⚜️𝕭𝖗𝖔𝖐𝖊𝖓 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖙

                                    

                                          
The last raindrops fall from the green-colored foliage with a quiet thud. A warm sunshine peeks through the leaf crowns of the trees here and there. As they perch on the mossy roof, early birds whistle their most lovely melody. Katara is startled awake by the warm sunlight. The pale sun beams through the roof, heralding the arrival of a new day. She sits up, her bare body covered. She is all alone in the freezing hut. Reki has left. Long before she woke up, he left without a word. Why does this bother her so much? What was she expecting? "Oh, Katara, what have you done, stupid girl?" she thinks. Nobleman, she mocks herself as she shuts her eyes. She moans and collapses her head into her hands. "Come on, just forget him, Katara," she pleads gently as she gathers her clothes. Today is a new day...
A soft summer breeze wipes away summer's fancies to make way for cool fall air. As the animals prepare for a long slumber, the trees lose their foliage. Katara had moved on with her life, despite her still-broken heart. It was as if nothing had happened. But something happened. And she can't forget him, no matter what she tells herself. She frequently thinks about Reki. His sparkling eyes and the sensation of staring into those waters. She condemns herself as she walks to the small settlement of Maranwe. The weather has become cooler, and winter is on its way. Sighing, she pulls her cloak over her protruding stomach. She pushes her way through the crowd to the appropriate market stall. "One honey jar, please," Katara sweetly requests. The trader gives her two jars with a warm grin. "Two ponds and four shillings." And the second one arrives from the house to alleviate your pain," he winks cheerfully. Katara gratefully pays and exits the stall. That entire journey. With a sigh, she considers; "for a pot of honey". A familiar sight comes in the corner of her eye, interrupting her train of thinking. 
That coat. She recognized him. The pristine white that stands out against the dark sky. The four red lilys on his back and breast, as well as the brown leather weapon belt.  She locks her gaze on the knight. "Impossible"
The crusader is conversing with a young maidservant, completely oblivious that Katara is approaching him. Katara pauses for a moment to reflect. Will she give him a second chance? Would she listen to his explanation for his disappearance? Don't be dumb, Katara; what will he explain? When he flirts with another woman, she bites herself. But what holds him back? Four months had gone by. Why should he not go on? Why wasn't she be able to? Was it the baby's fault? No, there was more to it than just the baby. That night, Katara had lost her heart. She had fallen in love with the knight, despite her staunch denials. They had a true love kiss. That was what had rescued him. She couldn't just let him go. But then what? But, then again? When he flung himself in front of her, she fell in love. Katara's heart was racing because of his heroism, bravery, and dignity. And all of that, all of those emotions. When she awakened alone, they were gone. At least, that's what she thought. There was still something that drew her back to the gallant warrior. Her heart wouldn't let him leave so easily. But she had no option if he didn't want her. Perhaps she just needed to hear his words before she could continue. Is that what she expected to hear? In any case, she needs to speak with him. She must inform him about the pregnancy. He deserved to know he was going to be a father.  Katara's anger returns when she watches his hand slip down the virgin's cheek. She snatches a bystander's cup and pours it over Reki's head without warning. He retracts his neck and looks around indignantly, startled. His hand rests on the silver tip of his dagger. An angry expression rests on his face. Katara isn't sure what irritates him more: his fellow knights' laughter, the female going away beaming, or the icy water on his head. "I almost believe you don't recognize me anymore. And somehow, this doesn't surprise me," she snarls. Reki gives Katara a tight gaze. "Oh, no, Reki. "You didn't," his squire next to him laughs when he sees Katara's tummy. "I, no," Reki responds. "Not at all." "Are you certain? I'm not," Katara screams angrily. "Shut up," Reki says quietly, placing his palm over her mouth. "Come on," he hisses, dragging her out of the crowd, which is smiling at them. "Bravo, Reki," his companion says, laughing and patting him on the back. "Not now, Ward," Reki says softly. Why did he make her pregnant?! Why couldn't she just abandon him? "What do you want?" "Do I need to tell you that? I assume you were inebriated." "Be quiet!" "Why?" "Because ... because I'm here with my clan." "And? They have no idea you can't stand beer?" Reki sighs and turns to face her. "How much do you need?" "What? Do you believe you can simply bribe me? Forget it!" "What do