked puzzled.
-I'm sorry sir, but I do not recall your face.
-John.
-John! Oh my god John! I can't believe it! Give me a hug. Tom was right you really look like a broke peasant on the road.
-Could have said worst.
-I will punch him for not telling me. So there will be a party tonight at your folks place right?
-Well everyone seems to assume that there will be, so there's nothing much I can do about it.
-Yes, yes, I will have to bring my kids but it will be worth it.
-Kids, as in plural?
-Yea 3.
-Hope they look like you.
-Hardly only boys until now, and as big as their father.
-Ouch, so you guys thinking of having more.
-I want a girl.-John smiled, as Jenny handed him the cloth. - I will go prepare something for tonight see you late, and do something about that beard and har.
-Bye. - john pushed her out the door.

After wrapping the sword and hiding it on the middle of his cape, john headed out. There was already a soldier that signaled him to follow, he led him to the second floor to Tom's office. There he quickly hand a sword and a bag with his equipment, that Tom stored on a chest on his office and handed the key to John. With that being done, john said his goodbyes and left for the Inn that his parents ran. His home.

It didn't take him much time to get there, it looked the same. Besides some obvious reapairs, the inn looked the same as 8 years ago, a two store building painted in a pale gray that contrasted with the brown of the three windows and the main door. To the left, it could be seen the path that led to the stables, and in the right there was a garden for people to stroll about. In the back there would be a backyard where their parents grew some vegetables, pigs and chickens.
John went in, and sat down in the same table he always did after school, the one to the left of the door in the corner with a wide view to the whole room.
- Greeting sir, what will you have? - A young girl asked him as he sat down..
-Mixed eggs, bacon, bread and some milk.
-Is that all sir.
-Yes it is.
While the girl went to get his order, John resumed is watch of the room. There were more tables than he remembered, and all of them had 5 chairs instead of the old number of 4. Looked like his parents business was going good, there was no reason to to add more tables and chairs besides business going good.
-Here's your order, that will be 3 copper.
-Ok. - John looked admired, it was unusual to ask for payment before he had a chance to finish his meal. - Is that the norm around here
-We had some problems in the last weeks, and had to resort to this.
-Fine, here take it.- John handed her a gold coin, he had the change to pay but felt like imposing his health, to make them regret thinking he was a beggar and to have the pleasure of seeing her stupid face. After 5 seconds she recovered and went to get the change.
John was still in starting his meal when she returned with the change and a plate with a slice of cake.
-I didn't order this.
-It's on the house.
-Thank you, but no thank you, I still hate that that cake.
Rachel took the plate back, after she handed the cake to the kitchen a pair of eyes was looking at the strange man in the corner from the kitchen, after a minute or so they disappeared and returned after a while with a friend. Not sneaking around anymore, his parents left the kitchen and approached his table.
-Get up you bastard, and give us a hug. - said his father.
-Why didn't you tell us? - asked his mother.
-It's not my fault that you can't recognize me. - he answered while getting up.
-How could we? Have you looked to a mirror in the last 8 years, were have you been? - asked his dad.
-Now and then, I don't look much different if I shave.
-I should have hit you more when you were little. I'm afraid to do it now.
-You didn't hit me because you didn't need to, I don't remember being that bad of a son.
-Yes, but your jokes ruin the mood every time.
-What mood? There was no mood, I created the mood.
-Oh, just shut up, I don't want to hit you.
After his parents calmed down, they sat down with him to talk. Rachel was going around alone serving the customers that came in. Fortunately for her it was a calm part of the day.
-So how much time did you wait before replacing me. -We didn't... What were you expecting, it's not like the two of us could take care of it until you returned. Anyway at first your cousin helped us, we had others until Rachel settled here.
-So she's not from here, I was rattling my brain trying to remember her.
-She arrived with her parents, a shabby couple, 4 years ago. She joined us 2 years ago, it was quite a dilemma for her father let her work here. He still works some trouble from time to time but it has being dwindle.
