Wayward Traveler

So it begins

Okay a few notes lol. Aarons wolf is called Paddy. His horse is Charger. He has four members to his group Lucas, Darren, Ivan, Ereb.

He carries a short sword and a knife.


He walked into the bar, his eyes fixed only on the pumps before him. Casually he threw his great coat across the back of a chair. it rocked for a moment before standing upright. Its protest breaking the silence. The Barman looked up and forced a smile upon his face.

"Yes? . . . Sir" his swarthy appearence did nothing to cheer Aaron's mood.

"A pint Barman," His voice was dry and husky, from days spent travelling in the wilds.

He took the mug and made his way to the fire seating himself next to the chair upon which his coat was draped. The rainwater dripped slowly down puddling on the floor. He felt worn, the cold reached into his bones chilling him. He eyed the weak fire with disdain.

He took a long slow draught, passing his hand across his now moistened lips, he casually glanced around the pub. Good it was almost empty, he was tired and hoped he might rest a while. With a struggle he removed his boots and with a sigh promptly rested his feet upon the chair opposite. He was in the middle of a swallow when he noticed a pink digit sticking through a hole in his sock.

Dang! he'd have to get that sorted. As a ranger he knew the importace of looking after his feet. He quickly removed the sock, then after a considerable time rummaging in his saddlebags he found the small case he was looking for. Producing a needle and some thread he set to repairing the sock, his attention soley on the mending, he did not hear her approach.


"Mind if I take you home so you can mend my skirts, love?"

Aaron looked up and blinked, and grinned halfly at the barmaid leaning against the counter, her chin propped up by her hands. Clearly she was amused at his rather focused attentions on his sock.

"I'm afraid I would grow restless, m'lady," he murmured in return. "Althought I've no doubt I wouldn't mind in mending them." He winked at her, and she only grinned back.

"Indeed..." She left the counter and walked over to the table that Aaron sat near, casually wiping it off, eyeing every detail of the rugged, weathered man. "Where do you come from, might I ask? You look awful travel-weary."

"Rangers always do," He said softly, taking another long draught from his glass, wavy hair falling into his face. "I don't have any place permanent to come from, lass."

She tilted her head slightly, a vague tinge of compassion shadowing her face as she idly played with her apron. "'Tis a shame....'tis a shame, Ranger."

Aaron smiled, something in her bright eyes called to him, reminding him he had been on the road for many long lonely days. A need growing that even he could not deny. The need for company.

"Tell me is there anything that might satisfy a hungry Ranger?"

A playful grin lit his wethered face, he pushed back his hair and looked at the darkhaired lass that stood before him, his eyes slowly travelling down from slender neck to curvey body, with a jolt he realise he was staring

"Oh I'm sorry, just drifted off there a moment." He grinned blushing slightly at his thoughts.

"So then what have you . . " he coughed

". . . err the kitchen got to offer?"

She laughed a roguish light upon her face

"I have much to offer, I'll fetch the menu, you can see if there's anything takes your fancy."

With a giggle she walked back to the bar, provocatively swinging her hips as she went, midway she turned and flashed another bright smile, her blue-grey eyes twinkling in the low candle light.

Aaron watched her, he felt a need to gain more f her company, he would ask if she would take a meal with him. Perhaps he could pass the long night in gentle company.

The barmaid accepted the meal with him; first off she shooed away any loitering drunks that still leaned over tables or against walls, sending them to their homes or to their bed underneath the stars. It was quite late at night, thank you -- and she wouldn't be mindkeeping any drunkards with bad teeth and breath. Soon, the tavern was empty, save Aaron. The lamps continued the serene glow within the place.

Quietly she set a plate of hot victuals in front of Aaron, and sat across from him, keeping a smaller plate for herself. "I have more, if you'd like, Ranger."

He nodded his thanks and began eating--forcing himself to eat slower and neater as he was in feminine company. It was a few minutes after he realized he was being watched. The lass had her arms propped up at the elbows, her chin resting in her hands as she perused him. She smiled softly as they met each other's eyes.

