One eye on the sky

Marcus shuddered he knew the male wasn't hiding just no one knew where it was. Some might have said they seen it from all over the world or thinking he's in hiding right now. However, it could be that this male dragon wanted to get away from the female dragons that's lost their minds due to everything happening in the world. He had seen it and with dragons all over the world it could be anywhere.

Anywhere to hide and stay away from the eye of any living thing.

"Hmm? What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" she asked with arms crossed over her chest to have Marcus look at her and shake his head. She didn't say anything wrong, only the thought of all this just made him think about it. The male dragon was really going to have a hard time with all this. Or at least a close encounter with a female that he won't be happy with. It was just not a good day it.

"Ummm, no no. I was just..over thinking so you didn't say anything wrong."

"Okay???"

"Listen Katherine. I want you to keep a secret for me if that is alright because I just don't know if it's possible to keep it in much longer...I mean it though. No one must know about this because it's only known to me. Not even Lewis knows about this." He said in a quiet hushed tone drawing in close but not too close. She flushed at the sudden closeness and then at the fact that he wanted to give her a secret that no one else knew. Her heart raced trying to figure out what or what it could be. Was it something bad? Serious? Deadly? as she got wet.

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

"Well? Will you keep this secret, miss Kat? Please???"Sweat beaded and ran down her face as she licks her lips and whispers back to him.

"Alright. I promise i won't tell anyone."He sighs and relaxes. Keeping close making her heart pound.

"Alright. I've seen him...up close. He's huge easily 5x the size of a female. I watched as he burnt down my first home in this realm... Lewis was the only survivor that explaining some scars on his body that you and some other girls have seen. A prisoner I had taken for being a thief. I don't know where he flies. I don't know where he roosts. All I know is he is massive and easily the smartest and most powerful dragon. One breath reduced a castle to ruins. A second after 20 minutes reduced it to ashes. He took three hours to consume the ashes he was so massive he dwarfed the castle."

Her eyes shone wide with fear and worry. She never heard of a dragon so big and it was the only male. She looked at her hands picturing the weapons she had made.

"That's..That's impossible. A dragon being that size is unlike anything the people in my village has heard of. For something this big we need more potent explosives. A lot of them at their strongest peaks at least." She said in a hushed tone measuring in her head how big a bomb would have to be. She shuddered exactly as he had when she came to the conclusion.

"So that's why you shuddered the amount of black powder we need to make is dangerous to keep around." She said and he nodded. Her gaze softened and she gently lay her hands on his in hopes of calming him down from the thought of the male dragon.

"We can do this Marcus if we wer-ork together we can do anything ahem. True, your words really seem painful to speak about it but this shouldn't worry you of the sort. This male dragon will be stopped. Just like the female dragons." she coughed to pretend to clear her throat. She had almost said if they were together. She focused her mind again trying to block out the thoughts filling her head of him and her with limited success.

"*Sighs* thank you, Katherine. This is all I ask for because I want to be sure things will be better for us. For the people living here during the dragons on rage. So again, I thank you." he was quiet when hearing her speak but at least she was honest. Marcus now didn't have to worry too much about it but hopes they all will work together to deal with the dragons. Both females and the male.

She keeps her promise and says nothing to the others. Together they keep making bombs and powder. He told her that he wouldnt make thencasing until they were certain where the male was. For now defending the community and the food supply was brandons focus. Every night thwnthought about the day she spent with him and couldnt stop her feelings from over flowing.

She didn't know if he was along or with someone. Katherine knew not many is thinking about that due to the dragons. However, she was alright with helping him in anyway she can. More powder and bombs was getting made during this time, having him explaining a little more about things. Even with him helping her, touching her hand, even making sure things were alright. That made him and her hope for the best.

"Well, I wasn't expecting this so soon my dear.."

"Hmm? What do you mean father? Was something caught in your mind?"

"I don't know if this is too soon to ask my daughter but.....are you starting to fall for the hero here?" Her father said making her jump and turn around.

"What?! Father, I don't..I mean I. I'm fine, I see Marcus as a companion alright? I'm sure he's not. I mean..I don't know. it's hard to say right now......so I don't know.."

"Honey, I know you have feelings for someone and I think it's for him. Knowing the possible outcome of how things go right now that explains a lot. Don't you want to be happy during this time either way? I know you wish to be."

