Tobias couldn't help but feel noble. The hills outside Shieldhome's central walls were a gorgeous green, a bright blessing on another day in the glorious city. And for the first time in a while, he truly felt like he belonged. The land was spotted with neighborhoods and small clusters of communities. The Commons. They spread out as far as the eye could see, all the way to the horizon, where the cliffs overlooked the rest of the Syltris Fields, named after the man who founded these lands that Shieldhome stood upon. The defense walls were closer now yet still hundreds of miles away, though the entire size of them could be seen, bottom to top. Intimidating yet beautiful. The defense walls circled all the way around in a powerful display of importance and divinity, marking this area as a fortress-home.

His new steed was enormous, black as shadow, strong and agile. His name was Shadeheart and they had both become close over the past week. Tobias sat upon his trusty sidekick as a full-fledged Knight. His battle armor reflected sunlight, the steel nearly stark white with golden designs all across the breastplate and grieves. The ensemble was of powerful craftsmanship, imbued with additional protective properties of Alchemy that he didn't quite understand. However, he knew this Knightly armor was resistant to most blunt and piercing weaponry and functioned for ease of movement with immense protection that didn't weigh the wearer down. Only downside was how hot it got inside the hunk of metal.

The only important thing to him about his armor, however, was that Kip helped construct the breastplate. He smiled. Even while they were away on their forced societal responsibilities, he felt as though he was still with her. He should gift her something of himself.

Well... he already did, didn't he? It's growing inside her. He grimaced in the sunlight. It was a wonderful and terrifying reminder. No, he should gift her something else. Just in case anything --

He caught Sandon looking at him. The enormous, powerful Commander of the Fourth Company. His battle armor was identical, as it was Knight uniform, but he wore a cape that flowed onto the backside of his horse, bright red and sparkling. All leaders of the Companies wore their capes so they would never be mistaken.

"You feel it, don't you?" Sandon smirked. His eyes squinted in the golden sunlight and took a deep breath. His face was of a mature man but his demeanor and physique was prime and powerful. He looked back out over the commons below them, his cape fluttering slightly from the breeze. "You feel powerful. Looking out on the communities you live in... no longer as a citizen. Now, as a Knight, you are one of the many protectors of these lands... upholding the Gods' law. You must feel that power. That sense of importance."

Tobias tightened his grip on the reins. He hated how right Sandon was. As much as he avoided those sensations, taking on his position as nothing more than a means to an end, he couldn't help but feel joy. His days were filled with swordplay, training, which was difficult, but Tobias had always enjoyed practicing his skill with a sword. The money was good. The respect was wonderful. He breathed. It wouldn't be good if this all went to his head. This pride wasn't like him at all.

But, he caught himself sometimes considering that vial Cade gave him. That vial he couldn't get rid of, as it was constructed of unbreakable material. He found that out the hard way. He kept it in the pocket of his tunic at all times, choosing to take on the curse of its existence. Tobias found himself daydreaming about a life of grandeur alongside Kip within the Kingdom. He tensed his jaw, bit his lip, driving those thoughts from his mind.

Ah, but... but...

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't," Tobias answered. He sniffed and maneuvered his horse next to Sandon. "It's a lot to take in."

Sandon laughed through his nose and looked over at him. "You don't like it. I can tell. Not that you don't like power, I mean -- no human can resist such a thrill. It's one of the many temptations we're faced with day to day. No, you don't like that you like it. And that makes you a worthy Knight."

Tobias swallowed. "Thank you, sir." He smiled. "Let's hope that I never end up not liking that I don't like liking it."

Sandon laughed harder this time. Tobias was sweating, unable to resist making light of a situation, but in the face of a war hero, of a hardened, responsible soldier tied closely to the high levels of the Church, Gods, it was risky to do. Why did he take such chances? Luckily, Sandon was, as far as Tobias could tell, a good man. He cared for his soldiers and he wasn't a stranger to joining his underlings for drinks in the tavern or being friendly with their families.

"You know," Sandon said, "Most soldiers would leave it at 'thank you, sir' when they receive a compliment. You always like slipping in that unique humorous tone of yours to every serious situation, don't you?"

"Does it help that I don't like that I like it?"

"Hm, I wonder how true that is." Sandon laughed again and gestured to Tobias to follow, turning back toward the city gates. "Come on, we're meeting up with Seventh Patrol in the Markets. There's been a complaint of thievery. We can't have such a crime running unchecked."