-And you pay her and still had to endure his rumblings? What the hell has happened to you dad?
-Well she's not a bad girl, surely it's no her fault being his daughter and your mother along with your sister were supporting her.
-So they were blackmailing you.
-JOHN!? - Her mother looked him angry.
-That pretty much sums it all. Ouch. - a punch flew to the shoulder of johns father. -Was that necessary?
-Shut up or more will fly. - John laughed seeing their parents arguing after so much time, it realy felt like home.
-Do you find this funny? - his father asked.
-Hilarious, actually. Anyway, the guys are coming late is that alright?
-That save me the problem of inviting them.
-Then talk to Tom, he's the one orchestrating everything.
-OK. Better get working it's getting late. - his father said.
-You can use your old room, he haven't touched it. - said his mom
-That looks like a lot of piled dust.
-Who do I think I am? - his mother asked.
-Should I answer that?
-No. - they both answered
-Is Ellen home still the same.
-Yes, but you might miss her. She could be working with her mom. - his mom said.
-So she really take after her mom.
-Well, she's still a helper and can't go anywhere alone but the Marquis like her. She would likely be accepted if she asked to be their maid.
-How about uncle?
-She should be towards northwest near the forest. - said his father.
-So is still shopping wood.
-He still refuses to work here, his help would be great though.
-You would have to drop Rachel then.
-Not really, we are actually considering hiring another hand, unless you join us.
-Sorry, I have to leave in two days. - a shadow of sorrow run through his parents face.
-Well you know where your room his, we will talk later. - his mom said after giving him a kiss in his forehead and living for the kitchen to prepare supper for the night.
-I will be going too, have some horses to prepare for some guests that are leaving tonight. Don't forget to invite your uncles.
-I will.

John lingered a bit longer while finishing his afternoon meal, he watched people coming and going with increasing frequency, proving what basically his father had told him, business was going good.
When finished we went to the stairs beside the counter that gave access to the rooms, they had their room on the same floor as the guests, the ones closer to the stairs.
His room was really unchanged. Is mom made wonders to not change even a book in 8 years. Even the view from the window that was over his bead remained unchanged. It was still the same blacksmiths and tailor shops. It while he was looking outside that he heard someone rushing up the stairs, he first reached for is sword, but upon hearing a woman breathing he relaxed and resumed what he was doing.
Indeed it was is cousin, Ellen, that was running through the stairs, as his door was open she rushed him and tackled him from behind, john had to grab the window so they wouldn't be projected outside.
-John, you are back. -Ellen was crying the words out.
-What the hell girl? Are you trying to kill us?
-You never wrote to me, did you forget about me?
-Did you even though how much time it would take to write everyone here? I would spent years doing it.
-You should have written to me, i don't care about others. -She was now hitting is back with her fists.
-You do know that hurts right?
-I'm sure it's hurting me more than you, you thick head bull.
-You almost killed me, than you hit me and finally you insult me. That's quite the welcome back from you. - Ellen soaked her tears in her sleeves.
-Shut up, it's what you deserve after 8 years of not even one letter sent.
-What am I, your lover?
-About that...
-Doesn't Mark fill your need of reading letters per moth?
-You knew.
-How couldn't I. He must have sent me as much letters as to you about it. God is truly sick having to read all about your love adventures. If you want to know why I didn't write, blame him.
-What did he told you?- Ellen's face turned red with embarrassment.
-Do you have something to tell me? - A grin passed through john's face that even Ellen could perceive through the thick beard he had.
-Well I don't.. - she moved away from him and sat at his desk chair, while john sited on his bead. - Do you want my help shaving?
-Is that an apology?
-If you want.
-No thank you.
-You will make me suffer won't you?
-Look to the bright side, It will only be for 2 days.
-You are already leaving?
-In 2 days.
-But you just arrived. - John remained silent – Fine, come with me. - Ellen grabbed his arm and pulled him downstairs.
-I have to close my door. - John said while pulling back.
-Leave it, no one touched it for 8 years do you really think they will now?
