One eye on the sky

The journey continues as she walks down the dirt path once more, checking a small compass her father gave her. This village shouldn't be much longer now because it's always rather close. Without knowing Marcus is following behind her while doing so. He saw nothing really came to try attacking her so this was good news. However, he'll keep his guard up in case.

Then finally, after a few hours, Katherine shows up at the pinpoint location of the village. She smiles seeing that but hurries off to try and head over. Marcus has never seen such a thing before and yet, this was not too bad to explain. Their fields were still alright and nothing was too scorched. Maybe this location isn't known to dragons? Marcus will figure that out later as he sees her walk through the main gates to the mid building in the village.

She spoke with someone in the building as he takes whatever was passed over from her village. Marcus saw it's a small blue gem stone that was in a necklace. Thanks to this, the trade can continue with her getting some coins for her delivery. He offers her fresh food as well as thanks.

"Thank you for your kindness..." she bows to him.

"You are alright my dear. I'm hoping you save travels unless you wish to stay and rest? You have traveled far form your home so why not?"

"That is a sweet offer my lord but it's fine. I already told my father I would be home as soon as I did the delivery. He's just worried because of the dragons roaming and ruling the skies.

"I undrerstand, I understand.."

"Either way, I still thank you for the fruit and food during my journey home. I'll be sure my father gets what he needs thanks to you. I just hope we can pay you back in a later time down this road." she smiled giving a bow to the leader that the others were happy that they got to see Katherine. A few younger men were impressed by her but hopes she could stay a while longer. However, they wouldn't stop her.

"I understand my dear. However, you are always welcome here in our village. Just be sure to get home safe."

"Don't worry; I'll be sure to be super careful while doing so."

"Alright then. Go right ahead and head on home. We will see you again soon dear." he said waving bye to Kat as she waves bye to everyone with a smile on her face. She noticed a couple of them were sad to see her go but she will visit them again real soon. With her mission done, Katherine started heading back home to her own village. Without knowing that Marcus was following behind her to be sure she stays safe.

The travel was not too bad this time since she's already gotten more better with what is needed for her. She just hums lightly to herself looking ahead with some of the lakes now full with some animals enjoying the water. All she did was hum again with eyes looking ahead. Marcus just kept following behind her just to be safe but noticed some group in the middle of the path where she came from.

"Hmm?"

"Oh miss! Miss, can you help me? We are a bit lost.." one said looking at her but he wore some too fancy clothes. Maybe he was from another area for his kingdom. She didn't worry about it but Katherine asks what is wrong that he explains everything. However, two more guys were listening to this and holding knives ready to attack her. The guy talking to Kat was distracting her and they would rob her of anything they can sell.

Marcus noticed but was angry they would think of doing that to her. He was about to attack them but Katherine suddenly punches the man in the face that got the other two jumping out to attack. However, she kicks them away as well with some sudden ice burst coming in the area. He couldn't tell but he saw the  two thugs frozen and shaking from the cold.

She shook her head but turns to leave them but Marcus was shocked. Just what in the world happened? He will figure it out later but rushes to keep behind Katherine who was heading back to her village.

Marcus wonders how in the world she did that so quickly but remembers it was maybe her father? Or her mother that trained her. She didn't seem to mind either while walking home but this got him impressed with her. She was able to defend herself well but during their first meeting, she ran from the dragon. Was it because she didn't know how to take it down effectively. Or was he wrong? He'll have to wonder just what happened and hope for the best in answers.

"Okay, that was something I've never seen before in a while. How in the world could she do such a thing? Did her family train her or...is their something else hidden in this whole thing. I understand she wishes to be able to protect herself but..that...was new." his eyes saw her just walking down the path not feeling or sensing him so he's fine for now.

"I wish I can just go and ask her myself but she'll just ignore me if I even speak to her. I could get Rosie and Lewis to ask but she might figure it out for herself. *Sighs* Guess the only way to know if by talking to her one on one." he knew she still was furious with him for lying but he had to know. Something was just off with this and he wanted to know.

After a couple hours, he sees her stop near a large lake looking out at the water as the sun shines down on it. She ponders about things in her head but that was just her over thinking about something later down the road. Not that it was a bother to her, she only wished to know what she could. Katherine just lets out a sigh and held up her hand before looking around to be sure. Marcus didn't get why she was looking around till he looks seeing something.