you want me to do?" "I want you to take responsibility. Come on, Reki, I can't do this by myself. Why were you gone so early that morning? I believed we were on to something. There must be more." Reki looks her in the eyes. His lips are curled in a loving smile. Katara reaches out and grips his strong hand as she gazes into his wonderful waters. "Come on, Reki, we've got this." She tenderly massages his fingers and places her hand on his shaggy knuckles. Reki gives her a sweet grin and rests his other hand on her stomach. Katara smiles once more. His touch causes the baby in her womb to react. Reki wants to tell her how he feels, and he wants to help her... assist them. However, the headmasters would hunt them like sheep. They'd be unsafe wherever they go. If he wants to give them the best chance possible, he must let them live... without him. As upsetting as this is for him. Why are the right decisions always the most difficult? He can't put their lives in danger. However, this is exactly what he desires. A family,... He'd also like to meet his son or daughter. He could already picture it. It was going to be perfect. The first steps, the first words. Perhaps even the first braids. Everything was fantastic... But it's not possible. No matter how badly he wants it. It's self-centered. It is his responsibility to safeguard them. Keep them away from the war. They deserve freedom. It's selfish of him to bring them in this. It wasn't her fault, either. However, she is a witch. And she is the person she is. And he can't make her change. He adores her exactly as she is. But the world isn't always fair. And he can't just abandon the knights like that. This isn't a multiple-choice question. He is unable to be a part of their life. Their lives are worth every cry. All of the anguish. But how can he explain to her that this isn't her fault? That she must go on without him? How can he be certain she will not follow him? That she will not look for him? There could only be one way to ensure she never looked for him again. To ensure that everything was in order. Reki's smile has vanished from his lips. Katara utters "Reki" again and again. Reki looks her in the eyes and swallows. "It's not going to happen. It is impossible, not permitted, and, above all, dangerous, and you must." He can barely get the words out of his mouth. He doesn't want her to lose sight of him. He doesn't want to be forgotten by his only love. "You must forget me," he says. "What?" Katara inquires angrily. "Reki!" the girl falls to the ground after he pushes her arm back. When Katara collapses on her back in disbelief, he sighs and closes his eyes. "You idiot," she screams. Reki sighs and turns to face her. He tentatively extends his hand, but she knocks it away. "How dare you abuse me like that," Katara says quietly. "I never saw you, it's best that you say this as well," he says hurtfully, turning around. But Katara isn't content with that; she wants to make sure he never forgets about her. She closes her eyes and holds a broken wood splinter in her palm. "Uann bren Or Glaeth. Reki" she says, the sharp wood glows golden in her hands. She taps him on the shoulder. She slides the splinter over his right eye with a quick movement. Over his eye socket, a deep scratch emerges. As the power seeps into his wound, he lets out a small growl. His clear blood has become black and crimson. "Ah, you dirty!!" "Hey, we're not going to do that," Two knights yell as they rapidly grasp Reki's arms when he tries to seize her. When Katara witnesses the effect of her magic, she recoils in surprise. It's too late. "I'd disappear if I were you," Ward says quietly, visibly straining with Reki's control. Katara casts one more look at Reki's brilliant eyes, this time full of hatred... Katara sighs and walks to her home. 
For starters, it was not worth the fight. She's no match for the skilled warrior. She wouldn't stand a chance because she still has a lot to learn. All she could do was accept that she would have to do this on her own. Why did she think she needed him in the first place? Why was she only now recognizing that he was correct? He didn't make her do anything. Yes, he had broken her trust. But she had requested it herself. She kissed him on the lips. She now realizes that, except for leaving her alone with a child, he had done nothing terrible. She couldn't blame him except for the fact that she was going to be a single mother.A single mother. That appears to be the case. It's very lonely. Is she capable of raising a child? Most importantly,  is she capable of raising a child on her own? Should she give up the child? She wanders across the forest, lost in thought. Behind her, a withered branch fractures, revealing a presence. She stares back with suspicion, peering towards the hazy border of the deep woodland. The brisk breeze ruffles her cape as she searches for a shadow that shouldn't be there. When she is suddenly grabbed, her heart starts racing. She screams and fights the muscular hands that cling to her body.