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

"Well, my daughter?" he asked smiling to her that she only looks away to let out a light sigh. Did she? Katherine didn't know but the feeling and thoughts seem to tell her other wise.

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

"Well???"

"Oh father, maybe I do. I just...I guess so. I mean, I think I do. However, with the dragons no one is thinking about that." She said with a sigh. "And he probably already has a lover. She might not be near this area but somewhere else so I'm not going to ruin anything if that's the case.."

"Is that all? Oh my dear daughter this shouldn't worry you so much because how are you sure that's the truth?" The man said sitting on her bed. She looked at him incredulously.

"It's a close choice..or guess.."

"But you don't know that. You see daughter did you know that most people your age have families and still do their jobs trying to resist the dragons?" She blinked. She hadn't talked much to others in her isolation and she realized that there were many new children in recent years.

"Life is too short to worry trust your feelings. Go to him and show him how you feel if words fail." He said. "Everyone has their one ways of showing their feelings for another person. Yes, it's not easy if you don't know what is going on but that shouldn't stop you from trying....." he pats her back trying to help her relax.

"Dad.."

"Just give it a shot. You never know unless you try.."

Kat was quiet listening to her father now it seemed she was just running from her feelings because she was afraid to lose him if she got closer.

He just sighed seeing his daughter thinking about this again but reaches to pet the top of her head. "Come now, you remind me of myself when I was a little younger close to your age Kat. I always was nervous when confession my feelings to your mother." he said but she was shocked hearing that.

"Really? You? You were afraid of confession your feelings to mom? I thought it was her doing that?" she asked to see him shaking his head laughing a little at himself. To be honest, his wife was more of a tough woman and he loved her for that. She was perfect for him. Even if she was tough and hard on the outside, she was soft and kind on the inside.

"I guess we never had the time to tell you before she.." he slowly stops speaking as Katherine held his hand worried. She lost her mom a while to years ago and he still was hurt about it. Knowing the female dragons killed her. With a calm hear, her father looks down at her and pets the top of her head again.

"Trust me on this Katherine; if you don't have that chance to confess your feelings it might be too late. I already hear guys are trying to win you but...I think your heart is spoken for." he mutters to stand up and walk out of the room. She looks at her father leaving but she was a bit scared and nervous. Just how in the world could he even confess to him? Is that possible? She lets out another sigh to think about it more.

Meanwhile...

Marcus was busy rechecking some bombs he was making but Lewis is helping him with it. His mind was distracted all morning and nothing was getting through. He was focused on the bombs true but his mind was really out of it or to himself. That could make someone wonder what he's thinking about. From confessing the real truth of the male dragon. To the story he told Katherine which got her worried more than normal. He was hoping she's alright and maybe wishing to speak to her about things.

To at least try working it out but during this time Lewis only sighed and tries to snap him out of it.

"Uhhhhh Marcus? Hello? Can you hear me? *waves hand in front of his face* Hello!?" he still tired to get her attention but got nothing from how Marcus kept looking down at the bomb he was creating. He only felt annoyed before clapping his hands in front of his face to snap out of it.

"Hey!!"

"What is it Lewis?"

"What is wrong with you? You seem really out of it....did something happen?" he asked.

"No."

"Uh huh sure....."Lewis mutters.

Marcus fought to clear the memory from his mind. "I'm fine just keep working the day is almost done. Besides, if me miss at least one bomb we might not be ready for anything happening. Better being prepared than never." He said as Lewis peered at him.

"Yeah..........no. See you've been looking at that Katherine woman and I think you like her. Or in other terms; have a thing for her. A big thing for her." Lewis said eyeing him suspiciously. He wanted Katherine and Marcus wasn't going to get her first this time.

"Lewis I'm okay just tired from working so hard. We have never had such a rich supply nor security for our work. If we can make these big ones and time the fuse right we can finish off dragons in one shot.

"Oh sure, you can if your mind isn't distracted by someone other than her. I figure you would have such a deep feeling for someone like her and you only met her for a couple days to weeks now. You and her working together, helping others when you have time. Now you can't even think straight when it comes to miss Kat can you?"

"Cut it out Lewis. You know I can't..."

"Sure you can but It's actually shocking. I get we been traveling for some time now and it didn't seem to be a bother to us. Now, I see you doing all this and yet you are unsure about some things now?" Lewis asked looking at him but Marcus didn't reply towards that. He knew his mind was distracted by Kat and yet he didn't want to do something that he'll regret.