-But...
-Shut up and come.
Ellen pushed harder and john gave up on arguing with her, after hall the most valious thing he owned were always beside him. Ellen guided him to the kitchen that also hadnt changed much besides the table which now was made of marble. At one of the corners besides the backdoor his mom was agitating the fire so it could get more lively.
-Aunt I'm taking Rachel.
-But Ellen we need her for supper.
-I will tell my mom to come, and she will drag my dad too.
Ellen didn't gave much time for her to answer, john just gave a look of feeling sorry for it. His mom returned to her work , realizing she couldn't do anything about it.
When they returned to the main room Ellen looked for john's father but he wasn't around. So she asked Rachel. He was tending the stables, so Ellen quickly reached for the door nearest to the stables. After quickly commanding john's father to help inside until her mom arrived, she also quickly left not giving the chance for the old man to even utter a word. She went inside once again to this time grab Rachel and drag her through the front door while she kept complaining, John smiled it was the only thing he could do while the hurricane called Ellen swept away with them in her tail.
-So were are we going? - While outside Ellen finally let them go,
-Have to go home to tell my mom, hopefully my father will be there too and we won't need to get him.
-That I already figured out, I asking after the obvious things. - john said
-Don't give me that sarcastic tone or I will slap you.
-Chill down girl. He's right, what the hell are you thinking getting me out while I'm in the middle of my job. -said Rachel.
-Don't worry I have everything figured out.
-Just because they are your uncles doesn't mean they wouldn't eventually let go of the girl that gets kidnapped by their nephew every so often while working.
-So this is not the first time? - john asked.
-Unfortunately no.
-My old man as really gone soft, or maybe I should have born as a woman.
-You two shut up and just follow me. - Ellen ordered.
-AI, AI Sir! - john saluted
Ellen went home with them in her tail. Her mom was already preparing dinner, as with john's parents she didn't give much room to talk, she quickly ensued orders like she was the queen. They quickly left with john waving at her aunt since Ellen was once again dragging him around.
-So princess, can you tell us were we are going now? - john asked.
-To Mel's place.
-Are you serious, you want to go to a tavern after getting out from an inn?
-Well, if we stayed there Rachel would be working.
-What does that have to do to anything?
-She couldn't talk with us.
-And why would I need to talk to someone I barely know? - Ellen just turned red, as did Rachel when she realized what she was after.
-I better return to work. - Rachel said turning back to leave.
-What for!? This airhead already turned 4 people days inside out so you could leave, there's no worth in getting back now. Let's just go, her father can hammer some good sense in her later.
Mel's place was a tiny tavern located on the northern part of the town. It was a simple tavern with 4 tables with 4 chairs each and a counter that went wall to wall. As the name said it was run by Mel, short for Melisa, she was a distant branch of their family that mostly leaved of the sea, Mel was the rebellious child that with the help of his husband constructed the small tavern for her. It was mostly Frequented by fisherman so it would be calm until later in the evening.

-Is that you john. I could barely recognize you, how long as it been?
-You did better than my parents, and if I'm not mistaken 6 years since the last time I saw you.
-What six years, you came here 6 years ago?- Ellen asked dumbfounded.
-Nothing like that dear, I went to Ascalow that year to visit my son, it just happened that I met john there.
-Why didn't you ever tell me.
-Well I guess the topic never came up, so kids what will it be?
-Bear! - they all said.
-Damn, seeing you together made me forget that you are already grown ups, I will be right back.
While Mel went to work on their order, they sited down at a table. They were the only costumers.
-So john tell us about all your adventures.
-My adventures, hmm. I did my army training in Meltas for 1 year, was sent to Ascalow to serve there for 1 year, returned to Meltas were I was relocated to the border army for 2 years, after that I worked as a mercenary for 1 year, until I settled on Merfin as a messenger.
-Is that it?- Ellen asked in disbelief.
-You do know dragon's don't exist, right?
-Dragon's? - Rachel muttered don't understanding what he meant.