"Wait..what is she doing?" he said to himself seeing her just standing there looking at the water. Katherine bends down near it to touch the surface of the cool liquid but before doing anything she stood up quickly and takes out something to see something glowing in her bag. Must be the stone her father gave her. With a sigh, she dries her hand and keeps heading for home. It was close by now so she should be there in a few more hours.

"Yeah...something is off...I need to find out what." he follows after her once more.

She stops near some resting location that Katherine saw the fresh water in her bag to drink from a small canister. The items she go for her father remained on the bottom just in case or after a while. She sits down to begin eating some food or get something while humming to herself. The food they gave her was not too bad but made her feel stuffed too.

Marcus stays back from her but didn't alert her of his presence. This was good for him because he can rest and take time to eat if need be. She wouldn't move for a while after walking that long so he gets it. They stay in their locations to recover for a while then will keep going when that happens.

"*eating quietly*" she didn't say a thing but sat under a tree eating.

".................." Marcus was able to keep a eye on her just in case as they rest in different areas without knowing it. He still was impressed with her so it's nothing of a big deal right?

Later on that day, Katherine shows up back in the village to see everyone already still out. They were in the market or in their homes as she walks up to her father's home that was pass the mission building. IN later time, Marcus shows up as well looking around that he saw her just going into the mission building to complete the mission.

"There you go. All done.." she hands over the paper and shows the item that was brought back.

"Thank you miss Kat. I'll mark this mission as completed today. Thank you so much again...here is your coins for the complete mission." he said passing over two bags of coins for her that she takes with a thank you. She also puts the item in the bag and will deliver it to her father who was waiting for it. She gives a good bye and leaves the building. She was back outside walking to her father's home but Marcus calls out to her hoping to get her attention.

She looks around hearing the voice but seeing who it was, she showed a dark look on her face and looks away still walking. Marcus stops seeing her ignoring him once more but sighed, thinking it was too soon but he had to get the word out. He just had to. Katherine went into her father's home to speak to him as he was attending something that he looks up seeing his daughter.

"Welcome back dear.." he said smiling to her as Katherine nods back.

"So my dear, how was your trip? I take it you got there quickly and did was is needed?" he asked seeing Kat sit down to enjoy a cup of tea her father made for him but got some left for her to get a cup.

"Active dear father but still well. I'm happy that things got done but I did run into some trouble but nothing I could handle it." she said drinking her tea smiling.

"That's my girl. I always knew you were good with self defense and other. However, I'm glad you came back safe." he pets her head seeing her blushing to a smile on her face. Katherine was happy for that. After a while, she was happy for it.

"Speaking of which, did you speak to Marcus dear?" he asked seeing her tense up looking down at the cup feeling angry.

"...No. I have not spoken to that liar...."

"Honey..."

"I know father but I have seen him a couple times but I'm not speaking to him right now. I'm still mad at him for lying to me.."

"Honey, I know he didn't mean to lie to you like this. He did it for a reason...." he explains to his daughter.

"....*Sighs* Even so, I'm not going to forgive him. I just can't forgive someone that lies to someone just because. It's wrong and hurtful....I mean, mom went through that before didn't she? Before meeting you.."

".........*sighs* Yes, that did happen...before we became a couple. I offered help for her after her so called bad life with another....she wasn't really happy but doing it because of a village agreement......"

"Honey, your mother was lied to many times before we met and became friends. I guess her liar did everything in his power to make sure no one will change her mind to leave him. *looks down* Knowing the horrors she's been through makes me worry about you going through the same thing. Your mother was powerful and strong and she didn't know it at the time till getting older at that age." he said but grips his tea cup. Knowing how much pain his wife was in. From the liars and abuser she was put with due to the agreement.

He didn't want to do that to his daughter. He wanted her to choose someone for herself. Hoping that the other will love her and treat her right.

"So mom went through a lot of horrible things. That's upsetting...."

"It is and I morn the day when she...left us. However, she told me that no matter what she watches over us dear. Knowing the thought of the female dragons took over our realm. That shouldn't stop you from being happy...."

"I guess so..."

"*Sighs* I know deep down things will be hard for you to forgive him but....I know it will be a while. Just...at least remain happy till then okay?"

"I know that father but I just can't forgive him like that. It's not worth it...it just not worth my time to believe a liar that hurt me. He messed with my feelings thinking lying to me is best for my protection. I can take care of myself you know....but it's like he sees me as a useless person."