Tobias followed through the large stone doors that led into the city proper. Guards were posted before them, making sure Commoners couldn't enter without the proper paperwork or if it was not an open day to all citizens. Before they even got close to the doors, they were slowly opening, following the cries and commands of those below to those high up on the walls seeing their approach.

Tobias always got chills going through the doors. They were hundreds of feet high, wide as a house. The groans from the pulleys and gears within the walls to open and close them were loud and voicelike - as if a booming command were emanating from the heavens. Tobias, even if he was a nonbeliever deep down, felt something divine from the doors to Shieldhome.

Upon entering was the expanse of the central city. Winding stone roads throughout crowded areas of businesses -- taverns, apparel, medicine and churches -- along with wide open courtyards where children played, people read books, fountains dedicated to specific Gods within each square, others with gardens and statues and walking paths through patches of planted nature. The horses announced their presence through the streets where people talked and bustled about. Children, as was almost a daily ritual, appeared from seemingly nowhere to gaze upon the mighty Knights.

Tobias smiled down at their laughs and wide grins. Boys and girls whispering to each other and giggling, simply following them along for a ways. They blushed and turned away when Tobias met their eyes. After the children, citizens would turn and place their palms together in prayer. Or they would simply turn to them, stopping whatever conversation they were having or business they were attending to. Regardless, what they all did was bow, whether it was a full gesture or a simple bow of the head. Tobias would never get used to that. People feeling inferior to him and consuming their thoughts and attention to his mere presence. But, he had to maintain appearance. He didn't let his distraught show, even if Sandon knew of his inner discomfort. Tobias kept a calm yet sturdy expression and posture.

The Markets were crowded as usual but not crowded enough to barely get through. The streets were just filled with dozens upon dozens of people, coming and going, and they quickly moved out of the way once they saw Sandon approaching. Nestled in the corner between the walls of a tavern and an Alchemical lab, which resided on the next block over, was Larrel's bread market, the largest one in the city. The building was aligned with all the other options where people could spend their hard-earned coin, but there was also an expansive set of tables and displays that took up its own space in the corner near the building where lines of people were being served by two hard working young women.

Larrel was in front of his shop, already having a word with some Knights on patrol. Larrel was... a difficult man. Despite the success of his store and his apparent pleasant businessman attitude toward the general public, he knew full well that the Knights served the people. Especially the wealthy. And he never missed an opportunity to remind them of that. Sandon and Tobias came to a slow halt before the group of four, Larrel, small and pudgy before the three tall Knights in armor.

"That's a load of -- listen here," Larrel spoke sternly, though it was difficult to be intimidated by such a whining tone. "I don't care what your priorities are, I expect a full, sun-up-sun-down watch of my shop! Whoever's been breaking in and stealing my loaves is sneaky I tell you! Sneaky enough to leave little to no trace of how they're entering the building! Ooh, and they're careful to sparse their time! They slip in just when I seem to have given it a rest. Typically seems to happen when the store is closed! I, pardon my language, but for the love of the Gods I cannot figure out how they are doing it!"

The Knight before him raised his hands and gestured for calmer heads. "Larrel, I understand your concerns but -- ah, General Sandon, sir!" Knights didn't salute while in the middle of community service, as it would be rude to neglect those before them. "Thank you for coming to --"

"Ah, ah, Sandon!" Larrel interjected, nearly shoving the Knight next to him aside, despite not being blocked by the warrior's body. "You better whip your boys here into shape! I demand a watch of my business and I better get a watch!" Larrel waved his hands about while talking as if he invented the craft. "You lot serve the people and I'm a hard-working --"

"Larrel," Sandon said, his voice calm but loud and commanding even with a soft tone. "You will get your watch. I'll make it my priority."

"Ah... well, then," Larrel said, adjusting the collar of his flour-spotted tunic. "Ah, good, good. I want this criminal caught! I want them arrested, you hear me? Gods be good, they'll get their punishment!"

"The Gods are good," Sandon smiled, climbing off of his horse. "And we will give this thief proper punishment. Shieldhome does not tolerate such crimes -- such sins. You have nothing to worry about Larrel. I will personally make sure this thief is found."

Larrel nodded, a stern face, his bottom lip covering his top. Then, he nodded again and said, "Alright then. I expect nothing but the best, then. Good day to you all! Good day!" And he entered his place of business, his voice commanding his employees heard from within the walls.