"Don't push your luck, Lewis. I know you always have that craving for girls so don't ruin it for us. I rather not be chased out of another town because you couldn't control yourself that one time. I understand you have that urge but don't ruin it for us. Alright? Just don't.." he gives a warning towards that but Marcus only sees Lewis feeling annoyed now. He wasn't sure what was happening right now. All he knew was trying to figure a plan to make Kat join his side.

As they kept working, a few girls did watch them from afar with giggles and laughter. This made Lewis show off a bit with some flexing of his arms and muscles but he really wanted to have Katherine. While he just keeps showing off, Marcus sighed and went back to making the bombs. This lasted for a another three hours till a knock was heard.

"Who could that even be? No one usually comes out here unless it's Kat's father checking up on you or...another group of admirers...for myself."

"You're an idiot....*gets up*He said as Lewis grumbles watching Marcus go to answer it. "Hello? Can I help youuuu......" he stops speaking seeing that it was Katherine herself seeing her standing there with her arms over her chest looking at him. He and her didn't say anything as Lewis looks confused at the sight.

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

*Not looking at him* would it be alright to help you or talk? I already got some things done and.....I don't know. So may I if it's no trouble?"

"I..uhhhhh.."

"Well, that was quick.." Lewis said to Marcus glaring at him with malice.

"Ummmmm..."

"Well? Am I allowed to come in or are you too busy?" she asked once more to see Marcus shaking his head to clear it.

"*Clears throat* Y-Yes of course. Lewis. Go play around the compound like you wanted to all day she can help me finish later." He said softly stepping aside to let Katherine in.

"Well, this is a shock. Usually, you have me staying in the room under lock and key. Are you sure I get to have a little fun without it? Or are you just saying this?" he asked looking right at Marcus that didn't say anything while Katherine walks into the room.

She only sits down and looked quiet. "As I said; just go ahead and do something. I am sure Katherine can help me with fixing up the rest of the bombs. Just be sure you don't something stupid." he said but all Lewis did was nod and leave to have both Katherine and Marcus be alone. He sighed and turn to see her checking the bombs again.

"Marcus, thanks for letting me come in. I know you guys were busy but I shouldn't be too long if that is alright. I'll just come in and talk for a little bit if that is alright with you?"she walks in looking around to see a few things that they already made themselves at home. A few beds, a decent living room, some other things to keep them busy.

"No, it's alright miss Kat. You are welcome to come in however you wish..." he said smiling to her that he looks towards her after some time while thinking a little bit to offer a chair for her to sit down. She takes it and looks at a empty shell that used to make the bombs and begins working on it.

"So what brings you here Miss Kat? Was something on your mind?" He asked while sitting in the other chair across from her and working on another bomb as well.

She blinks hearing his words but Katherine didn't know how to respond to this. How can she put this? How can she even ask? Marcus might have someone waiting for him in this nightmare in a safe place. However, she only feels more worried if that's true. Her feelings her growing more and more that she just looks down at her lap. Marcus, on the other hand, was waiting for her answer or at least her telling him what is going on.

"Ummmmm....Miss Kat? Are you alright?"

"Oh right sorry. Well, Marcus this might sound stupid to ask you but......*Looks away but still working on the bomb* Do you..have anyone you care for or like? I mean, i know many all over don't really have relationships because of the dragons but others do. So...do you have anyone you miss right now from where you come from?" she asked with her hands still holding the bomb.

"Having someone? You mean like a girlfriend or wife?"

"Well, yes. I know you travel from time to time but don't you have someone you care for back home? Do you ever think of them or are you worried about them?"

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

"What? Too personal? I'm sorry if I stepped a line or anything, Marcus. It's just...."

"No, it's fine Miss Kat. It's alright. I just never expected such a question from you." he mutters under his breath thinking of his answer but Marcus takes a breath and looks to her. "...to be honest, I...do. I mean, I have someone but I just hope she is alright back home. Knowing how she is....hehe.."

So he did have someone huh? Too bad but Katherine was happy for him and her, whoever she was. She only relaxed her body and looks back at the bomb to hide a smile. She was happy for him and her. Really happy. Even if it was sad she didn't have that chance, at least he did.

"I see. Well, she is very lucky to have someone like you Marcus. You really know how to make someone feel happy from what is going on. I just hope you and her are alright or keeping in touch."