"You haven't told me your name," She said softly.

"....Gelin...my Ranger name," he replied after brushing the back of his hand against his mouth. "What's yours, m'lady?"

She grinned rather stubbornly. "I suppose my barmaid name would be Sass, or Brazen, as some of the patrons here enjoy calling me."

"'Ere now, lass...I meant your true name, your born one."

"Alas now, Gelin," She began picking at her food, slowly ripping apart a roll and eating it luxuriously. "If you won't tell me yours, I won't tell you mine. Rumors and evils flow all over these parts of Middle Earth....even those most handsome could be hiding ugly things. Wouldn't you agree?"

He stared at her for some time, then nodded. "...Aaron."

Aaron grinned as he watched the pretty barmaid shoo out the other customers, this was getting better and better, she must obviously like him. He took his feet from the opposite chair, for a few moments he sat staring at it something wasn't right. Then it came to him, with a rush of horror he noticed the mud his boots had left. He quickly looked around for something to wipe the seat clean, finally he used his sleeve, though the seat was now without blemish his shirt was not, he would have to try to keep the filthy sleeve from her.

She brought the plates and he rose to greet her, when she had sat he settled to eating, he was ravenous, but with female company he knew better than to rush, they being such delicate eaters. It was still a few minutes before he noticed she was watching him, swallowing hard he raise an eyebrow, querying her thoughts.

"You haven't told me your name," She said softly.

Nor me yours he thought to himself, still this was a start, he fought back the urge to launch into a long history of his adventures, play it cool he told himself.

"....Gelin...my Ranger name," he replied after brushing the back of his hand against his mouth. "What's yours, m'lady?"

But it seemed she liked to play too, eventually he yeilded revealing his name to be Aaron. Their eyes sparkled in the low lamp light and he felt a new surge of want within him, he shuffled in his seat the meal was almost finished and he was worried she would go, He reached out to touch her hair, snatching it back as he spotted the brown muddy cuff.

"I need to clean up M'lady." He told her "But I would ask your name before I go."

"Go ?" He noticed at once the disappointed note in her voice and then the sudden pinkness of her cheeks as she desperately tried to think of something to delay his departure.

"Perhaps you have someplace here?"

He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his muscular frame, he was fit, his body mirrored a healthy active life. He noted her eyes widen and he could not stifle a broad smile.

"We have a washroom out back I'll show you,"

Forcing her eyes from him she turned towards the back of the room. Aaron happily followed and was intently watching her provocative hips when he suddenly realise she had stopped. Too late, he bumped into her but quickly wrapped his arms about her, then before she could protest he had lifted her chin and pressed a needful kiss upon her lips.

The barmaid stiffened in shock, responding enthusiastically, but only for a short moment. Her eyes flew open and placed her hands squarely on Aaron's chest, shoving him away. Wisps of dark hair floated about her face, and her blue-gray eyes blazed slightly.

"Are all Rangers as forward?" She muttered lowly. She whirled around, flinging the back door of the room open after shakily lifting a lantern from a hook, allowing Aaron to follow-- if he wanted to at that point.

She waited until he followed, slowly, his hair slightly disheveled and the rest of him sheepish. She flung out a hand at a small shack, flanked by bushes and shadowed by tall trees. "There. Wash up." She set the latern upon the ground and turned back to return inside--yet Aaron's hand quickly gripped her upper arm and stayed her.

"Did I offend you, Lady?"

She paused to stare at the Ranger, for quite a time that it began to make him uncomfortable. When he repeated his question, she stepped closely to him and proceeded to take his face in her hands and return his needful kiss properly, gently.

"Warn me the next time you decide to do that," she replied. "If you do decide." She stepped to the doorframe of the tavern's back door and grinned at him. "I hope you can find a nice resting place, tonite, Ranger. I hear it will rain again."