-Our princess can't tell the world that she as a Dragonslayer cousin. -Ellen kicked john under the table.
-Where did that come from? -Rachel asked.
-That was what she  told everyone when she was a tiny little cutie thing.
-Did you need to tell that?
-Did you need to grab me around town for this? - Ellen head dropped down.
-That wasn't expecting from the 2 lads that were inseparable at kids -Mel had returned with 4 mugs filled with bear- you have just reunited and are already fighting?
-Shes still an airhead. - another kick flew beneath the table – and still as violent as ever. - This time the kick missed since john had turned his legs to the opposite side of Ellen.
-And you still mock her despite knowing her temperament -Ellen became even redder- drink girl, you look ready to pass out.
-Were they always like this? - Rachel asked Mel.
-They were like and cat, but couldn't leave each other alone for long, that was until the guy went away and left her alone.
-She wasn't along for long. -another kick went under the table hitting his mark, Ellen had adjusted to his previous shift.
-She already told you?
-No. He did.
-Oh, how did that go?
-Like every argument with two respectable man would go.
-Fists or swords?
-His surrender.
-I hope you didn't scar his face, Ellen might not be able to able to forgive you if you did.
-Could we stop talking about me?
-Why, wasn't this what you hopped for? We talking about this 8 years that I have been gone or do you had an hidden agenda?
-So he's the new one Rachel? - Rachel turned read like a ripened tomato.
-She does this frequently?
-From time to time, but I only know about the times she comes here. But it will be hard to get someone to take here, her father is a luggage that most man don't want.
-Mel don't talk like that.
-It's the truth, isn't it Rachel? -she just kept silent looking down. - But changing the topic, for how long are you staying?
-Two days.
-That's short, your parent's shouldn't be happy.
-They were expecting me to run the inn, so I should say no, they aren't.
-By the way, did you get on with that girl?
-She rejected me.
-Girl!? -Ellen eyes literally popped out at the mention of a girl.
-You haven't told them about her, naughty boy. In Ascalow he was assigned as an escort for a woman, is eyes couldn't leave her anytime she was around. It was quite funny talking to him at those times.
-How was she? - Ellen asked Mel while shutting out John with her hand.
-A brunette around her thirty's, she was quite tall for a woman there wasn't much difference between her and john. She had a nice bust, can't tell much more about it since I never saw her without a Robe.
-Who was she? - Now Ellen looked at john her curiosity at it's peak.
-Her name was Heleanor, the daughter of the regent of Ascalow, I was assigned to escort her for an year.
-So you fell for her and she refused you.
-Pretty much.
-Come on give me more details, there most be something more.
-There was no fairy tale.
-Damn, now I want to meet her.
-Can't help you with that.
-You didn't kept contact with her?
-Had no reason too, and I doubt she would want it anyway.
-There wasn't any other woman?
-No.
-I don't believe you!
-I don't care.
-Hey Mel the usual. -Some fishermen came in, it was already late in the evening and they were getting home, the one who talked was Mel's husband.- hi Ellen, Rachel shouldn't you be working.
-Ellen kidnapped her without any consent. -another kick was barely avoided.
-Is that john, how much you changed, your parents most had the surprise of their life's.
-They couldn't even recognize me.
-Figures, you didn't even had a project of a beard when you left.
-Details... Anyway better get going, people should be arriving shortly at the inn.
-A party? - Mel wondered.
-Something like that, pass there later if you can.
-Sure will.

The group left after Mel kept refusing their money for the drinks. Thy happily chatted the rest of the way, mostly about Ellen and Rachel misadventures at the inn.
