After breakfast and cleanup, Will and Terra resumed the training, further honing skills learned in the previous days. At first bouts of playfulness interrupted the exercises, but as they reminded each other of the reality beyond their present existence, the mood became more serious and the effort more intense. The unusual warmth of the day eventually took its toll, and they collapsed on the porch, winded and drenched in sweat.

After resting for a moment, Will suggested, "How about a picnic lunch near the pond? And maybe catch some fish for dinner?"

They spread a blanket near the water's edge under a sprawling willow. Will showed Terra the basics of fishing, and as luck would have it, they soon filled the stringer. After eating a simple lunch of bread, cheese, and dried fruit, they laid side-by-side and hand-in-hand, gazing at the formation of clouds as they marched by.

Terra rolled to her side and broke the silence. "This place. You. These days have been so wonderful. I wish we could just stay here together, forever."

Will sighed, eyes upward. "Yes. But the real world would eventually find us, even here."

She rolled into his arms and whispered in his ear. "I love you."

He hugged her tighter. "And I love you."

After a few minutes snuggling, Will rolled her off of him. "Eww, hot and sweaty. I think we need to get in the water."

Terra put an exaggerated shocked look on her face. "But how do we do that without getting our clothes wet?"

Will played along with a sly grin. "I know a way."

She smiled as he undressed her and then himself, flinging clothing on the pebble bank. Unencumbered by clothing, they took a few steps to the water's edge. Terra hesitated, then gasped as Will lifted and slung her over his shoulder. He splashed in until the clear, cool water rose to his thighs.

He grinned mischievously. "Sometimes the best way to enter cool water is to just get thrown in."

Terra's eyes widened as her heart raced. She shifted, clutching on to him with legs around his torso and arms around his neck. "No, Will! You don't understand. I can't swim."

Will paused. "Amazing. Terra Lorr has a limitation. I mean, besides sunrises." He took two steps forward with a nod. "Okay. It is not deep here. Release your grip on me before I pass out and I will let you down easy."

Will slumped down into the clear water while holding Terra in his arms. She shuddered and squealed on contact with the coolness, eventually relaxing as the initial shock wore off, but she still gripped his arms. The water came up to Will's upper chest as he sat down on the rocky bottom. Sliding around the woman in his arms, he set her down on his lap, and allowed her to lean back against his chest while wrapping protective arms around her.

Terra cooed, "This is nice."

She turned her head back, seeking his lips, while his hands explored her body beneath the water.

A loud whistle from the cabin shattered the moment and made them both jerk. Terra slid down off Will's lap and flailed in the water to keep her head from going under. Will reached for her among the splashes but lost his balance, slipping and completely submerging himself.

As the spectacle unfolded, a woman on the porch doubled over in laughter, nearly stumbling off the porch edge. Even the man with her could not suppress a chuckle. Their vehicle sat parked near the cabin.

Will tilted his face down and put a hand to his forehead as he recognized the visitors. "Oh no. It's Ginny. And Pastor Joseph came with her."

Will and Terra covered themselves as best they could as they came out of the water, putting on a wild, staggering dance as they struggled to slide clothing over wet skin. Laughter overtook Ginny again. Rouge painted Terra's coppery cheeks as she and Will approached the porch.

Ginny jumped off the edge to hug them both, still with a grin on her face. "Oh, I am going to treasure this memory for the rest of my life," she said to Will. "I've never been able to catch you out like this."

Will dipped his head in resignation. "I was distracted."

Ginny glanced at Terra. "I noticed. So you two couldn't keep your hands off each other, could you? Well, it's about time. It was hard to watch before, like two awkward fourteen-year-olds at a school dance."

Joseph shook hands with Will and then Terra. She opened her mouth to explain, but no sound came out.

Joseph smiled and shook his head. "Sometimes it is best not to say anything."

The four walked back to the shade of the porch. With only one working rocking chair and a small bench, Will brought out an extra chair so all would have a seat. Terra offered cider and retrieved their last four bottles. Then she sat down beside Will on the bench and released her wet hair from a ponytail, wrapping it with a towel.

Ginny eyed the broken rocking chair pieces, and then turned to Will and Terra, arching an eyebrow as if silently asking what happened to it. Blush returned to Terra's cheeks as Will looked away.

Another wide grin crossed Ginny's face. "Oh, this is too good!"

Will steered the conversation away from their embarrassment. "Umm, despite the awkwardness of your timing, we are glad you are here. We were planning to return to Freehold tomorrow if it was safe."

Ginny shook her head. "Not safe yet. Most of the Dynasty people have left. The few that remain are trying so hard to look inconspicuous, but it is almost comical how much they stand out."