"I know that's not the case honey. I think he just got in confused but know this...things will be alright soon. Just.....please remain happy and who knows? You might forgive him.."

"...We'll see..." she grumbles after drinking her tea and hears the town bell. Seems it's time for lunch as Katherine goes ahead to set the cup down. She gives a hug to her father and leaves for home. Her father watches her leave but hopes things will work out for her and Marcus.

She heads on home after today's mission that she sees a couple people waving hi to her or walking over to wish her a welcome home. Well, most of the kids did and she was happy about it. From the thoughts of this, Kat just remained silent knowing the possible thought either way because of it. She pets the top of their heads and begins heading home but as soon as she reaches the outskirts of the area before stopping.

Katherine's eyes looks to see Marcus standing there looking at her. She didn't say anything, she didn't do anything. Just standing here looking at him but her eyes slowly looks away not sure if she can face him right now. She begins to take a step forward to her home but when drawing closer to Marcus she walks by him ignoring him. Her hand grips the strap of her bag getting close to her home but she looked silent.

"...Kat, wait...please.."

"..........*Stops but didn't turn to face him*"

"Listen, I know you don't want to speak to me or look at me but.....can I at least say something that's been bothering me for a while now? I just want to make things right.."

".........................."

"I know you refuse to look at me, speak to me, listen to whatever I have to say to you but I just wish to make things the way they were again. I know I shouldn't have lied to you about having a girlfriend. I shouldn't have said something that would hurt you in the end and I feel stupid for it. All I know is now I wish to make up for it. I want to see you happy again and hoping that we can be friends again..." he takes a step forward but she didn't move not facing him still.

".................."

"I figure you still will hate me and I won't do anything that's gonna push you so..until you really forgive me, I will leave you be for as long as you wish till things are better between us." he said looking down at the ground.

"That's....what I wanted to say to you and I really hope we can...be close friends again. But for now..I'll leave you alone Kat..That's all...I had to get out." he said looking silent after some time but this leaves Katherine looking at him now but he didn't look at her. This silence was unsettling for him but at least he said what he had to say.

".................."

".................."

She didn't say a thing in a few more minutes before going ahead to then just start to heading towards her home. Katherine did walk by him while looking down to make her stop near his side without spilling a single word. Marcus thought she was going to hit him but she only parts her lips to speak.

"We will see if I can forgive you....but....thanks for telling me what you have to say." she mutters under her breath that Marcus looks at her but stops keeping his head forward.

"O..Of course.."

"Give me time to think about forgiving you or not....for now, I wish to have space. Have a good day, sir Marcus.." she hissed at him still feeling upset but she begins heading to her house door, opens it, and walks in to shut it behind her.

He was alone now outside her house but at least he felt some relief. She spoke to him but still has not fully forgiven him. AT least it's a start to make him relax now. He sighs out in a slow breath and goes to do his thing of heading home. He came back a while later to see Lewis doing something on the table. He saw a bag with coins he got on his own mission but some sharpening tool in his right hand. He didn't know what he was doing but it could be something for Rosie. Shaking his head, leaves him be.

He heads up to his own room and shuts the door, walking over setting his things down on a table near by. His battle Axe was resting on something to hold it for now that he looks quiet to sit in a chair. His mind was bobbled by everything that happened a few minutes ago but he was happy? She finally spoke to him after so long but it felt like a few days to him. However, it's up to her if she wishes to forgive him or not. If the possible outcome, he hopes Kat will forgive him in the future.

Laying back into the chair, he just begins to think about what he could do to make sure he never dose this again. To make sure she stays happy during her life here. Even if he is from another realm, he wishes to do his best in helping her with whatever he can. He decided to cook dinner later today to get some time to himself.

As for Kat, she was in her study chambers reading a old book found in her book shelf. It was something her mother gave her as a child to learn when getting older. She did have a picture of her mother beside her on the table but she wished her mother was doing well. Resting in peace after suffering for so long. She lets out a sigh and decided to think of forgiving Marcus or not.

Lewis was watching Marcus making dinner as soon as it became dark. He used the things he got from the markets a day before and started trying to fix something brand new. Using some beef and veggies, rice and some home made bread. He never expected him to be so calm after what happened or what he told him. Seems Katherine spoke to him but is still expecting some distance between them.