"Oh yeah..yeah we are." he laughed working on the bomb but what she didn't know is one thing. He was lying. Marcus didn't have anyone but he didn't want to risk Katherine's life or not knowing if she was with someone either. Maybe this would be safer for both of them?

He was lying to keep her safe and she didn't know it but maybe it was best she remains single to keep her safe? He did care for her and loved her after the short weeks. He got to know her a little better. But during this time, he didn't want to risk the fall of other people that went rouge and could threaten to harm or kill her. He can't risk that.

"......Well, I'm sure hope she's alright Marcus. Where ever she is."

"No worries; she's fine and safe where she is. You don't have to worry about her Miss Kat. I do keep up with her from time to time and she always speaks back to me." he said to himself working on a bomb but Katherine nods when hearing that.

"Curious. But still pretty cute." she said looking at the bomb while filling it up correctly and carefully. She's gotten so much better with the bomb making and Marcus was so proud of her. Very proud. That leaves him wondering about something.

"Well, what about you? Do you have someone in your life? I'm sure he's lucky to have you.."

"Me? Oh, no..I don't have anyone."

"Oh? So you're single?" he asked silent but grips the bomb in his hand. She was single and no guy tried to hit on her? That was shocking.

"Yep but it's fine. I don't find many guys attractive in the village. I am sure I'll find someone.....one day. Besides, I know your girlfriend is lucky to have someone as sweet as you though Marcus."

"Y-yeah..thanks..." Marcus didn't say anything but was silent himself after some time. He didn't even know about her feelings or didn't say anything about it. He lied to her to keep her safe but now he knows she is not with anyone so a guy had a chance. He did too but he went up and lied to her to keep her safe. After working on the bombs, neither him or her said anything and it was already getting late. Marcus figures Lewis went off with some girls again before Katherine sets the finished bomb down and stood up.

"Something wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing wrong. I just saw it's getting late so I don't want to hold you for too long. I better head on home and check on my father first." she asked but Marcus didn't say anything. Katherine was tired from the working of a couple bombs and she didn't mind it one bit.

"Hey Kat?"

"Hmmm?"

"Don't worry. I'm sure their is someone out there for you too. Just don't give up alright? You'll find that special someone real soon.." he smiled patting the top of her hand that Kat blinks looking at his hand then up at him. Her eyes just gazed into his own that she felt her cheeks heat up. He really was too sweet and it left her smiling more. Letting out a light giggle, she lifts her hand to pat his shoulder.

"Thank you. I hope so but if not that's fine too. Can't be too picky can I? Anyway, I'm going to head on home. Take care of yourself Marcus alright?" she smiled to him as Marcus nods, getting up and opening the door for her as she steps out and looks ahead seeing it was already dark. She can get home taking the firefly light path so it shouldn't be too bad.

She waves to Marcus as he waves back smiling, heading on home. He just kept waving to her back till she was gone. When she was out of sight, Marcus looks down feeling sad suddenly. He didn't know why but he felt guilty. He lied to the one woman he fell for but he shook his head telling himself it's for her protection. He had no choice.

Letting himself calm down, he turns back into the home and shuts the door. He goes to bed after cleaning everything and setting the new bombs he and she made for a while. Lewis is out but he can get in due to a stone key he was given by Katherine's father. For the time being, he felt horrible but shuts his eyes to sleep. The next morning, he was awake seeing Lewis came back after his night out but tells him how amazing this girl was during their date. She was something new and he was taking a liking to her even if it was not Katherine.

"I'm shocked you didn't do anything stupid during your date. So is she the one or.."

"In a way but you know who I want Marcus, however, you seem to have caught her first. Which it should have been me...so where is the pretty lady? Off with her father?"

"She's with her father yes. Must be a village meeting today.." he said eating some food while Lewis grew bored to eat some too.

"And you're not there to visit her? Didn't she stay the night yesterday?"

"No. She went home after it got late....why are you asking?"

"I figure if she was here, you and her confessed to one another and well..ya know. You finally got her. You guys known each other for a while now so I figure you made a move already." he said nudging his shoulder with a smirk but Marcus had no words to say about it.

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

"So...did you or..."

"No. She helped me with the bombs like she said and we talked a bit. When finishing up she went home. That's it Lewis."

"Really? Nothing else? No kiss? No hug? Nothing?"