Tom and some friends were already happily installed dipping down their mugs of bear, as usual for this kind of events his father opened the room next to the kitchen, the bottom floor of the room was divided in 3 rooms the kitchen and the event occupied 50% of the floor with the stairs that gave access to the second floor in the middle, the dinner room occupied the rest of the floor. Since the in was quite big, even though the event room was only 25% of the floor it easily accommodated party's of 40 people at the table, which was being filled with fruits bread, smoked and salted meats and fish. A keg of bear was placed on a corner of the room with a table with mugs so people could easily serve themselves. As night fallen down more people showed up after 10 p.m. they had to change the party to the main room since it was getting too much crowded in the event room. The tenants happily welcomed the festivities since it seemed to accommodate free food and drink. His father hastily placed the sign "If you weren't invited, don't enter" at the front door. The the drinking went until 2 a.m. When the owners started kicking out the free loaders and john helping some of his drunk friends getting home.
The next day started late for john. It was already in the afternoon when Rachel knocked at his door, telling him to come eat something. He went directly to the kitchen were some breath with grilled meat were waiting for him.
-Couldn't you have done something about that hair before coming down. -John just sat down and started eating, there was no meaning in giving her any reason to keep rambling about his hair. - and that cape, do you wear it everywhere?
-Force of habit I guess. -actually felt uneasy without is sword, but since he didn't want to bring attention to him so he had a cape to keep it occult.
-Ellen said to tell you to come to the your old school. Something about your teacher. Couldn't get much since she just left as always.
-Did she say at which time.
-You are already late.
-Better get going then.
-Do something about that air, and ask her to at least trim that beard.
-I will think about it.
If it weren't for Ellen outside, he would think he was at the wrong place. The building he remembered was no longer there, instead there was now something that looked more like a military barracks than a school. Here for two years every teenager learned to right and read, or at least if they wished too, although children were required to attend, it wasn't obligatory to learn.
-You are late! Do you remember miss Cat.
-How could I forget such beauty. - Cat, short for Catherine, was a woman in her late fiftys, her hair was already mostly white and she needed a stick to help her walk. With a greeting that she was not used to receive, especially for someone who used to always joke around with her, she left her and in the same place even though john was posing asking for it to kiss. After an awkward moment she resigned to be the victim of whatever joke john might have concocted but for her surprise he just went with the formalities.
-So people do change.
-Not that much, but I have learned to respect my elders.
-Who was the man that accomplished that?
-I never said it was a man...
-A woman!? You have to present me to her sometime.
-I'm afraid she's no longer along us.
-That's a shame. But let's no longer talk about sad things. I see you have grown up to be a fine gentleman in you absence.
-Gentleman!?
-Don't be like that Ellen. I'm very happy to have met you again John. I hope to hear good things about you.
-I hope you do.
-Don't you want to join us for a pick-nick? - Ellen asked.
-No. This old bones would meddle with your youth, and before you say anything I have promised to help my sister.
-That's a shame, your presence would really lighten up the ugliness of my dear cousin. - Ellen smiled, john had a slite regret when he saw that grin.
-You still haven't lost the skill of being able of praising and at the same time "injure" another person. I always thought you would lose that cockiness when something didn't went the way that you expected, is just another thing I was wrong about you, I hope that there will be a lot more.
-Was your prospect about me that bad.
-I always expected you to do great things, but it doesn't necessarily mean I would like them.
-I regret only seeing now what you really amount too. A shame you never revealed it before.
-Forgive me, but I was too afraid to do it. Now let me go I have already said too much of what goes in my soul that what I wanted.
Miss cat left south in her slow pace. Ellen quickly took the lead to get them out of town, they are going to the forest to have a pick-nick. They just had to pass through her father's wooden cabin to get the food.
- John what was Miss Cat talking about?
-What do you mean?
-She kept talking about great things you could do, and that she was afraid to influence you.
-I don't have the slightest idea.
-Eh!? But you even went on with her.
-What did you expect me to do? Call her crazy.
-No, but you really did seem serious then.
-I was more dumbfounded, it was hard to not say anything that might hurt her.
-You were thinking about that? Maybe she was right and you really are a gentleman.
-Yea right, keep thinking like that. - john smiled.