Aaron grinned as he watched the swaying hips dissappear into the pub. Lifting the lanturn he entered the washroom, a large tub sat in the corner, upon a small braisier a kettle whistled cheerfully. It soon had Aaron whisling too, as he bathed he sang, a rather bawdy song that soon had him chuckling his laughter ringing out on the night air.

Once he got out of the tub he realised there was no towel, with a small scowl he put on some clean pants and returned to the pub sitting himself close to the fire to dry. The fire light danced upon his wet torso, it glistened in the fires glow chasing across his handsome face following the droplets of water that trickled down from his hair to run in small rivulets upon his back. He closed his eyes for a moment before becoming aware of her.

She had brought a soft white towel was starting to leave when Aaron caught her hand, looking into his eyes she could see desire smouldering there, one small kiss would send it blazing.

"I wonder would you be so kind to dry my back for me"

She nodded her consent and moved around behind him, taking the towel she began to pat his shoulders. It was with some concern she felt him shivering, she began to rub a little harder until a groan of delight confirmed that the shivering was from passion and not the cold.

Reaching round he pulled her onto his lap his bright smile crinkling his face,

"Will you dry my front too?" he asked hoping she would.

Playfully she patted his front taking her time to catch each small drip that fell onto his broad chest. He in turn stroked her hair remarking on how soft it felt. He studdied her features her bright eyes that sparkled, the soft lips that puted provocatively as yet another trickle ran down across his abs.

reaching out his hand he touched her cheek brushing it gently with his fingers,
"May I?" he wispered hoarsely.

Taking her face fully between both hands, and before she could protest, he claimed a long lustful kiss that aroused all the passion within him. He couldn't stop fora good few moments, he held her close kissing her neck and the slender shoulder and her ear, she responded with her own needful kiss. Closing her eyes and moaning softly she drew him to stand before her. Looking into his eyes she smiled softly the stepped away.

"Well now thats you all dried off."

Aaron stood back a look of frustration on his face, he wanted her, he needed her, but did she need him?

She looked into his eyes and entertained him as far as she would allow. She realized he did miss her, physically, emotionally, and everything else. She sighed softly; why did he choose to become a blasted Ranger?

She pushed those thoughts aside and took him by the hand, holding him close and savoring his warmth, his solidity--the fact that he had returned. After all of his riding and missions...he came back...

She missed him too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(ahem)

She opened her eyes, clinching them back shut as the sunlight of a new day poured into the room. She shifted slightly and felt Aaron's warmth again, and the weight of his burly arm around her waist. She smiled and turned upon her back, idly running her hand over his shoulder and watching him sleep. Yet all too soon he awoke, and she giggled softly at just how silly he appeared. His shoulderlength hair was disheveled, and his eyes were bleary...he also needed to shave. She played with his waves and smoothed them as best she can, but to no avail.

"I bet you go gallvanting cross-country looking like this, hm Ranger?"

"Unh? Oh...yeh..." Aaron grinned lazily and gathered her close, murmuring her name dreamily... "Helena..."

Helena shivered slightly. "Long have I wished you to say my name. I've heard it several times...but it's been far too long coming from your lips, love..."

Aaron propped himself up on one arm and lifted his other hand to gingerly stroke her cheek. "The same with me, Hel. The same with me."

"It makes you wish to never leave, doesn't it?"

"Indeed..."

"Indeed, as you said. I see myself as a rare breed; the wife of a Ranger is seldom heard of....and her children are even rarer."

Aaron sighed and rolled onto his back. "Helena...please, not again...I'm a Ranger, and--"

"And it's just that. You're a Ranger. You have no permanent home...it's why you always come and go...I'm surprised you even remember where the tavern is--"

She quieted as Aaron gripped her shoulders. "Never think that I would forget. Never. I didn't choose you as my wife for no reason." He rose out of bed, ignoring the fact that his trousers were wrinkled, and stretched luxuriously, enjoying the moments that Helena would be silent.