Terra asked, with unease in her voice, "How did the town fare with the investigation?"

Joseph replied, "There were a few altercations and some damage, but overall, it was not as bad as I had feared. Thank God."

Ginny continued. "They tried to squeeze Zoe and Liz, since they initially treated you, Terra, but they stuck to the story. That part worked very well. Now they are chasing Hooded Man sightings all over the area. Most of these we did not even plant. It has taken on a life of its own. They even tried to interrogate me." She shook her head and grinned. "Amateurs! So easy to use their own bloated bureaucracy against them."

Lowering her head, Terra said with a cracked voice, "I'm... I'm sorry for all the trouble I brought you."

Joseph spoke gently. "No Terra. You have been nothing but a blessing to the town. The trouble was inevitable and is not on your shoulders. I am afraid this whole incident will be minor compared to what may be coming."

Will stiffened. "What is coming?"

"Ginny and I came here for two primary reasons. First, to bring you more supplies. The second, to discuss that." He took a swig of cider. "War comes. Both Dynasty and Uprising forces are gathering. Some small clashes have occurred again to the north, but we think these are just a preview to an all-out war that will encompass most of the Highlands with Freeport near the epicenter. The timing is uncertain, but my guess is by next summer. Your takedown of Necros may have delayed the war to some extent. The uncertainty it caused has them both reevaluating their plans."

Terra widened her eyes. "You are part of the Library."

Bowing his head, Joseph replied, "Yes. Deputy Chairman of the Board. You may know that Ginny is also on the Board."

"Then you likely know that I am a Blue Uprising Agent."

"Recent events suggested so," Joseph said. "Ginny or Will did not offer any details, and I did not ask. Which brings me to this. Terra, we would like you to join us. I presume Will or Ginny told you about us?"

Terra nodded. "Yes. Will and I spoke about it. I understand Ell also supported the Library?"

"Very much so. She was an amazing woman. Her death was a great loss to all who knew her."

Terra turned to Will, who gave her a small nod of permission. "I knew Ell years before as Anna, a fellow agent and my best friend. Only recently did I learn that Ell and Anna were the same woman."

Ginny smiled as Will nodded. Joseph's eyes widened as he put a hand to his chin. "Interesting these connections," he said.

Terra said, "I would like to support the Library. However, before I join, I need to sever my ties with the Uprising. Will and I have an appointment with the Blue Uprising Governance Council in a few days. We made it under the guise of Will providing more information on the Hooded Man. My real purposes are to resign and to convince them to make changes that better protect civilians."

Narrowing her eyes, Ginny asked, "How dangerous will this be?"

"They will not be pleased."

Will interjected. "That is why I am going along. They have no idea what I can do. A little demonstration might shake them up enough to delay the war plans and to leave Terra alone."

Ginny sighed and stated the obvious. "Will, you will become a target."

"I already am. That was why they sent Terra here to begin with. It is only a matter of time before the Hooded Man has my name." Will changed his demeanor with a grin. "Enough for now. Would you both like to join us for an early dinner? We have fresh trout on the stringer."

Ginny glanced at Joseph, who nodded. "Yes. But then we need to return before it gets too late."

Terra volunteered to retrieve the fish from the pond while Will and Ginny carried in supplies and began dinner preparations. Joseph walked along with Terra, remarking, "This area is beautiful and so peaceful."

"Yes, it is," she replied. "Will calls it his sanctuary."

"Terra, how are you feeling?"

She slowed her pace and turned to him. "Better now. This place has been so healing, both physically and mentally." A warmth flowed through her. "And Will... He has been good to me."

Joseph remained quiet as Terra pondered her next words. "Something you told me last time we spoke, about listening to my heart. One night when I was feeling particularly down, I did. I don't know how to explain it, but I felt, well, calm and accepted. There was a message — do not regret love. It was a turning point."

"There is much wisdom in that simple message." After a pause, Joseph continued. "Terra, I believe that was the Spirit guiding you. Let me suggest something to you. At least once a day, find someplace quiet and clear your mind. Meditate, or pray, and listen to your heart. I believe this will grant you serenity and clarity that will guide you on your journey."

"I will try. Thank you."

A wide smile rose on his enormous face, separating mustache from a thick dark beard. "Now let's get those fish. I must say, I am looking forward to dinner."

The dinner was delicious and the conversation uplifting. Afterward, Ginny and Joseph said their goodbyes.

As they parted, Joseph took hold of Terra's hand. "I am glad to see you happy. You and Will are stronger together than apart, yet I still fear for you. Your path may be difficult, but God will be with you."