Alfie sits on the silk covered couch and lets out a sigh.

Galladril pinches his forehead. “What?” He says, a little uncomfortable from where he sat.

Alfie rolls his eyes and stretches his body to lay his feet on Galladril's lap. “It's the boy. I don't like him. And the girl! What a terrible person!” He sats.

Galladril lets out a sigh. He conjures a glass of wine and takes a sip. “Go on.” He says, knowing this would take a moment.

Alfie lifts his hand, causing the glass of wine to separate from Galladril's hand. Alfie receives the cup and takes a sip. “The enticement spirit was just being playful. She had no ill intentions and was just testing the waters. But the girl! That damn beautiful girl! It’s like she was waiting with her legs open! How disgraceful! And now, for the life of me, I can’t figure it out! Were these two children destined for each other? Or are they just both sluts expressing their curiosity? And because of the enticement spirit, I can’t for the life of me figure it out!” Alfie lets out in lament.

Galladril rolls his eyes. “Admit it. You’re just jealous.” He says, unimpressed.

Alfie lets out a laugh. “And the jealousy is burning, dear brother! What a tasty, untainted piece of meat! If she was untouched, I would turn her to stone as a trophy and a testament to purity! And this unwitting fool stumbles into it, dying its color to suit his preference! Blasphemy!” He exclaims.

Galladril lets out a sigh. “Don’t go too far, dear brother.” He says, his voice a boundary for what could be.

Alfie frowns. “But blasphemy calls for blasphemy. Allow me to test it. To truly see their fate. If they were meant to be, so shall it be. But if not, I must be allowed to settle my grievance, for the holiness that was tainted.” He says, his brows furrowed.

Galladril stands, causing Alfie’s feet to fall to the ground. “Do as you will.” He says before leaving.

…

…

Edmund opens his eyes and immediately feels the ache in his body. “Uggghhh.” He groans.

Rachel opens her eyes, her head laying on Edmund’s chest. Realizing where she was, a blush forms on her cheeks. What am I doing!? She exclaims as she quickly stands up.

Edmund, realizing someone’s presence looks and sees Rachel. A blush immediately forms on his face. “Rachel? What are you doing here?” He asks, confused.

Rachel presses a finger to her chin. “I was healing you… I think. Anyways, how did you offend so many men? You must have said something dastardly.” She says, examining Edmund’s body. Hmm. I seem to have done a pretty good job. She thinks, satisfied.

Edmund tries to recall but immediately feels his head ache in response. “I can’t seem to remember either. But I seem to recall standing firmly to defend my position…” He says, still unable to recall.

Rachel lets out a chuckle. “I don’t think your position seems to have been too firm.” She says, unconsciously caressing Edmund’s chest.

Edmund looks to Rachel and Rachel looks to Edmund. Two sets of cheeks were set on fire.

Rachel immediately stands up. “Anyways! You’re body seems fine! You should be good after a few days! I should gooo! Good day!” She exclaims before exiting the room.

Edmund watches her go, feeling the fading heat on his face. He felt somewhat odd. It was as if they were close… But that’s impossible… Right? He thinks.

…

…

Romahn extends his hand, allowing Rachel to easily climb the horse. “Ellastrade, a gentle beast. Obedient and loyal. Perfect for a lady.” He says.

Rachel stirs the horse forward, moving with a steady and smooth rhythm. She lets out a laugh. “Wonderful.” She says.

Edmund looks down at his pants. Why am I erect? He wonders, before ignoring it.

Romahn smiles. “She’s yours. A gift from me. And a hope. For a beautiful lady.” He calls out, his heart free.

A blush forms on Rachel’s face. “Oh my.” She says.

Archand nudges Edmund on the shoulder. “How is it?” He asks.

Edmund raises an eyebrow. “What?” He asks.

Archand smiles. “Are you feeling murderous yet?” He asks before letting out a laugh.

A blush forms on Edmund’s cheeks.

Archand pats Edmund on the shoulder. “To be honest, I thought she was taking a liking to you and was somewhat jealous. But now it seems we’re both roadside cabbage.” He says, feeling somewhat mournful.

Leah, standing near, was unable to escape the conversation. “Three wolves and a flower. This journey is going to be a chore.” She says, unwilling to continue.