One eye on the sky

For now, Katherine was alright with what she was doing or at least resting like every second but she was alright. As long as she was resting and not over doing it, she will be fine. However, Katherine didn't want to worry anyone in the village. For now, she got ready for bed and went to sleep after some time.

For now it was becoming late and everyone was sleeping right now. She was sleeping in peace while the others in the village including Marcus was sleeping just as fine. For the next day brings more adventure and more questions. She only turns in her sleep but curled up thanks to the blanket.

When morning came once more, everyone was awake this time but sees that a few of the people was gathered in the main square about some news going on this morning. Her father was standing there with Katherine by his side as he was holding some scroll speaking about it. Marcus, Lewis, and Rosie heard of it but they were confused with the new rules. New missions were added to the list but the missions were transported from other locations in the realm. Whatever is going on, seems others are wishing for assistance or hoping to feel welcome in their own village.

"Seems we got new missions but that's unknown of huh?" She had her arms crossed wondering about this herself but she guesses this was something else. Maybe in another time she will figure out what is going on when checking them out.

Lewis didn't like the idea. He wasn't sure what the whole thing would lead to. Knowing the other villages might be enemies or something. He didn't want anything happening to Rosie or the others which was rare for him to think about.

Marcus was unsure about it himself because during his travels most villages don't go along with that. Maybe it's a different rule or something. No, he had to be different during this. or at least figure something else out. He will take a look at it himself as well.

Her father told everyone if they wish to check them out, go and see for themselves in the main mission house. He sets the new scroll away and goes to head off while helping Katherine. She was looking worried for her father but was helped back home. She needed to take a look at those as well just to be sure herself.

The others in the village that was curious about the new rules goes to check them out. They did seem a lot more challenging than the other missions here. Even some had more expensive rewards that was not seen before. Marcus was checking a few out and is shocked that some of theses were missions.

"How in the world are these even missions? I understand that it's something else but I never seen such a thing before. Most of these are very rare to do and I never seen many get out of them alive." Marcus mutters with arms crossed that Lewis checked a few of them himself too.

"It could be a differ view on things master. I know missions tend to pop up from time to time but this is rather interesting. Most of these are from far away or close...Maybe a few miles down the main roads."

"How did you know that, Lewis?"

"A simple guess I'm sure.."

"Maybe..Maybe.." he grumbles still thinking about all this.

"Well, we will figure something out later on.These missions seem to be no joke but their rewards are not too bad either." Rosie checks one mission that was searching for three dragon skulls and bring them back to the iron smith in the west. Another was a mission to a forgotten mountain that would hold a old secret for the bravest warrior to take.

"......"

"I think we need to get a closer look and see how these missions really go. Maybe try to go on one and see what will happen later on down the road." He mutters thinking about it.  

"Good idea, Lewis!" Rosie said smiling to him.

"Please stop showing off like that, Rosie. I know you are impressed with me but lets focus on this for once shall we? I'll be sure to spoil you later on today." he said that Rosie blushes to look away. Why did he have to say it that way.

"Geez, Lew. You didn't have to say it that way. Second, I don't mind if you are going to say it that way you know..." she grumbles a little bit.

"So..what should we do master? Do we pick one and check it out to see how intense these missions really are? I think some are saying that to be a threat but most don't seem too bad."

"Maybe...just maybe.." he looks at the new missions added but their was so many, Marcus didn't know which one to pick from.

"Lets be sure we pick one that's alright for us. We need to be sure things will work out for us during this time. That or I could be more curious about it." Marcus checks one of the missions seeing it's a skull retrieval of some kind. It's in the village south from here but that explains it's really hard to get. He saw it was only required for someone with a very powerful sword. That's what is needed to find it.

"Hmmm, how about that one?"

"That could be a good choice too but I think that's for a Archer right?"

"Then what of this one? It seems like a scouting mission master Marcus.." Lewis said seeing the one that was exposing a bit more of what was hidden on the back of the mission paper.

"Hmmm....."

As the three of them kept looking through the missions, others have began taking which ones they wanted. Even taking a mission that seems to be really out of their league. That could be a possible choice here.

In a few more choices in time, they found one that was a escort mission. It was for one day and Marcus was wondering about it. The price was high, the conditions were his level and he looks to Lewis stating he wanted to give this a shot.

"If that is what you think is possible master then alright. When should we head out?" he asked while walking out with Marcus that had the mission paper. Rosie was following after the two hearing their talk about this mission. It seems like a tough one but she didn't respond towards it right now or yet.

"I think after we get everything we need during that time, we should be fine later on. That or we should be able to figure something else out right now hmm? Maybe then we can be sure we have a good mission during our time away from the village."

"You two really are planning on going to that mission? What if you are needed here though?"she asked seeing Lewis look back towards her and pet the top of her head. He never liked worrying her but with the mission, it seems like a tough one.

"Calm yourself Rosie, we will be just fine during this mission.."

"Hey, I know that Lewis but I'm just being sure. Can't blame your girl for worrying about you." She grumbles with arms crossed but he shook his head with a sigh, rubbing her head as she smiled savoring the sensation. He really did care but he never liked to leave her alone after some time. He will give his word of getting her something while he was out on this mission with Marcus.