"Yet you treat her as a common barmaid," She finally spoke, sitting up and savoring Aaron's warmth through the covers. "You go and arrive as you please....you go and serve your king....and she knows not if you will return whenever you go." She looked down at her lap. "I've missed you, Gelin. I still do."

As they lay together he knew again why he loved her, despite all the outward show of frosty hostility when she was truely his she loved him like no other. He would give all for her and yet the one thing she wished for most he had denied her. He was a ranger in his very soul and he believed deep down it was the ranger in him she loved most of all.

He was scared to give it up frightened she would love him less somehow, he would lose his essence and she would lose her love for him. They were newly wed all be it they had been married for almost a year. So little time they had spent, they knew they loved each other but was that enough.

Aaron gazed down on her slender form, yes she was beutiful and yes he adored her. Every strand of hair was precious to him, even the soft flush of pink in her cheeks filled his heart with a warmth that he could find no where else, not that he was looking unlike many rangers he was faithful, not looking for any other on lonely nights in the wilds. He wanted only her and she yeilded to his need and they lay together once more sated.

The morning light woke him and he lay lazily enjoying Helena's warmth, laughing lightly as she tried to calm his wild tangle of hair.

"I bet you go gallvanting cross-country looking like this, hm Ranger?"

"Unh? Oh...yeh..." Aaron grinned lazily and gathered her close, murmuring her name dreamily... "Helena..."

He wanted to tell her what she meant to him, to reassure her that he loved her despite the lifestyle he led, he was just about to tell her when . . .

"Indeed, as you said. I see myself as a rare breed; the wife of a Ranger is seldom heard of....and her children are even rarer."

Aaron sighed and rolled onto his back. "Helena...please, not again...I'm a Ranger, and--"

"And it's just that. You're a Ranger. You have no permanent home...it's why you always come and go...I'm surprised you even remember where the tavern is--"

He didnt want to argue he just needed her to understand, he wanted to chase the hurt from her eyes to see happiness where pain now lay

"Don't you ever think that I don't love you, or that I forget you when I am working
Helena I love you do not doubt this."

"I love you so much,"He wispered

He turned to gaze out of the window, already he knew he must be leaving soon for he was to follow the lost horses, protect them from danger and see they returned to their rightful owners.

Sighing he turned back to gaze at his lovely wife,

"Would that you could come with me then you would see there is only you in my heart."

She smiled. she knew he was telling the truth, she had heard the others talking, how they laughed at his inability to pull another woman even the most plain Jane slipped through his grasp. Some man he was.

"Yes." She told herself "Some man."

He began to dress wondering if he could risk perhaps another hour with her, he knew already that he had delayed longer than he intended, it would be a hard ride to catch the herd, and yet she was so warm so . . . he shook his head trying to force the thoughts from it.

Turning he made his way downstairs following the aroma of freshly cooked bacon, Helena was busy cooking for him. He smiled sheepishly knowing this was a special treat she never cooked breakfast when they were together, that was his job. But today was different . . .

Helena prodded at the bacon in the pan, making sure each inch of it was crisp; Aaron always cooked it that way. No one else but her and Aaron could have smelled the bacon's aroma, not any patrons of the tavern or wayward travelers; for Helena had taken the day off, and so the tavern and inn was closed. Her ranger had returned, and she would have no other distractions from him.

She gasped silently as strong, strapping arms circled her waist, and smiled gently as she felt Aaron lean against her slightly. She felt his lips pressed against her temple, and paused only a moment to plac e her fork on the counter to turn around and wrap her own arms around his neck. And for several moments, the two held each other close, without word, without sound. Helena reveled in Aaron's warmth, and his rich scent, of leather and spices.

She murmured against his neck. "Would you like anything else with your bacon and coffee, love?"

"She's already in my arms," she could almost see the grin across his lips.