Tobias climbed off his horse and watched the other Knights exhale, mentally exhausted and frustrated. The soldiers of Shieldhome had to go through such intense training, such rigorous physical and mental lessons, only to be defeated by a stubby old, grumpy man.

"Apologies sir," said the Knight who was initially dealing with the problem, "We were simply reciting to him the proper steps to make for scheduling a private patrol. Especially one so specific."

"Of course," Sandon said, "Not to worry. Larrel can be a difficult man. Rules are rules but just giving him what he wants is for the best. After all, dealing with one thief shouldn't be a problem." Sandon turned to Tobias and nodded. "How do you feel about having your first real private patrol?"

Tobias looked to all of his comrades and shrugged. "I don't see why not, sir," he said. "Like you said, just one bread thief. I think I could handle that." The others laughed and Sandon patted Tobias on the shoulder on his way to his horse.

"Alright, men, keep to it," he said, grunting as he threw himself up onto the gorgeous white steed. "Private patrol is simple, Tobias, as I'm sure you've been told before. Night shift for this one. Seems that the criminal strikes when no one is around. Lucky you, you get to go home and rest. Arrive back here before the shop closes. It's night shift for you until you uncover the roots of this problem."

"Yes, sir!"

Tobias' company left him then, and he got on top of Shadeheart, settling himself onto the steed. He happened to look over at the bread stands, securing the reins and he caught eyes with one of the girls who was working at them. For such a young person her eyes were baggy, her face was exhausted. She looked up at him sheepishly and darted her gaze away when he gave her a curious look. He gestured for his horse to move forward and around so he could look down at her easily. She was hard at work, slicing breads for customers or packaging loaves in paper, sweating.

She looked up at him again. Blue eyes. Her long hair was pushed back out of her face with a cloth wrap. A forced smile formed on her which made Tobias feel bad for bothering her.

"Hello, sir," she said. Sir and Lady were the most common ways of addressing Knights. "Can I help with something? Apologies for... how busy I am." It could have sounded sassy, but instead she said it with true exhaustion. Nervousness too. Tobias wasn't skilled at reading people, he just wasn't an idiot. This girl wasn't just tired from work, she was exasperating from something else. It was painted on every inch of her. And the way she looked at him earlier, prompting him to question her, was either out of place or simply nervousness in the presence of Knights. He couldn't tell. So, he did his job and tried to find out.

"You haven't seen anything suspicious regarding this whole thieving situation, have you? Perhaps any of your fellow breadmakers?" He hated pulling an authority role but... that was who he was now. A person of authority.

She shook her head quickly and smiled up at him.

"No, sir! I wish I could be of more help... I go home after my job is done just like everyone else. Haven't seen anything." She paused, literally, not moving for about a beat. Then resumed her work, no longer looking at him. "I'm sorry, sir, but there are customers and I can't afford to get in trouble with Mr. Larrel..."

"Of course," Tobias said quickly, clearing his throat. "Apologies for the interruption."

He motioned his horse away from the stand and trotted down the streets of Shieldhome. It appeared as though his duties were over for the day. And a long, new responsibility would commence later that day.

Tobias went up a hill into the Pale district, a fairly clustered area, mostly homes, some blacksmiths working specific trades such as marksmanship or shields. Plenty of variety. But up the road, which was very empty today, the Storm Forge sat, the smithy where Kip worked. The large outside porch was steaming, the smoke from worked steel and wild coals filling the air above the Pale. As he approached the porch where the magic happened, there were Knights or to-be-Knights heading in and out of the doorway to the building-proper where they were filling out contracts for work or placing orders for weapons and armor. Kip was always a busy woman and it was for good reason -- Shieldhome had all come to an agreement that her skill was uncanny. Unmatched maybe even in Staghome. The Royal Army often placed orders at the Storm Forge. Kip was almost always requested by name, much to the jealousy of her fellow blacksmiths, but it was nothing compared to the respect that had grown like wildfire for her across the city.

Tobias patted Shadeheart on the nose as he got down and moved to tie the reins to one of the supports to the smithy porch. He stepped up and there Kip sat, working the Storm Forge itself, a majestic name for such a basic workplace. Her foot pressed into the... well, whatever it was called, fanning the flames within the stone container for the hot coals as she stuck the end of a would-be-blade into the hellish heat. Tobias smiled, leaned on a post and admired her. He always loved seeing her in her element, dirty with passion, muscles working at what she was currently doing, as if her life depended on it getting done.