After half an hour they finally arrived at her old man cabin. After they grabbed what they were after, they quickly left for their intended place. That place was an old mysterious place, deep inside the forest, there was a place that suddenly opened into an open field with a huge stone on the middle, nothing grown at the foot of the stone in a range of 10 meters in every direction, no one knew why, but it was a good place to have a pick-nick at the shadow of the 3 meter height 2 meter wide stone shadow.
-So tell us about your adventures, and don't hide anything about it, I want to know everything about that woman you fallen for. - Ellen inquired while she was helping Rachel.
-I have something for you. - John reached for the pocket inside is cape and grabbed a piece of folded paper that he handed to Ellen. - Read this.
Ellen unfolded the paper and started reading it, as she went on she started crying with her right hand over her mouse and giggling from time to time. Rachel was startled and impatient at the same time, what could she have been reading to put her in that state. When she finally finished she inquired John.
-Did you knew?
-I did, he even asked me to help, so i guess I should give my congratulations.
-Congratulations!? - Rachel looked at both of them puzzled.
-I'm going to marry. - Ellen open her harms welcoming Rachel to a hug which she quickly accepted entering in that frenzy of untold gibberish and annoying sound that a lot of woman enter when in extreme happiness.
After they finally calmed down, they finished setting up the pick nick and sat down to eat.
-Here says that you will take me, I can't believe you two get along.
-Who said we did? He's paying me by hour...
-I would really punch you if I weren't this happy.
-Lucky me! I'm leaving tomorrow so I hope you 2 are ready by tomorrow.
-Two? - Rachel inquired.
-Of what my mom told me, you two seem inseparable, they are alright with you leaving and Mark did say to bring whoever you wanted with you. It's not like a mayor will having much of a problem feeding another mouth.
-Common Rachel, you have to come with me!
-I would like to, but my father will never allow. - Ellen also seem "depressed" since she knew her father.
-You never know until you ask, I'm leaving tomorrow so you better get to your parents and start packing up.
They swiftly cleaned the place up and left through separate ways, John to his room at the inn, Rachel went to the forest looking for her father, Rachel went home looking for her father.

John was leisurely reading a book for about an hour when someone knocked on his door.
-Who's it.
-Rachel, can I come in?
-Yea, it's open.
What came in was woman with a big bag on her shoulder and an head bowed down like there was an world on top of it.
-So your father actually let you leave, why are you so down.
-Should I call you master since I'm now your slave? - John sat down at is bead and with a grave face.
-That's not what we agreed upon but not something I wouldn't expect for him, well I will leave him a present then. No need to look like that, I have no intention of controlling you – john got a piece of paper from his table- here is the contract, keep it until we arrive into the next city than do whatever you want with it.
Rachel couldn't believe what she heard, she was shaking when she lifted her hand to grab the paper that hold her liberty, and when she finally had the courage to read it she couldn't believe how much he payed.
-Don't worry about it, I don't expect to receive anything for that.
-But I cant...
-If you feel bad about it you can eventually repay me, and I'm not in a hurry so you can take your time.
-But how do you have this kind of money.
-That's a long story that I don which to dwell about. Well you can go and hell Ellen pack, I'm sure she will have a lot more trouble packing than you.
-OK, can I leave my stuff here?
-Sure be my guest, aren't you afraid that I would go through your bags?
-I don't even know what is in them, they were already waiting me outside the door when I arrived home. He didn't even let me say goodbye to my mother.
-I guess that was to be expected from him.
-Thank you. - Rachel turned her back to leave.
-See you later.

It was long after Rachel left that Ellen came into the inn, eyes red and swollen from crying, her uncles only had the time to inquire with their look as she ran through the main room into the stairs going straight for johns room getting in without knocking and jumping onto him.
-Eia, what's wrong? - john asked, but what she could spell was just gibberish between the crying.
-Calm down girl, no one is dying.
She gulped hard and sat down on the bead alongside john, after some minutes she started talking.
-My father, he doesn't approve of the marriage.
-Oh, that's troublesome, but why?
-Something about Mark not asking him for my hand.
-Ah, that's understandable.