"No....Nothing else happened." Marcus didn't look at Lewis now because he felt annoyed he's asking him about that. He and her just talked even if he wanted to spill his heart to her. He didn't want to endanger her. He wanted to protect her because her father wouldn't forgive him if he let anything happen to his only daughter.

"Hold on; something is off. You would have said something to her. You told me you would confess your heart to her or something so....dose this mean-"

"That dose not give you the okay to start flirting and messing with her Lewis. Just leave her alone and let her do her thing. You already have something being done and you seem to have gotten a girl now. Can't you leave her alone?" he said to him but Lewis looks quiet and thinks a bit.

"I find it really shocking you didn't confess to her or..tell her your true origin. Something seems really off unless....you lied?"

"........."

"You did didn't you?" he said but Marcus grumbles to tell him the story. He explains to lying to Katherine about being with someone already but he did it to spare her feelings and her life. He wouldn't forgive himself if he got her killed. When telling Lewis, he was shocked Marcus would lie to her since he guessed Kat wouldn't like that but that was so off character for Marcus.

After explaining everything to Lewis, he was sitting there looking shocked then away from him. Marcus, of all people actually lied to someone. And to top it off; lie to the one woman he fell for after spending days with her to know her better. That was way over the top but in deep truth, Lewis was proud he was learning mischief but in a different way. That did mean she was open for anyone now but he didn't know how long this would keep up.

"........Damn Marcus, you're more coldheated than I am. True I flirt with women on a daily basics but you..wow. You lied to the only woman that might really like you. Maybe she came that night to confess something to you too....seems now."

"I know that Lewis and you are not helping me right now. I feel bad for lying to her but I did it so she would be safe. You know how dangerous these dragons are and with other people out there, they could be going mad due to it. What if some group came and tried to ambush the village? She and them would be at risk. I can't have that happening." he said to Lewis as he was eating his food not effected by that.

"That may be the case but you are teaching them self defense aren't you? Isn't some of them able to fight or know how to fight?"

"Some do but not everyone. A couple are good with the combat of skills but others are not eager to raise a weapon. Not a lot known how to fight because they are too afraid or wish not to learn it."

"So basically, right now they can't defend their home from intruders in case that happens. Even if a few know how to fight, they'll end up dead in a matter of minutes due to being over run by the enemy. Damn, that's harsh Marcus."

"Don't remind me. That's why I don't want to risk it...I just can't right now till they are fully prepared...and they are not ready..not yet."

With the female dragons going on rampages, other people that are trying to live are growing insane and this. Marcus wanted this village to be safe but he had to make sure they learned everything. However, he felt horrible for lying to Katherine because he was trying to keep her safe. No, it's better this way because she'll just be safe with nothing wishing to harm her. Laying back into the chair, Lewis finishes up his food then stretches. "I don't know what to tell you Marcus but...I don't know how this so called lie will work. You don't even have a girl you're with right now. This is just going to either upset Kat or feel like she can't trust you ever again." Lewis said making Marcus tense up.

"And you don't think I know that? Of course I do! I'm scared she'll never forgive me ever again or trust me for lying to her. I just......I wanted her safe. I don't know if she can fight or not..I don't think she can."

Yeah, you could be right. She seems better for a house wife anyway.." he jokes that made Marcus hit him upside his head again. He grumbles with a pained hiss glaring back but Marcus looks away not in the mood. He just sets the plate down to cover his face thinking about this. He just had to keep it up. Just till he knows it's a good time to come clean. He did wish and hopes that Kat forgives him for lying to her.

Later on, they were out from the house exploring the village to see a few resting up after a hard day of farming. They had some good patches and a good harvest this time. Enough food to last a while longer during the months. Thanks to the ideas Marcus has given them on it. Now, their food was growing but stronger without looking rotten like before during the old process. Second of using the ashes as a back up agent in the soil so the food grows.

Both Marcus and Lewis passes by the groups still putting the food away but they didn't see Katherine out. She must be with her father or in some meeting. That was fine.

Marcus and Lewis just kept walking before heading off into the market, seeing if they had anything to sell today after the small delivery that showed up early this morning. He did see a few things and went ahead to buy them. Lewis just kept checking out the females in the village but it was not as crowed today. That seems normal right?

"I'm still bored Marcus. Can't we go ahead and move on already. I get you are trying to enjoy this morning but I'm bored." of course he complains about that but Marcus ignores him still looking around. He still had plenty of gold left so it shouldn't be too bad.