She got up, placed the glowing-red metal onto the anvil and struck down on it again and again with a mallet, her arms tensing with strength, glistening with sweat. Her attire was the typical blacksmith garb, hanging down around her body, maroon and thick. It was a heavy looking thing, probably awful to wear on such a hot day, but the fabric was heat-resistant. It used to have sleeves but "they always restrict my movement," as Kip always put it, which defeated the purpose of her attire to a significant degree. Tobias often worried for her safety despite her years upon years of skill. He couldn't help it.

She placed the blade and hammer down, removed her goggles and wiped her brow with a cloth next to her bench, leaving a small streak of black upon her skin. She turned and paused when she saw him. He could see her hold back a smile.

"How can I help you, sir?" she said, slowly walking over to him.

"What kind of restaurant is this?" Tobias said.

"Didn't you know? People love my smithing so much they want to eat it."

"A plate of steaming literally-molten hot iron for me, please. How much?" As they spoke they drew closer to one another.

"For you? I don't know. We could maybe work something out." She had to get on her toes to kiss him, something the both of them loved.

Public displays of affection, housing and more... intimate relations were not prohibited between lovers who had not yet married beneath the eyes of the Gods. Sex, of course, was not included in that list of allowed acts. And the Church would absolutely know if a pregnancy happened before the confirmation of a marriage. Kip had already started showing, just a bit, but Tobias knew that he only noticed because he was so attentive to Kip's body, in plenty of ways. Thank the Gods -- if they were real -- if Cade's plan worked for them... though they were sinning against the Gods. So. If they were, in fact, up there, judging, he hoped they would at least have mercy on them.

Tobias whispered into her ear. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm feeling okay," she spoke quietly as they moved over to her work bench. "Three weeks," she smiled. "Three weeks and... off we go. I'm so scared. But... excited."

He held her hands with one of his and pulled her head into him. "We'll make it. Cade is a responsible, powerful man." Tell her about the vial, his mind spouted, but he pushed it down. He didn't know what would be better. To simply go along with the plan, or to give her all the options available to them as well. No. No! There was no need. No, Cade had them secured. It would be a harder life in the Scarred Lands... and danger from the Church would still be present. But assistance from the Republic would also be more readily available.

"I'm heading back to the house to sleep," Tobias said, changing the subject. "I have an all-night patrol." He sighed. "Hopefully it's only tonight. I've been tasked with finding some bread thief, lurking in the shadows. Apparently they take their chance in the night when nobody's watching."

Kip frowned. "Oh. Catch them quickly, okay? Who will rub my feet after a long day's work?"

"I ask myself that every day," he said, kissing her on the forehead. "I'll see you as soon as I can. How hard can it be to catch a single breath-thief?"

It turned out, in fact, to be quite hard to catch a single bread-thief.

For three nights, Tobias' job was to basically stand around and do nothing. He hid out in a corner to the Markets with a good eye on Larrel's shop, making sure he stayed put for hours. At first it seemed simple. Hide away, enjoy some peace and quiet, listen for any strange activity. But after the third night he feared for his sanity. This thief didn't seem to be much of a bother if they stole this infrequently. If they were capable of slipping in and out of his locked bread shop without being caught why didn't they try it more often? Prove you're invincible and start to believe it, right?

Well, Larrel must have failed to mention how infrequent these really robberies were. His business produced so much bread on a daily basis, what was one loaf every month or so? Especially with the sales. Larrel was one of the richest business-men in Shieldhome!

Night after night, Tobias returned to his usual place. He made sure Kip woke him up before she left for the day so he could kiss her goodbye, then he collapsed back to sleep. This was his life now until they escaped. He preferred being humble in the face of all-encompassing praise and casual patrols. He missed training. He was still expected to keep up with his personal exercises and daily swordplay -- but it wasn't like sparring with other people.

A week later, however, Tobias' night patrol came to an end. When he was nearly falling asleep, the sounds of distant shuffling alerted him. He peeked through the brush from the small hill overlooking the Markets. He caught the tail-end of a dark figure moving behind the bread shop. He blinked clarity into his eyes and shook himself awake. He wore simple clothing with his sword hooked to his belt. Battle armor wouldn't be needed for such an encounter.

