The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 43

Smut ahead!

One particularly sunny day, Eyarr randomly announced he wanted to make dinner for the evening. I never turned down the opportunity when he made food, especially since he'd developed a knack for cooking.

"I don't see why not. Go for it." I encouraged. I noticed he had been noticeably giddier in the past couple of weeks, like bouncing on his feet, something he did not ever do. I'd never seen him express himself with this kind of giddiness, but he was happy, and it made me feel good to see him happy, for whatever reason it was.

I spent most of my days following my disagreement with him with a girl named Siobhan, who'd become a good friend within the village. She had no association with magic or Eir or anything of the sort. She was, by all accounts, a perfectly normal Celtic girl. And while I loved spending time with Morgan and Eir, some days, I just needed to be around ordinary people.

She'd offered some resources to Eyarr and me when we first came here, being one of the first villagers to welcome us besides the Chief, Eir, and Morgan. With fair skin, tons of freckles, soft hazel-green eyes, and short, curly black hair, she was a delight to be around. She always wore silver rings and a gold chain necklace, and I always saw her in cool-toned dresses, usually in blue or purple. She was a bit shy, preferring to keep to herself, but she was remarkably observant, always sharing little things she saw with me. Overall she was a delight to be with.

On this particular day, she requested I come to her house to lend a hand with a few demanding chores. She lived alone, having not found a partner to share her home with. She did remark that she didn't mind living alone, it let her feel more in control of what she did have. Though she'd also said she wouldn't mind a partner one day, just hadn't found the right person yet.

While I folded some blankets and clothing, I heard her whisper to someone outside her front door. I strained my ears to catch what she said but couldn't make out anything. When she rejoined me, I couldn't help but ask.

"Who were you talking to?" She shrugged.

"Oh, just a neighbor. She said she saw Eyarr leaving the blacksmith with something. She said it seemed odd." I raised an eyebrow.

"I mean... he does have a lot of weapons. Why's that weird?"

"He didn't even leave with a sword or one of his daggers," she replied, her green eyes wide. I gave her a look.

"And what of it?"

"She told me he left with something small." Again, I failed to see the big deal or the need to gossip about it. Eyarr going to the blacksmith was hardly a surprise to me. I simply shook it off as unnecessary gossip and moved on with helping Siobhan out for the remainder of the day.

After a long day, I returned to the house, already smelling food as I walked in.

"I don't know what you made, but it smells incredible!" I complimented, stepping towards the cauldron hanging over the fire pit.

I then noticed how... clean everything was. Clothes were folded and put away, furniture was dusted and wiped clean, and assorted items were stored. Our little dining table even had a plate and fork at our respective spots. But I did not see him upon entering. I hung my shawl up on a hook, looking around for him.

"Eyarr? Are you here?" I called out.

"One second, babe, be out in a minute!" He answered from the bedroom.

"Dinner smells really good!" I told him.

"Thanks! I did my best to put together some of your favorites." I raised my eyebrows in surprise.