"At least she is thinking about it and she spoke to you, master Marcus. That's better than nothing." he grumbles reading a book he got from him but this leaves him wondering what to do now. He figures Marcus will try to think of some plan in order to make this work for him later on. Maybe a sorry gift or maybe they can spend time together to show he really means how he felt....

"I guess so Lewis but she wants some distance between us. I have to wait till she forgives me herself. Not the other way around." he mixed up some of the veggies under the fire while seeing the meat still cooking in the black pot given to him by a villager as thanks. They already got some things from the market including gifts.

"Well, that's up to you Master. Knowing the possible outcome of this between you guys can be obvious. Maybe you and her will get together after a while but it takes time for that to happen. I wasn't expecting myself to be with someone named Rosie and look at me know. I got a tough chick that loves me...and my naughty ways."

"*Sighs* Seriously Lewis? -_-"

"What? It's during the time I want to show how much I praise her for everything she's done for me and accepted me. Maybe you should give it a shot with Kat once she forgives you or something...it's better than nothing hmm?"

"Again, I have to wait and see if she will fully forgive me, idiot. I don't know if she will and go back to ignoring me. So I just have to wait and not push this for now..I won't risk it again after she spoke to me after four months...."

"Do what you think is right master Marcus. However, things might remain the same if she don't wish to forgive you. So...only time will tell I guess." he said resting back waiting for dinner to cook but this made Marcus stop cutting the veggies in another bowl and thinks. Maybe he's right. Katherine might not forgive him but maybe he can find ways to show he means everything he said to her. To show he cares for her.

Till it's time for her to say what she thinks, he will once more wait. He finishes dinner for them and begins to eat. Getting a chat going and eating their food leaves them done in a couple of minutes. Later on, he is seen now sleeping for the night while hoping Kat forgives him. He really dose. As she said, he didn't bother her for a while and leaves her be till she comes to him and speaks of her answer to forgive him or not.

This was really upsetting for Marcus that he was hoping to figure something out later in the deal. He wanted to figure something for another time in order to help Kat out. Maybe in some parts that will lead to something else maybe? Seeing Lewis even got him wondering what will happen now or what he will do later on during that time.

So now, Marcus had to find out what he will do from now on till Kat forgives him. Even if he had to wait for a long time, it was worth it for the time being.

For the next few weeks, Marcus kept a eye on Katherine just in case to see her doing her daily events. Some missions she leaves out of the village to do for a few days. One of them was for a month but she came back safe. He sees her spending time with little children so it gives him a guess she also wants a family in the future. Time will tell on that one. From the last few weeks of watching over her, he didn't see her be so angry but only if a couple men have tried to flirt with her to get a angry talking to with a kick to their stomach.

She's not in the mood for such a thing which only angers her more when thinking about it. For now, he will hold his tongue just in case. He didn't want to upset her again like before.

Another few weeks came after a while and this leaves him wonder if she's still doing alright for now. He didn't bother her like he said but keeps an eye on her just in case. Things in the village remain the same that he was out picking some fruit from the market stands near by. Some of them were fresh and ripe this season and he got the best ones he'll enjoy very much. He keeps walking through the market with the bag on his shoulders then spots some items a seller was giving out. He walks over seeing so many were interesting that he reaches into his pocket to pull his bag.

He keeps looking through the collection to see something. A rather pretty jewel encrusted flower that was shining from the sunlight. The seller said he got them from his travels as a hunter for special treasures but the gift is good for someone that would enjoy it. Thinking about it, Marcus buys it but doubles the money to the seller and thanks him. He goes on home to wrap up the gift and leaves it for another time to give to Kat. He puts the fruit away near a window but goes to his study to work on new things he wishes to learn later on down the road. Maybe a enchanted spell but he can't do magic. Maybe Lewis and him can find someone to show them a little thing about magic.

Just as he was about to head to his study, he stops hearing a knock on the door wondering who that could be. He goes to answer it and sees.....

"Kat?"

"..................."

"Miss Katherine, what brings you here?" he asked looking nervous but she didn't say anything looking at Marcus with a silent expression on her face.

"Would it be alright if I can come in?" he blinks hearing that but he wasn't sure if that's possible or not. Maybe in some time but it's hard to explain it. He looked silent but moves to the side to let her in. She walks in looking ahead but hears him shut the door behind her. He offers her some hot tea to drink which he already made as they sit down and Kat looks quiet after some time.

"Alright," she finally speaks after twenty minutes. "I decided to forgive you for the lie you told me."