He slowly moved out of his hideout and snuck his way over, pausing at each building, each stand, making sure he wasn't seen. Clicking and small grinding noises could be heard in the silence of night. Tobias took a deep breath and pushed forward. Though he was confident in his abilities, facing an unknown foe was nerve-wracking. But they couldn't be that dangerous. Shieldhome was incredibly strict on citizens owning weapons and dangerous Alchemy. He slowly made his way to the front of the bread shop, ready to turn the corner. He paused. All was silent. No more of those strange sounds.

He slowly, steadily, drew his weapon. When it was free, he moved, patiently, peeking around the corner.

No one was there.

Only the side of the tavern the block over and the stands where the bread was sold outdoors. He relaxed. Then whipped his head around and around, looking for anybody behind him or nearby. There was definitely a body that moved behind the building in this direction. Those sounds were coming from here too. He walked further along the building confirming that there was no way to get behind the back. There was a small gap but no human could fit in there.

As he turned around there was a person climbing out of the window, which was low to the ground. It was one of those windows that pushed outward, and this person was climbing out of it nice and slow, as if Larrel didn't lock the store at all while he was away. Tobias was stunned for a moment at how silent this figure could move. They were dressed in all black, very basic clothing, and a piece of cloth was covering their face. Long hair flowed down their back. Tobias noticed a thin metal wire in their hand. A small lock was on the ground, shown clearly by the moonlight above. So, they've been picking their way in and out. What an incredibly difficult skill, wasted on petty thievery. Though, what else would it be used for Tobias wondered. He snapped out of it, both of them clearly thrown off guard by the suddenness of a stranger in their presence where there wasn't moments before.

"Hey!" Tobias shouted.

The thief spun around, wide blue eyes, clutching a hefty loaf of bread to their body. Before Tobias could even think of running after them they had turned and darted in the opposite direction. Tobias sputtered at the speed but pushed to keep his own. Tobias was strong and fast, even though his blade was weighing him down. As Stephon always liked to tease him -- Fastest to run away from battle! all because Tobias got the fastest time in the rookie tryouts race. Speed was important for a soldier. And Tobias was fast.

Therefore, whoever this was, was... Gods, incredibly fast.

Tobias gave chase, pushing himself hard, but his target was agile, able to leap up onto ledges, catching him off guard, being forced to take stairs or a long way around an incline. The hour was late. Most, if not all citizens were asleep, and there were never any patrols near the Markets at this hour. Shieldhome was a relatively crimeless city, save for the few accidents or genuine thefts. That's why this person had to be stopped. Taken in. Disciplined...

Gods, he truly was letting his Knighthood go to his head. He was starting to sound like someone devoted to their job.

Well, he had no choice but to be this time. He had to stay in good standing with Sandon, do his job well, save all the coin he could until he and Kip ran away together. Tobias gritted his teeth, heaved his breaths in and out of his chest and dropped his sword to lighten himself, using his arms for momentum. Faster and faster.

"Please stay away from me!" the culprit cried.

Tobias, Gods curse it, paused. A girl's voice. A girl's voice that he recognized.

No.

No, he couldn't stop. He picked up his pace again, breathing wildly, chasing her through the yards of wealthy homes and down into the Bronze district where the homes were clustered and stacked on top of one another. Despite what most might think, those living in the Commons often lived better lives than those in the Bronze. Common-folk had farmland, open space, freedom to move. Bronze-folk were often given these living quarters out of pity or punishment. Nobody in Shieldhome was poor, exactly... though some were worse off than others for sure.

Tobias kept pace, chasing her through alleyways, out into other streets and back into alleyways.

Then, she stopped, spun around and held out her hand in defense. Tobias slid to a halt. She had run into a dead-end. On purpose? No, seemingly on purpose. She seemed to know where she was going the entire time... as any Shieldhome citizen would.

"Wait!" she cried. "Wait, please... have mercy. I won't steal again. Just... please let me have this. Just this."

Tobias breathed and stared at her, raising his brow. He didn't know her name. But he knew her voice and he recognized her eyes.

"You're the girl from the bread shop. I spoke with you."

She nodded. Slowly, she lowered her mask. Her entire body was shivering. It was her. The girl Tobias had questioned the day he got his night patrol duty.

"I'm sorry for lying. I know it's a -- asin. But..." she was tearing up. "Please. Gods, please just let me go." Now, she was crying.