"Oh stop whining Lewis, we just came here and you already are starting to complain?"

"Well yeah. I rather be showing off of how cool I am. I don't like shopping for things because I never see anything good to get after a while." he looks around again seeing a few dogs rushing by happily with kids chasing them or following them. The parents were looking more happy after some time.

"Oh stop being a baby you idiot. I'm still looking around but if you want to complain, go and do it on your own time. I want to be sure we are good for the time being. Not to have you behaving like that you idiot." he said looking at some new powder and fuses made of a thick material.

"However, if you are that bored just go and do something. I'm already finished and heading back home."

"Ah, finally. I'm out and all. See you later, Marcus." With that, Marcus sees Lewis run off to leave him alone by himself. He never understands what goes on in that head of his but he'll never question it. He just heads away from the market to look up at the sky. Nothing seems to be showing so no female dragons today. Or not as many for now.

He decided to walk around for a while before seeing something on the far side. Maybe he just needed to clear his head. Meanwhile, Katherine was sewing something for her father that was looking at some rules made that he was upgrading them. Just in case of new things happening he wanted to stay safe.

He was also worried about Kat. She told him last night about Marcus having another girl in his life but he didn't feel right. He figures he was trying to ask his daughter's hand for marriage but he wasn't sure what is going on.

"Honey; are you going to be alright? You don't seem like yourself now.."

"Don't worry dad, I'm alright. Yeah, I'm sad Marcus already has someone but he's happy. I don't want to be angry or jealous because of that. It won't do me any good which might cause problems down the road. I figure you had the same problem with mom too?" she said smiling to her father.

"To be honest it's half and half. She was troubling herself because of that but at least she was happy. I wanted her to be happy to know she can trust me. I figure Marcus was the one for you honey. Maybe I was wrong..but this shouldn't make you give up yet. I'm sure someone is there for you.."

"Maybe but if not that's fine too. I'm not picky about this dad. I'll be fine. Now, why don't we get back to work? We have a long day ahead of us." she smiled happily to him but her father smiled to give a nod. He was happy for his baby but worried he'll never be a grandfather or seeing her truly happy. Maybe he need to talk to Marcus himself later or soon to figure out what is happening.

After the rules were written and put up for the day, Katherine decided to go and help the others in town to be sure everyone is alright. She saw the kids laughing and waving hi to her. A few of the men waved to say hi and hope she enjoys her day. The same for the females too. Everyone was in good spirits today and that did her heart good. Maybe it's because their was no dragon attacks? Maybe.

"I wonder if I should get some things for dinner later? I could do some special meat stew or soup. Hmmmm..I'll ask the other girls and see what they think.." she asked herself thinking about what she can make. Their was so many things she could do but this leaves her wondering of more things. She did hope Marcus was alright though and the same for his girlfriend. She wonders if she could find which town she was in to invite her to live here with Marcus? She did want to keep him happy.

"Now, let me see...what should I do today? I did my list of things needed so what else am I missing?" while checking this out, a few guys were eyeing her while smiling. She was just so cute and innocent even if she was a tough cookie. A guy would be lucky to have a woman like her. True, she can't fight but she stands for what she believes in. They only wish she was open more when it came to someone liking her.

In a close area, Marcus noticed her and tenses up. She was out and about checking a list in her hand. Should he go and say hello to her or leave her alone? He could but he wasn't sure if talking to her would do better either. However, he might have to when spotting two guys heading over to her to catch her attention.

"Hey miss Kat...you look lovely today.." she looks up seeing two guys but she knew they have been always annoying her or trying to flirt with her. Some of them were harmless but others were a bit....too much.

"Hmm? Oh, you two again. What do you want this time? I really don't have the time to be bothered by you right now." she explained this to them many times but nothing got through to them that they remain still showing off towards her. They see her trying to walk by but they stop her once more having Kat look at them.

"Oh come on Kat, don't be a hater. We just wanted to see how you were doing. Still looking sad or alone. We won't do anything but try cheering you up." One said reaching to touch her cheek but she stops his hand.

"Thanks but no thanks. I'm fine thank you."

"Hey, that's not nice. We just want to see you happy."

"And I'm telling you I'm fine. Now, I'm not in the mood so could you leave me alone please?" she tried getting by them but they kept up with the flirting and showing off annoying Kat. This was looking bad that Marcus goes over without them noticing.