She pulled away slightly, enough to look him over and take him in. He was wearing his cotton undershirt and leathers. She lifted her head to look into his green eyes. "Did you mean what you said?"

He rubbed her upper arms languidly. "Hmm?"

"For me to go with you, to follow the Mearas and watch over them?"

He had leaned past her slightly, reaching into the frying pan to nip a piece of bacon and nibble at it. "Of course. You know I hardly jest about my work as a Ranger. I would that you would come with me, Helena, even for part of the way."

"You're mad. I'm no Ranger-- I can barely run this blasted tavern with all of its drunks and seedy characters. Sometimes it's enough to make me want to close it once and for all."

"You're the mad one, Hel. I've seen you handle your own against drunkards and the like," Aaron retorted. "You have a right hook that is the bane of several travelers. I know of several rough riders that were taught to behave thanks to you. I was one of them, after all."

He fed her a piece of the bacon as she giggled softly. "Mm...yes...you were a rough and tumble Ranger then, heeding no one's words but your own...but you weren't completely uncouth. There was a gentle soul inside here all along..." Helena presed a hand against Aaron's chest. "...he just needed to be...prodded, a bit, that's all."

Aaron laughed, eyes crinkling, and hugged her close. "Prodded, yes-- just like this porkskin you were cooking!"

She laughed with him, reaching up and sifting her fingers through his hair, her smile fading slowly as she was losing herself in his eyes and his essence...in awe of the man before her. His own smiled faded as he felt himself growing weak because of the woman in his arms...

Helena soon found herself in a tight embrace, Aaron's lips once again pressed against hers. She was already on her tiptoes, but Aaron helped, supporting her. There they remained for several more moments...and all too soon their kiss broke.

Helena rested her head against Aaron's chest, listening to his heart again. "I doubt I can go with you, Aaron...how would I fare in the forests and fields? I am afraid."

She could feel the reverberations in his chest as he spoke. "You've nothing to fear. I would keep you in my sight at all times."

"I don't need to go, Aaron-- I trust you. I know you are faithful."

"And you, I know, are as well...but...I cannot bear to be away from my Lady for another timespan of weeks, months...a year, even." Gently he moved a few strands of hair that had fallen into her eyes. "But I will not make you, Helena. And I will not lie-- such Ranger work is dangerous."

Helena closed her eyes to Aaron's touch, and thought back to all the several times where she lay in her large bed alone, awake, thinking of him. She knew not where he was, or how he fared-- if he was even alive. Few times would she allow herself to cry because of her worry for his welfare, and she held all of her emotions within. She knew he felt the same about her, tortured because he knew not how she fared, because he could not be with her. It seemed that going with him would be the only way.

She sniffed, fighting back a wave of emotion threatening to fall over her. She took Aaron's large hand into her two smaller ones, and bit her lip...she could not believe that she was making such a quick decision without taking time to think, to plan, to evaluate.

But her Ranger stood before her, and would be leaving soon...again. And it would be long before she would see him again -- or even at all. If he was to die, in the wild, in the dark...then she would be there to hold him.

She looked into his eyes as a tear fell upon her cheek. "All right, Ranger. I will go with you."

(bwhahahehe)

Aaron waited, hoping against hope that this time she would agree, he felt truely torn, his duty called him to follow the Mearas and his small herd of horses and yet hadn't he a duty to his wife too?

He looked at her, her slim frame siloetted against the early autumnal light. She was radient and his arms ached in their desperation to hold her. All the long days of seperation swept aside by their joyous reunion, but would they know the pain of being parted once more?

He had felt the need to ask her, his heart silently begging her to please come with him this time. For the world was chnging a darkness threatened and he was loathed to be parted from her once more.

I no longer can tell what time may be granted to us, he had told her, She had wavered then, always before she had been resolute, the Pub was their home their security, insurance against hard times, still hard times were upon them now and didnt they deserve the chance to feel more than just newly wed?