"You forgive me? You really forgive me?"

"Yes. I'm going to give you another chance sir Marcus. I just want to say that please don't lie to me like that ever again. I understand you did it to protect me and all but remember, I can take care of myself pretty well too. Just..that's all I ask. Just no more lies between us okay?"

"Y-Yes, Miss Kat. Of course!"

"Thank you and just call me Kat...Miss is over board you know." she said drinking some tea that Marcus smiled to give a nod, drinking some of his own tea. He was happy right now but finds it hard to hold back. She finally forgives him! After so long he was just really happy about it!

"Of course. It's just I don't want to cross anything when it comes to you Katherine. I don't want to mess up again." he mutters with his fingers tapping the tea cup. She shook her head looking at her own but shows a baby smile.

"You already crossed the line way back by lying to me. However! I'll forgive you as if it never happened. I just hope you can make it up to me in the future one day. I don't care what you do..just....even with another simple sorry is good for me....I don't mind."

"Right, of course. Of course..."

They just went back to drinking the tea till Katherine sees the time. She decided to head on home but looks to Marcus one more time. She gives a slow wave to him that he did the same looking at her. She gives a smile to him then turns heading on home. He was so happy to find out she forgives him but knew Lewis will be joking about it but at least Rosie will be happy things are normal again. He just wants to keep it that way so he will.

A pair of uneventful weeks go by before she and him started hanging out a little more now after she forgives him. Both Katherine and Marcus become close friends again even if he is being more careful with what he says to her. She is happy that he's learning for himself and it leaves her feeling a bit more relaxed near him.

During this time, they grew more closer together with one another that it leaves him pondering about it. thinking to what might happen later on. With the possible outcome of them being close friends again made her father happy. Same for Rosie and Lewis. One day, The early warning system went off and Marcus heard. Seems something was coming that many went to battle stations. He set a few bombs into the catapult and readied the lever. Katherine was loading and setting the second when the roar of the dragon was heard and flames shoot out of the clouds.

Both of them got worried seeing how powerful the flames were that the others near by was ready to fight just in case. Holding bombs in their own ways to throw in case.

Then more people was gathering around ready to fight or some getting ready to throw the bombs they made. Katherine was making sure everyone was ready to go, holding weapons and shields that should help with the fire of the female dragon. She even had one herself wanting to help which made Marcus guess she really wanted to be of help and better, a warrior that could help the situation. As the flames draw closer, he made sure to tell everyone to stay together but when the dragon got close, they had to hit her with everything they got.

When the dragon plunged through the clouds it flew over them and let loose its flames hitting the fringe of the group then it circled around. As it came in for another pass everyone let loose and fire and shrapnel rained on the dragon. It pitched rolled and dived dodging the worst of the explosions but it had several scorched spots.

The second volley was ready and fired off as flames shoot from the dragons mouth. The bombs and flames meet but the bombs casing protected them for a second before the bombs detonated close but not lethal. Wounded the dragon fell and that's when the people surged it with weapons. It roared and sweeps its tail and claws missing then the mini bombs fly and shower it in fire. The dragon shrieked and moans calling out in then Marcus came up with his axe and beheaded it.

He began to feel like more dragons would start coming and that made him more thoughtful. They got lucky. If it wasn't sunset they would have all died.

"Oh goodness, that was scary.."

"I almost crapped myself.."

"......."

"Just how in the world can he do this without freaking out? Theses dragons are insane?!"

Marcus heard a few of them speaking about what just happened but again, he was happy no one got killed because of it. As long as they did what was needed they were fine. However, this was just a lucky turn out and if not, many would have lost their lives. Katherine was happy about this as well, trying to calm everyone but they were hearing her words relaxing now. Her father looks around seeing this but he spots Brandon to grab his shoulder for a second.

"Sir Marcus....."

"Hmmm? yes sir?" he didn't know her father was right there but he did seem to come out fast after the dragon was slayed. He still was calm and thinking clearly after the fight and slaying of the female dragon today. Still impressed either way.

"Would it be trouble to speak to you about something?" he asked as Marcus nods while they lead back into the entrance of the village to be alone and away. Katherine has the people so they were aright.

"Anything sir. I am your guest." He said wiping dragon blood from his face and going over to the old man who was waiting for him after some very short time. He did wonder what her father wished to speak to him about but maybe it's something else he was going to think about or was that later on.