"Come on Kat, you don't have anyone and you are looking like you could use a man to sweep you off your feet and make you happy. So...why don't you come with us? We can help you." They said smiling that Kat glared not finding this funny. In fact, it was creeping her out. She was about to say something but saw two hands grabbing the guys by the shoulders and lifting them up. She gasped seeing that while noticing it was Marcus.

"Ow, ow ow!" the first one said while the second was twitching from the grip. They saw Marcus looking angry that they wouldn't leave Kat alone. Something told him to help her out and keep the peace.

"What's your problem?!"

"Miss Katherine told you gentlemen to leave her alone. I suggest you listen to what she says and go by your day. You don't want to cause problems now do you?" he said as a warning watching them tense from how scary he looked before Marcus drops them. They quickly said sorry and dashes off away from her and him.

When he calms down, Marcus looks to Kat who looked at him. "Are you alright, Miss Katherine?"

"Yeah, I'm alright. Thank you Marcus. You didn't have to do that but I really thank you for helping me out." she said smiling friendly to him that he gives a nod now calm.

"You are welcome but who were they? Were they always doing that when you are around?" he asked.

"They sometimes do it. They been trying to flirt with me for the longest but I don't find them attractive at all. They may look nice but..their not my type. That's fine though because I know their are other women that like them...just need time for them to notice that." he laughed seeing she joked about that then looks around seeing things calm again.

"I guess the expression of guys trying to flirt with you is something you don't like it?" Katherine blinks looking at Marcus hearing his words but that makes her nod. She never gets why guys or some guys are like that but this leaves her wondering about it. Maybe in due times, Katherine only looks more silent after a while to just sigh.

"Well, it's nothing too bad for me. So that only makes me wonder about it later on. Don't worry about it much alright. I'll be fine because I'm used to it." she begins walking forward again with Marcus following behind her. They didn't say much during the walk that he was thinking if she was alright.

"That's good to hear. I just hope that things will be alright because of it."

"Were you going to go ahead and enjoy your day miss Kat? Or were you doing something for your father?" he asked looking at her while seeing Kat just thinking while setting the small list into her pocket.

"I don't know. My main tasks was trying to do something later on or at least help my father and others after a while. Maybe I can take a small walk after all this morning. Maybe then I'll be alright." she mutters looking ahead but sees a few paths heading out of town into different locations.

"I get the passing or walking for the day is something nice. I know you wish to clear your head.." he said smiling.

"Yes. I know I'm going to be alright but........I don't know. However, how about you? Are you doing alright? Have you spoken to your girlfriend? Is she doing alright?" she asked looking at him while smiling happily towards him. Marcus blinks looking at her that she was seeing this.

"Oh, she's fine. I got word that she was enjoying the day as well. Savoring the feeling or warmth. It's pretty relaxing from what she tells me." he said as Kat smiled looking ahead. She still was happy for him and her.

"Glad to know."

"Well, I won't keep you mister Marcus. I'll hear from you later. I hope you enjoy the day and be careful. I hear dragons are still seen in the south from here but I'm guessing the scouts were speaking about something else. Maybe if you like, you would see what is up. Bye now." Marcus gives a slow wave watching her go for now but looks down after she was gone. How in the world can he explain this to her if she finds out? What if her father finds out? He won't forgive him for messing with her feelings. He had to do something or at least try to work something out.

Grumbling under his breath, he goes to the iron house and sees a few new faces where they were making armor and weapons for a few that wished to learn how to use them. He already knew he'll have to get new upgrades for his axe down the road but he was not sure when. Maybe when it's really needed or when he was free. He'll find out later on. He heads inside and asked the iron smith to help him with upgrading his axe for later. They agree with him and said it's free of charge due to him helping their village.

He was shocked to hear them saying it's free with no pay of gold. However, he wishes to owe them back for this after a while as he waits for them to upgrade his axe. He looks to the side seeing everyone walking by or enjoying the day during this. Even with dragons running around that didn't stop them. They just lived their lives only looking more curious about their lives. Maybe if Marcus told the truth she would really care for him. She would love him for him.

However, he's lying to her to protect her. He didn't want to lie but it's to keep her safe. With a sigh, he only looks down at his hands wondering what is happening now. Not long, he hears Lewis walking around with the same girl again but she was speaking to him about things that was shocking. She actually even grabs his ear to tell him to behave that he winces showing a smile and tears near his face.