Tobias softened. Took in deeper breaths. Stepped a bit closer.

The girl struggled to speak through her sobs. "I can't -- can't -- tell you why..." Sniffs. Shaky breaths. "Just please let me go. Please let me go. Please let me go." She repeated it over and over in whispers, looking down at her feet, clutching onto the bread to dear life.

"I don't understand," Tobias said slowly, shaking his head, so confused by her reaction. Of course, stealing, especially from where she worked, was a serious crime, one that threatened the loss of her job. She would need to be reprimanded by the Church, whether it was a fine or community service. She would likely be relocated to the Bronze district or the Commons. Working for Larrel, she must have lived in the Pearl district at the very least. Must have made decent coin. "Why would you steal? Does Larrel not pay his workers well?"

She only breathed. Only cried.

Tobias tensed up again. But he was not without empathy. This job of his... it was not noble. It was power, to be certain. But this power was not good. Not a kind to be proud of. His mere presence causing a reaction in a young woman like this disgusted him. He stepped closer to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She flinched so hard she would have fallen over if not for his firm grip. She darted a look up to him. Tobias had never seen such unfiltered fear in his life. It struck him deeply. It was a look he would recall for years to come, something that would rise in the back of his mind from time to time when he thought he had forgotten it.

His brown curled hair hung in his face but he didn't fix it. His tunic and pants were cold and damp with sweat. Not from exhaustion. From fear.

"You need to tell me why you're doing this." He swallowed. Letting her go would have severe consequences if he was caught. Harboring a criminal or withholding information of a crime was a crime all on its own. "You need to tell me why you've been stealing." He spoke clearly and deeply. Threateningly. What darkness was lurking within this city that a girl would go to such lengths for a mere loaf of bread? Why was her job not enough to pay for whatever she needed? He had to know. He had to... help. Help if possible. Not punish. This was not what a Knight of, supposedly, noble and just Gods should be. He shouldn't be feared. He should be a sign of hope.

She lingered in his gaze for a while. Before shivering once again, crying heavily.

"Noooo," she sobbed. "I can't! I can't! You'll do horrible things to her!" Then she caught herself. Her face went bright red, though her body was cold.

Was she... talking about what he feared he was? No. There was no way.

Tobias was only a few inches taller than her but still he lowered his body just a bit, to fully get on her level to tell her what he was going to say. It would be cruel... but he had to. He had to know. He had to see what this girl was so terrified over with his own eyes.

"You need to show me," he said sternly. "Now."

The girl went silent. Her eyes were still wide but the expression was dead.

"Gods..." she whispered. "Gods... Gods..."

Slowly she led him further into the alleyway. Now, Tobias was shaking. The alley became darker and more damp. There was an open window further in, covered by a curtain and a wooden door beyond that. She knocked on it three times. An abandoned building? There were certainly many of those in the Bronze.

A man opened the door. He looked confused, meeting Tobias' gaze.

"I'm sorry, Coby," the girl said. "I'm so sorry brother... so sorry..."

The man swallowed. Looked to Tobias.

"You a Knight?" he asked. His voice was defeated. His eyes fell to sadness.

Tobias on the other hand was much like the young woman who led him there. His eyes were wide, his mouth agape.

"Show me," Tobias said.

They led him inside, slowly, and beyond another curtained doorway his fears were confirmed.

A pregnant woman was inside, sleeping in a bed. The entire place smelled awful. Tobias stared at her.

Tobias backed out of the doorway.

"Are you two married?" Tobias asked, already knowing the answer. But he held onto hope.

"No, sir," Coby said.

This...

This wasn't right. His trembling hand caught him off guard. He looked down at it. Couldn't stop the shakes.

"What will happen to her?" the man named Coby asked. "What... will happen to us?"

Tobias wanted to cry. This was his job? This was the reality of the Gods' laws? This was evil. His responsibility to punish these people, to bring these people and this pregnant woman and her child all into a world of hell was not right. This was not the way the world should be...

His mind raced with thoughts of Kip. Their baby. Their baby. The vial.

He couldn't do anything for these people. Gods curse him, Gods curse this world. He couldn't do anything for them.

No... there was one thing he could do for them. It meant little. But it was something.

"Nothing," Tobias said, answering Coby. They both looked at him with surprise in the dark room. "I'm not going to say anything to anyone about this."

Silence.