"So shall we go ahead and do what we need to do, Master?" he said while seeing Marcus giving a nod.

"Knowing how you can be my dear that just leaves me wondering about it. Knowing the possible out come of how you react and behave is so sweet and cute. You just love me that badly that you wish for me to stay here?" he enjoys teasing Rosie a bit that he gets to see her become flushed pink and showing a nervous expression on her face.

He knew it's true because that tells him Rosie cares for him. She only gives a nod and a smile, knowing he was showing appreciation and love towards her or one another. He just keeps her close that he was just relaxing more.

"You are lucky that I love you, Lewis. You serious just enjoy to torture me don't you?" she lets out a sigh shaking her head because of this and it left her wondering about it. Knowing the possible outcome just makes her wonder more about it. Even if Lewis can be a dope, he was hers.

Lewis remained silent from the thought but it leaves him wondering how in the world she can sound like that. Knowing the possible outcome of all this just made Rosie already think about it. She just looks away blushing more that Marcus laughs at the sight. It was cute even from what he thought was possible for them.

While they were examining the mission together, Rosie asked when they were going to take off during the mission. Lewis and Marcus didn't know when because of such a high demand for it but the possible outcome could be pretty exciting. He could discover new places in this realm. See what might be hiding in the areas he and Lewis travel to. Of course Rosie wanted to come along and explore but Lewis tells her she's needed here. He didn't want anything happening to the village's blacksmith but he didn't want anything happening to her.

She didn't agree to that but knowing how badly he cares made her agree to stay. They nod to go get ready while she goes to explain this to Kat. She was knitting something in the living room with the window open, feeling the gentle breeze blowing inside. She hums quietly to herself during this time before she looks up hearing Rosie calling to her. "?????"

"Kat! Kat, are you home?" she was tired from running through the village to find her home but Katherine looks up seeing Rosie.

"Yes, I'm here Rosie. What seems to be the problem? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything is fine but I came to tell you that Marcus is going to be out of town for a while. He's going on a mission with Lewis.." she blinks hearing this and looked rather confused. Mission? What mission? Her father didn't give off new missions today; just the new ones the other villages and other clients put up.

"When did this go about, Rosie?"

"Just now. We saw some of the missions and boy let me tell you; their unlike anything we have missions for. I know Sir Marcus and Lewis will take care of it. They wish to see what it's like to go on them..."

"Oh dear...and you say they will be gone for a while?" she saw Rosie nod that made her think. Maybe she better go and check on them or wish them good luck before they head out. She asked Rosie to help her meet them as she agreed and heads off with her.

Rosie was still helping Katherine to the house where they spot Marcus and Lewis already geared up and ready to go. They had their weapons with them and with some carrying bags as well. However, this leaves them preparing. They showed up minutes later before seeing them.

"Miss Kat??"

"So it's true when Rosie told me you guys were going off to a mission today. I didn't expect that." she said as Rosie helps her sit down.

"In a way; we are testing these new missions out to see how hard they are. It shouldn't take so long because of it. Though, learning about these missions and their kind should help us in the future later on....in case we need something down the road."

"Already showing off Lewis? Funny.."

"Oh hush woman..."

"I see..." she looks down feeling a bit sad that Marcus had ot do this mission because she's heard how bad they were from her father. Not everyone can do these missions but some were willing to try. Of course Marcus noticed and goes to touch her shoulder.

"Don't worry Miss Kat. We will be back. This is just to see how bad the mission is. I'll be here again...okay?" he showed a sweet grin on his face that made Kat lightly blush to find him cute and funny. She only looks down to nod her head smiling.

"Yes of course....I'll be sure to wait for your return Marcus..just be careful alright?"

"Same here with you Lewis..You better be careful and I mean it!"

"Don't worry so much, Rosie. We will be just fine..." he gives her cheek a light kiss that she blushes hearing his words.

"This goes for me too, Miss Kat. I will be back real soon. I just hope you will be safe alright?" his hand touches her cheek seeing her blush worse to lean into his hand smiling. It was nice he cared for her and it melted her heart which was new to her.

"I know. Just be careful; that's all I ask.."

Both Lewis and Marcus said their final goodbyes and begins to head out from the village to start this mission. Rosie and Katherine waved bye to them with some others in the village but they only hope they will be back safely.

Both Katherine and Rosie did was watch them leave the village, shouting out a farewell and be safe. Rosie even said she would have killed Lewis if he got hurt or came back that way. All he did was hold a hand up while walking away with Marcus as he waves as well smiling. Kat smiled seeing them go but in her mind, she was saying a small spell to be sure of a safe journey before heading back inside her home with Rosie's help.

So now, during the time of their mission, everyone was taking on a few of their own while Kat was recovering rather quickly now so she's back to normal after a few weeks. Just waiting for Marcus and Lewis to come back home safe after their mission. They did get letters from them one or twice a week to show how they were doing or where they were during their travels. They were fine and it was just good for her and Rosie.

