"Am I nae the healer? I would ken about these sorts of things. When healin' a person, ye cannae just heal their bodies, ye must also heal their pride," Leah said, pulling the pillow closer toher. The adoration that flowed off her and crashed into him and stirred his desires for her.
"Aye, ye’re a healer that cannae stand the sight of blood," Killian countered, his voice not as serious as before. He looked at Leah, wondering if she had learned to pick up on his teasing yet. "I cannae say that makes ye the best person to be takin' advice from."
"What do ye ken?" Leah said, snapping the silence with her slap to Killian's arm.
"I ken that I'll be fine. I just need a moment," Killian said, glancing over his shoulder.
With a nod, Leah settled back into bed, her eyes never leaving his face. Killian watched her for a moment, his mind racing with thoughts of the dream and the danger that lurked in the shadows. He knew he had to be careful, to always keep his wits about him and his dirk close at hand. But for now, he rested his head on the pillow beside Leah. His heart still raced with the memory of the dream as his mind skipped and jumped around a single thought: who was out to get him, and why?
The first golden rays of sunlight streamed through the window, giving Leah a celestial aura about her that captivated Killian. He lay beside her, captivated by the sight of her slowly coming to life as he fiddled with a loose strand of her hair. Her eyelids fluttered open as a sleepy smile graced her face.
The soft strains of music floated up from the village square, a cheerful melody that promised a day filled with laughter and joy. Leah stretched the sleep from her bones as a contented smile played on her lips. Slowly, she turned to meet his gaze.
"Mornin'," she murmured, her voice still tinged with the sweetness of dreams.
"Aye, that it is," he grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "And how did ye sleep?"
"Wasnae the best, but it wasnae the worse either," Leah answered as she pulled the pillow closer to her chest and leaned into Killian's body. "What about ye? Did ye get any more sleep?"
"Would have if someone wasnae snorin' all night," he answered, hoping to get a rise out of Leah. She didn't disappoint. Jumping up, she gave him a good beating with the goose-down pillow.
"Ye never tell a lady she snores," Leah said as she clobbered Killian once more before giving up. Killian's laughter filled the room as he shook his head.
"I have to say, I was expectin' a bit more out of ye, but ye give up so easily," Killian said to goad her on.
"Ye'd just end up winnin' in the end," Leah said and stuck her tongue out at him.
"I'm pleased to hear ye finally figured that bit out," he said as he dropped to his back and watched as she nuzzled her way into the nook of his arm. How well she fit beside him didn't go unnoticed. Killian was about to ask what she wanted to do, but the clamor of the music in the village below made the decision for them.
"The fair, I almost forgot," Leah said. Killian found himself irritated by the light coming to intrude on his time with her. But he knew they couldn't stay in bed all day either.
"When would ye like to go?"
Leah's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she sat up, the sheet slipping from her shoulders. "As soon as possible! I cannae wait to see everythin'."
With a laugh, he leaped out of bed, his eagerness matching hers. "Then let us nae waste a moment more."
Killian gazed out at the sea of somber faces and couldn't help but wonder if they had stumbled into a wake instead of a fair. The usually vibrant colors of the stalls and games seemed dull and muted, and the air was thick with an unspoken gloom. Even the music, usually a lively mix of folk tunes and calliope melodies, was subdued and replaced by a mournful dirge that seemed to match the mood of the crowd.
"I daenae think I've seen a more pitiful lot," Killian muttered as he noticed the villager's eyes stalking him as he moved with Leah from one stall to another.
"Can ye blame them? They almost lost everythin'. Some of them actually did," Leah said as she pulled Killian along. When she stopped suddenly, it snapped Killian awake. He glanced at her, dumbfounded by what drew her attention.
"Oh, let us bob for an apple," Leah pleaded as she turned to Killian with such expectation that it made him laugh. She was like a little kid begging for things she didn't need.
"We have apples at the castle. Why get wet over somethin' ye can pluck from a basket?
"Come on, Killian," she said, her voice bright and cheerful, a stark contrast to the dismal atmosphere. "Just because everyone else isnae havin' fun doesnae mean we cannae."
Killian raised an eyebrow, but Leah's infectious enthusiasm was hard to resist. He let her lead him through the alleyway to the apple bobbing station. She let his hand go only when the lone vendor with a bushy beard sat behind a table, staring glumly at the apples floating in the tub of water and looking up at them. Killian pursed his lips, wondering if she was really expecting him to go through with this or if it was a test of sorts.
"Is it an apple or an onion? One bite to decide," the vendor said as he held his hand to Killian. Unamused, Killian reached into his sporran and retrieved a few coins. Begrudgingly, Killian puttwo coins into the man's outstretched hand. The vendor smiled as Leah walked to the edge of the barrel, drew her arms behind her back, and plunged her head into the icy water.
"Come on, Leah, it's not that hard. Just grab an apple. Bite it without using your hands, ye've got this," Killian encouraged as Leah chopped at the water. Seeing her fail began to frustrate him as Leah came up for air, laughing and giggling. Killian raised an eyebrow at her silliness, but he had to admit, Leah's enthusiasm was contagious.
"Ye cannae make me do this all by myself," Leah said as water streamed down her face. Killian pulled in a deep breath as he leaned over the tub.
"Aye, I can, and I should, but…"