Long nights he had spent dreaming of her, fearing she may slip from him and he not know of her passing, long into the night he had dreampt of the softness of her skin, her smell of roses and honey and the sweet gentle kiss upon his wind chapped lips.

Her laughter had taunted him upon the wind, light and dancing like the Niphredil that weaved its glimmering flowers on the plains of Rohan in the early spring. He rose quietly to stand behind her, no longer able to widthstand the need to hold her close once more.

Strong arms enfolded her causing her to stop prodding the bacon now sizzling in the frypan. She turned and he was at once lost in the love filled gaze that she laid upon him.

"Helena." He wispered softly, reveling in the excited shiver that ran through her, he reached forward to press a soft kiss upon her lips, a tender kiss that lingered. And then it happened, among the early morning chit chat, almost without him noticing, distracted by her, she looked deep into his eyes and agreed, this time she would come.

Lifting her up he swirrled her round her joy and delight filling his heart with a warmth that only she could quench. he laughed as his eyes sparkled and he held her close, as she pressed against him a fear crept over him was he right, or would he lead her into peril, for a moment he was afraid then it was passed.

Grabbing a piece of bacon he ate some then shared the remainder with his beloved wife, they had an hour or so before they would have to leave, and he knew just how they should spend it.

(hee)

Charger lifted his head, a gentle snicker told Aaron he was ready, and they would be partnes once again, he had come to the stables to look for a horse for Helena, and it seemed the horses there understood for the stood proudly tossing their great heads and swishing their tales as they watched Aaron pace slowly along the line eying each of them.

As he walked he muttered to himself, too flighty, no stamina perhaps, no not you, soon he had wittled it down to three he was about to make his choice when Helena joined him.

"Well my love,"

He reached out his hand to clasp hers and then led her forward to the three fine horses stood before them.

"Which one will it be?"

Helena smiled slightly upon looking at the three beautiful creatures standing before her, blinking their large eyes and batting at flies with their tails. She left Aaron's side and gently rubbed each of their noses, leaning against them slightly and murmuring softly to them.

She came upon the third horse, the smallest one, a mare with a dark, golden coat and a darker mane. Gently she sifted her hand through the docile mare's mane and smiled upon her. "And what's this one's name?"

"'Honey' - because of her color," Aaron replied. Charger, next to him, responded enthusiastically by nodding his head; Aaron laughed as he grabbed at the reins to steady him. "You like her too, eh old boy?"

Helena smiled. "Very well then. I'll take you, Honey. She seems like a sweet horse."

Honey responded with a vigorous nodding of her own, followed by a whinny. Helena stumbled back, and glared slightly. "Obviously you were just named for your color."

Aaron steadied her, planting a kiss upon her temple. "Forget her lack of manners, love. T'is time we take our leave. Are you ready?"

Helena sighed, looking back towards the tavern and inn, sadness coming from her heart into her gaze. "I worked at that tavern for years...ever since I was a lass...before I met you..."

"But you said that you left it in the custody of some cousins, did you not?"

"Well yes, but...they're not the most trustworthy people...and the tavern...it's all that I know."

Aaron replied quietly. "And haven't you told me several times you've wanted to know more?"

She glared at him slightly. "Yes-- but...but I didn't imagine like this!" She turned away slightly, swallowing hard; she didn't want him to see her tears. She rarely even cried, even in front of her beloved. "You'll have to have patience with me..."

"Well, I tell myself that everyday."

Helena whirled around to pelt Aaron in the arm, and he laughed, stumbling away as he rubbed his arm lightly. "I jest, my love! Don't kill me before we've left!"

She grinned slightly, adjusting the one pair of leather breeches she ever owned, old ones Aaron had given to her to hem and stitch to her own proportions. She grimaced slightly. "And you travel at all times wearing this? No wonder you arrive in sour spirits. This is most uncomfortable..."

"Wait until you've ridden on horseback for day upon day. Reaching delerium wouldn't be so bad if I could see straight!"