During the time of the heroes being gone from the village, people still were taking the classes with a sub that understood most of Marcus' lessons for them. They will keep it going to insure they still remember this by the time he came back. Rosie was still hard at work with her shop getting more people that pays her as normal or more with expensive coins from missions. As for Kat, she was in her room studying from some old books her father gave her that was helping her expand her magic abilities.

As stated before, no one in the village knew of her magic and it was to keep it secret for their protection. That way, if any would ask, she is still safe for the time being but will keep the village and it's people safe just in case. That's explaining how she hears others calling this magic help someone that is doing this from far away or in hiding from the village. It's better for them to keep thinking that just in case someone of evil intent tries to find out who.

After a while, the mission became two months since Marcus and Lewis left the village. During that time, Katherine was feeling 100% better and Rosie was hanging out with her after some time. The letters did still show up that told them they were alright but they got word they were still alright during the mission. Rosie was happy they were alright but she was worried for Lewis getting hurt. Katherine found it precious that she blushes heavily from the words.

That's when she teases her about Marcus that Kat looks away still blushing. He might not be interested in someone like her. Or be near her if he found her about her magic secret. Rosie didn't know or anyone else so she's not sure. For now, things will just move on later.

"How are you sure? It's a possible guess he might like you, Katherine! I love Lewis since he knows that and he's really protective of me. I find it adorable.." she smiled thinking about all the times he's been teasing and holding her in public. Knowing that no man was going to steal his girl from him that made Kat blink and snicker. She really wasn't expecting that from Rosie.

"Speak for yourself dear. I know Lewis loves and cares for you. You're the only one that sees him for him. Not some perv that's just looking for a one night stand. Even if he used to be that way....back then I think.."

"Yeah, that is true but it only means he's never met the right one and he has now. I'm only guessing this Katherine. I think Marcus is a perfect fit you know. Knowing how he is..maybe he's just nervous of how you would feel after......before."

"Yes, I remember but I'm fine and over it. He gave his word he wouldn't do that again...."

"I know but you know how men can be sometimes.....just being themselves."

They thought about that for a while but this leaves her curious as well. Maybe in another time she will just be happy and figure this out on her own. Same for Marcus too because she just had that feeling he was right for her but she also could be wrong too. Guys and women don't usually know unless they spend time together and Kat and Marc have been doing that for some time now before they went on that mission.

They decided to wait for them to return in order to find out but they waited till it was close to being about two months now. They still have not returned to the village which made them bot ha little worried now. Maybe something happened or they got delayed? It's possible of so many things but no one knew. It's possible something did happen but they didn't think of the worst. Not yet. They just waited for the time being.

Rosie and Katherine took a walk together thinking how the guys were doing but when one village was picking fruit for the market, she noticed two people running towards the village. "Who in the world.." she tried to get a better look to only see familiar faces. It was the heroes Marcus and Lewis! However......something was chasing them? She looks seeing nothing then hears a loud roar. That made her tense up looking up quickly. She saw a female dragon chasing them and their heading towards the village!

She rushes back quickly to warn everyone and get the ones that was ready to fight to that location. Kat and Rosie heard about that and was happy but panics hearing a dragon chasing them. "A dragon?! Here!! Where did she even come from!?" she said worried but Katherine had no idea. Female dragons were everywhere so maybe this one found them during their travel back to the village. Hearing others outside, she hurries out with Rosie to see for themselves. As the female said; a dragon was chasing Marcus and Lewis and they were running away but not trying to lead it back to home.

"We need to do something or they will get hurt!"

"Head out warriors! Help the heroes!" she heard her father yell as they charges with arrows and bombs ready to go. However, Katherine thinks of what she should do. She had to help them but not being seen. She could use her magic to help them or distract the dragon long enough to keep it at bay. With that, she begins focusing on the dragon while thinking of a stun spell to hit into her brain.

True Marcus and Lewis was running as quickly as they can, trying to get away from the monster dragon that roars at them. They been running for a while now growing tired by the passing second. They were figuring out what to do but running was the best choice without getting cooked alive.

"How in the world did she even find us!? I thought taking a quick peek would help!!!" Lewis said running beside Marcus that was looking ahead still holding his battle axe. He would try to throw it but that only angered her.

"I don't know but just keep running before it catches up with us!! Were almost to the village!!"

"Oh sure, blame me! I'm always blamed because I'm just too curious!"

"Just shut up and run! Were almost close to the village!" he kept on running away from the dragon that begins firing fire balls that was in the color of purple. These seem to be a brand new flame element that it was a little more destructive than usual. He wasn't sure about it but that leaves him curious about it. They kept on running down the road before seeing people outside the village to start throwing bombs at it.

A couple of them hit the dragon as it roars out while trying to attack them but dodging the bombs. Some of them hit her but she only screeches out louder in anger. Marcus and Lewis rushes past but the others kept defending each other while seeing it chasing them down. They drew closer to the village running through that they see her flying down towards them in a head dive.

Marcus and Lewis was about to help fight till the female dragon stops in mid air. Everyone else was confused seeing that but saw it screeching out in pain as if something was messing with it's brain. Without anyone seeing, Katherine was focusing her magic on the dragon to get her confused as much as possible. It lands to the ground to shake it, still shaking it's head trying to fight it.