-How could you take his side? - she was once again on the bring of tears.
-Well you could always run.
-Run!?
-Yea, just go home pack the minimum you need and we leave on the call of the night.
-But, I...
-Well I'm leaving tomorrow, so it's up to you. You either run or stay and forget about Mark. So, what will it be?
-Run?
-Don't expect me to decide for you, after all I have no reason to run away from my parents.
-Run.
-Very well, go home you will probably find Rachel waiting for you as you just missed her, get some snot running for dramatic purposes and only tell her about the plan in your room.
She cleared her tears withe her hand and nodded. John just sat back on is bed grabbing the book that he put aside when Ellen ran in and leisurely kept reading.

Ellen went back, on the way back she started thinking about everything that could go wrong to make her tears run again, when her home was on sight she was already looking like she had be crying all along. She didn't look for Rachel and just went straight to her room, she didn't want to face her parents, she didn't believe she could stay quiet if she did, Rachel would surely come to her room if she was there.
Startled by Ellen slamming the door, Rachel could see Ellen running in straight to her room. Ellen's mom pushed her to go meet her, hopping that she would somehow console her, Ellen's father just went out when Ellen loud crying came in.
It was long after midnight when john reached Ellen's home.
-John what are you doing here? - His aunt asked.
-Came to check on Ellen, did she calmed down.
-Yeah, Rachel helped. I checked them a while ago, they were both sleeping.
-Then I won't disturb them, I will be on my way.
-Thanks for worrying about her, you were always like a brother to her.
John left, he walked through another two houses and hided in a corner where he left some bags. It did take the girls another half an hour to finally meet him on that hiding place.
-I was starting to get afraid that you really had fallen asleep.
-We had to wait for mom to go to her room. I was getting afraid you would leave without us.
-If you didn't come I would leave on my previous schedule. Let's go, we have to put some miles behind us.
Picking their bags they silently walked towards outside the city. Their path was straight to the exit, even though Ellen kept saying her father wasn't home and they could run into him, John didn't see to care he just kept walking telling her to make less noise. It went well until they reached the city gates where Ellen's father was waiting.
-Why!? - Ellen fell to her knees, tears once again running while Rachel embraced her.
-He's hero to help you go home and pack your stuff well.
-What? -Rachel was the one that asked, Elle was too down on her grieving to discern what John had said.
-We will be leaving later today, you can properly say goodbye to everyone.
-What? - Ellen couldn't understand what he was saying.
-We wanted to be sure you were prepared to abandon everything.
-We? - Ellen inquired.
-I have to say it was my idea, but your parents agreed to it.
-What? - Ellen once again asked, a mist of joy and disbelief showing in her face.
-I will be at the inn, we are leaving when the sun starts to fall, my parents prepared a room for you Rachel if you need it.

John left while Ellen was still numb for complaining. Her father came to her when John left, he was crying his eyes out when he pulled her up and gave her a hug and kiss on the forehead.
-Forgive us for this, but we wanted to be sure this is what you wanted and no one had a better idea.

John didn left is room, his mother brought him a meal in the morning, Tom came about mid day with is sword, and after a short goodbye he went out to do is job. When John finally left him room the sun was already coming down, he had a quick meal and their parents also quickly said their goodbyes, since they had work to do and john didn't gave them much time to do more than that.
When he came out of the inn the girls and Ellen's parents were waiting for him in their wagon. He walked alongside it, refusing to go up saying he wanted to stretch his legs. When they reached the gates Ellen's parents gave a last hug to Ellen while john was talking with a soldier.
-John, take my wagon, there's too much stuff for you three to carry.
-That won't be necessary uncle, Tom got an early wedding gift by getting some favors, there should be a wagon arriving shortly from what that soldier told me.
-Hah, I will have to thank him, it's a relief to have to borrow a horse from your father. I wouldn't be able to buy a new one for a while.
-We know, and couldn't take it from you. My father also offered his but this way is better for everyone.
-Indeed, indeed.