He grinned rather cheekily, and offered his knee to help Helena mount Honey. He was only shoved aside slightly, landing softly on his bum onto the soft mossy ground.

"I do know how to mount a horse, Ranger," Helena tossed over her shoudler, rather saucily. She recieved a rather venemous glare in return, and only giggled softly in response. Honey blinked at Aaron, lowering her head and sniffing at him.

He rose, gently nudging Honey's nose from his face, and strided over and mounted Charger. "Very well then....as we trudge through the forests and the wilderness of this land, walking blindly through the inky darkness of the nighttime...you just remember who you're depending upon, wench!"

He spurred Charger into a trot, laughing at an irate Helena spouting threats and quickly trotting after him.

There was soon nothing but fields of green, forests of green and gold and red. Helena looked back only once to see her tavern shrinking with each clip and clop of Honey's hooves. Her heart ached for leaving the one place she could truly call home, the one place that was ever really secure in her life-- a tavern with a pub complete with sniveling drunks and shady characters. She couldn't for the life of her figure out why exactly she was sad. Perhaps because she was afraid of leaving-- of leaving what she knew...of leaving all she knew.

She looked back, and saw the sturdy, handsome figure of her husband before her, riding Charger. ...that was the reason she left. He was her home now.

Helena felt herself growing cranky with fatigue. ...he had better be worth it, she thought to herself.

The ride was long, or at least it seemed long. She began to tire long before Aaron showed any signs of weakening. Of course he was a Ranger, taught endurance and strength years beforehand. She remembered the times he told her of when he was younger, of first learning to fire an arrow, or to swing a sword-- or when he was made to sleep out in the brushes and the cold. She grinned-- she could imagine a young Aaron shivering in the wind, cursing the fact he wanted to be a Ranger.

Ah well...a Ranger he became, and a Ranger he would remain, more than likely. He was strong, he was sturdy, and he had a sour temper. But she couldn't have been more proud of him.

Yet...there were times...where she wished he was a simple farmer, as he used to be before he decided to become a Ranger and offer his help to the king. Helena had never known him when he was a farmer, but there were times that she did, times that she wished he had stayed a farmer. But then he would have never left his plot of land, never trained...never came into her tavern surly and sore-tempered...and she would have never sent him squarely to the floor. Then she would have never gotten to open her eyes and see him the first thing in the morning.

...Yes, she was glad he decided to be a Ranger.

She left he daydreams and noticed that Charger was slowing to a meager trot. She furrowed her brow and urged Honey forward, to one side of Charger, so she could see Aaron's face. His green eyes were clouded, as they always became when he was lost in thought; he left the navigation to Charger.

She reached out to lay a hand upon his own, which was still clutching Charger's reins. "Love? Are you tired?"

Aaron blinked, startled slightly, and smiled weakly at her. "...no,Lena...not quite. Are you? We can rest now."

She shook her head, smiling slightly. "No, no...we can continue for a bit longer." ....She bit her lip, looking away for a few minutes' silence, and looked back. "...you were...you were thinking about her again, weren't you?" She said not with blame or anger, but with a soft tone and a gentle gaze.

Aaron looked at her, without a word to say, which was rare for the Ranger. It was no secret to those who knew them both that Aaron was a good ten years Helena's senior, but at times it was hard to tell; either Aaron would be acting as a blushing youth or Helena would be acting like a weathered old woman. Helena certainly brought out Aaron's younger years, and most times it was even forgotten that he was considerably older than her. Yet during all of the happy times, and few times, they had together - when Aaron would cease being a exuberant, hardened warrior...Helena always noticed and took to heart the quiet, deeply introspective moments Aaron would have-- and why.

He looked away from Helena, and towards the mountains they were nearing, his body swaying with Charger's cadence. "...yes."

Another few minutes' silence passed.

Helena spoke timidly. "You...you could tell me about her again-- only if you want. If it will ease your pain..."