"Oh," sputtered Coby. "Gods. Thank you," he pressed his face into his palms and crouched down, sobbing into them. "Thank you, sir! Thank you! Thank you!" The young woman held onto him.

Tobias shushed him quickly, crouching down. "Keep your voice down, quiet, quiet." He took a deep breath. They both looked at him, smiles stuck on their faces. Tobias turned to the girl. "You listen to me. You can't continue risking this thievery. I've been sent to catch the criminal behind all this stealing. So it needs to end." Tobias paused. He was certain they both knew what came next. "However... if I don't take someone in tonight... they won't stop hunting for the thief. Even if the stealing stops. The Knights are persistent. They'll question and question until they find their mark. Influence and power can go a long way. And crime, once discovered, as I'm sure you both know... is not permitted. And it will be stopped." Tobias looked at them both.

"Okay," Coby said, sniffing. "Okay. Take me in. I take the responsibility." Tobias stared at him. Even in the dark he could see his wide eyes. Such a thing seemed small but it wasn't. He would be under constant watch. Dubbed a criminal. Spend years paying for it, and even then it wouldn't truly leave his reputation. He would never be able to see his family again, risking the discovery of this secret.

The young woman lunged at him, hugging him. "No, brother. No, no, you can't! You can't!" She was crying again. But Tobias let her. He resisted crying himself. "They'll take you away! You can't!"

"Listen to me, Kianna." Coby placed her face in his palms, smiling at her, brushing hair from her face. "It's a small price to pay. The Church will be merciful I'm certain. I'll be a registered criminal, yes. I won't be able to move freely. But you will be safe. And Mayda will have her child."

Tobias tensed at that last bit. There was... something else he could do. Something else he had that could help them. It would allow him to see his family again... but it also meant...

"But I don't know if we can do this without you!" Kianna cried.

"We have no choice," He kissed her head and hugged her close. "I love you. Be strong. Try to bring food from whatever coin you make whenever you can. Visit her often."

Tobias knew they were avoiding saying the obvious conclusion to all of this. The woman and the baby would die in these conditions. There was no question. And Kianna would be caught given enough time having harbored severe sinners.

"I have something that can help you," Tobias said, solemnly, forcing himself to speak up. They both looked at him. "I wish I had the power to do more. I'm so sorry..."

He removed it from his shirt pocket. The vial of black evil. The Alchemical compound Cade had given him. His only way out of his own mess.

But it wasn't his only way out. He and Kip had a plan to escape. These people didn't.

"What... is this?" Coby asked.

Tobias slowly made his way home, out of the city gates, forcing a smile to his fellow Knights, his comrades joking about how tired he looked from such a simple patrol.

They, of course, had no idea what he had just done.

He had his sword again.

But right now, it was his empty shirt pocket that weighed him down.

His home was a divine beacon in the darkness. To his surprise there was a light inside. As he entered, Kip nearly leaped out of her skin. She was reading by lamplight in the common area. She got to her feet.

"Tobias!" she said, "What are you doing ho--"

Tobias stepped over to her with purpose. He pulled her close and kissed her. Deeply. He held her body and felt her hair. Breathed her in. She dropped her book and her hands explored him back. And there they stayed. Tobias kissed her with burning passion. Tears dripped from his eyes.

"I love you, Kip," he said between kisses. "I love you so much."

"I love you," she said back, when she could.

He kissed her neck, pulled her closer, if it was even possible and she leaned into him. He cried harder as he kissed her.

Kip felt his wet face and stopped him from what he was doing, looking deeply into his eyes. He was struggling to hold it together.

"Tobias? Tobias, what's wrong?"

"I'm so sorry," he cried, trying to kiss her again. But he broke down completely.

He was sorry for what he gave those poor people. He was sorry for taking on such an awful responsibility to hold up for the remainder of their time in Shieldhome. He was sorry for the life of hardship and pain he had given to Kip all because he wanted to be with her and they made one lapse in judgement in a storm of lust and love. He was sorry he could no longer give Kip an easier way out if she wanted it.

He wanted to say sorry for all of those things. But he was crying too hard. And all he could say was, "I'm so sorry." Again and again, falling into Kip as she held him close, both of them moving onto the floor.

She caressed him. Hugged him, holding onto him for dear life.

"It's okay, Tobias." She had no idea what she was forgiving him for. But it didn't matter. "It's okay. Whatever it is, it's okay.

"I forgive you."