"Shh," a familiar voice says, breaking the grip on her slender arms. Katara, startled, turns around. Reki... She takes a cautious step back. She has no idea where he came from or how he can sneak up on her in such a manner. She looks at the cut on his face, perplexed. What brings him here? Why had he pursued her? She pulls herself together and raises her chin bravely. "I don't want to hear anything more than an apology from you," she says adamantly. Reki smiles amusedly and approaches her. Katara's heart rate increases as she takes a step back. Her eyes dart back and forth rapidly, searching for an exit. Why did he come? It can't possibly be good. As he approaches closer and closer, her suspicion turns to fear. "Don't be afraid. You have my word on it. "I don't want to hurt you," he says quietly. When Katara bumps her back against an ancient tree, he cracks a cheeky smile. Katara gently shakes her head. "Reki," she says. She swallows and tries to suppress the shudder in her voice. "Wh.. Why are you here?" "Don't you know that" he asks, putting his hands on her upper arms. Katara examines his wound once more. Under his eyes is a black shade. She performed a harmless charm to sharpen the splinter so it could pierce through its flesh. But not now. She now doubts the spell's innocence. What if this had resulted in something even worse? Something akin to a character shift? Reki, she knew, would never pursue her.  Reki's grasp tightens as he approaches her. "Reki" she shivers. "Shh," Reki comforts, placing his lips on her neck. She desperately tries to shove him away from her. "Shh," Reki says again, clutching her tightly. "No," she says, terrified, as he pulls her back against his chest. "You asked for this, you wanted so badly to accuse me," he says quietly, continuing, "Now you have something to accuse me of." "No," she yells, trying to get out of his grip. Katara is no match for the powerful arm that is wrapped around her waist. Katara's eyes sparkle as his delicate touch travels across her hip. "Reki, please," Katara implores softly. Tormented, she lets out a sob as she feels his penis penetrate her. He scoops her up into his lap. "You asked for this," she thinks again. He was, in fact, correct. She had posed a challenge to him. Why? Why had she used a banned spell to sharpen the wood? The honorable knight appears to be cursed. She whimpers moaningly repeatedly as she listens to his respiration. His arm's strong muscles, which are covered by chainmail, are becoming increasingly tense. "Reki "I can't breathe anymore," she begs helplessly, but Reki ignores her. He continues to slouch his penis deeper and deeper, harder and harder. Finally, he comes to a halt and lets her go. She sits on the woodland floor, broken, tears spilling from her eyes. She is unsure if Reki is still present. It doesn't pique her curiosity. She requires some time to gather herself. 
"No," she whimpers as he re-grabs her. "You'd better be careful. Before you call someone an abuser again," he snarls in her ear, then vanishes into the thickening fog. As the temperature drops, Katara immerses herself in ancient magic. Months pass slowly, as do the several pages she reads. Still looking for the right power... She'd asked Isobelle for help because she was desperate. She was in severe need of strength. For vengeance. And to exact her retribution. She is required to learn dark magic and read the forbidden book. Despite everyone's warnings concerning the ancient prohibited magic, Katara persists. She recognizes that she is somewhat to blame. But, like, back then. So frightened. So terrified. She vowed never to feel that way again. She'd traded her affection, her frailty, for hatred. There was even a brief moment of regret. She regretted not letting the Crusader die. Selina had her back turned to her. "No one can assist you if you use this book. You are aware that dark magic is harmful," she had remarked. While Katara laughed it off, Selina simply departed.  As she did with Isobelle. Selina had abandoned both of her sisters. Because she believed dark magic was ineffective. But Katara is more knowledgeable. At least, that's what she believed. Dark magic, as Isobelle had predicted, would be the solution. She didn't just want to lull him to sleep. A sleeping curse would be far too simple for him. No, she wanted to haunt his dreams eternally...