After several more days, they finally arrived back at Querencia, tired and worn. Jesika felt a huge relief though at seeing her familiar kingdom once again. For a while, she wasn't sure they would ever see it again.
The moment the guards noticed them at the gates, they blew their horns, announcing the queen's return. Sir Reven rode towards them on his giant buck, followed closely by several other knights on horses. At the sight of their weary and torn appearances, he frowned.
"What in the world happened?! I'm assuming you didn't find Audric since he's not with you."
Jesika sighed, stumbling forward. "Oh, it's more like he found us. It's a long story, but we need to recover. Rowan and Aquila especially. They have been badly injured. But all of us have been barely eating for a week."
Reven nodded slowly. He turned to his knights. "Take the group to the castle right away. Make sure they are taken care of."
***
Aquila sat in the clinic, resting on the bed after being taken care of. The door opened and Darryn walked in, shooting her a warm smile. Aquila smiled back, leaning back against the bed. He approached the bed and leaned close, kissing her briefly. He moved away only slightly; his voice soft:
"How are you doing?"
"I'm feeling much better. They gave me some medicine so that I wouldn't feel so sore. I start physical therapy tomorrow."
Darryn nodded, sitting on the bed with her. "I'll be sure to accompany you tomorrow then."
Aquila bit her lip, looking down at the bed. "Darryn... I just don't get it with you. I was mad at you because I thought you weren't concerned enough about me, and now it's like you're freaking babying me. I don't know what to think. You made it seem like you believed in me, but the moment I had the opportunity to put myself to the test, your story changed. Why?" she forced out, looking up at him hesitantly.
He sighed, his gaze lowering as he gently gripped her foot, playing with her toes. "I... I was scared. I realized as I watched you struggle with the trauma... How easily I could either lose this relationship... Or lose you completely. And I felt guilty. I hated that I made you feel like I didn't care about your feelings. So I guess I-"
"Overcompensated..." Aquila said, as understanding washed over her. Darryn looked up at her and there was tears in his eyes. The sight both made her heart break and melt. She took his hand as tears came to her own eyes. "Darryn, I never should have said what I said to you that day at the training grounds. It wasn't true and it was uncalled for. I know how hard it is to split your duty to your family and loved ones and your duty to the kingdom at large. The way I judged you was unfair; you're doing your best."
He closed his eyes, sighing at her words. Aquila moved closer, resting her hand against the side of his face.
"And you've done a great job with that balancing act, Darryn," she added gently.
Slowly he opened his eyes, and at the sight of her smile, he smiled back.
***
Several Months Later
Jaxyn got in bed, ready to let the dreamworld overtake him now that his hard day at work was done. He had just closed his eyes when something crashed and rattled from outside. He frowned, his eyes shooting wide open. At the familiar sound of his bear's roar, he jerked up to a sitting position.
He swore as he quickly left his bed, grabbing the sword Sakura had forged him and running out the door. In his haste, he forgot his coat and it was harshly reminding him as he ran out into the brisk air.
