The days were long and the nights cold. You didn't know how long you had been on the road. The old horse below you was tired, its head was hanging low and it couldn't carry you faster than normal speed. The journey wasn't going quickly but to be honest, you had no idea where to go to anyways.

The map of Morvran was resting on your pocket like a cursed stone. It felt a lot heavier than it actually was as if all the weight of the war was hanging on it. You haven't touched the map ever since you had left the mansion. Secretly, you wished it would disappear and would take all of the weight and decisions with it. There were so many options.

You could go and warn Morvran. Maybe you would be able to warn him in time so he could escape before the emperor send some men after him.

On the other hand, you were free again. You and a horse and enough money to buy the necessities. However, leaving Nilfgaard did not seem like an option. You loved this land and its people. But war was a solid reason to flee.

Another option would have been to forget about everything and start a life in another kingdom. Or another city. Novigrad had declared neutrality. Things there were rough but better than war. Anything was better than war.
With a deep sigh, you ordered the horse to stop and settled at the edge of a river to get some rest.

For the first time in a few days, you pulled the map out of your pocket to look at it. The sheer sight of the folded paper made your heart jump in excitement.

Was your body this thrilled about the thought to see him again?

Then why did your mind refuse to admit the happiness he brought you?

No. Hastily, you shook of the thoughts that were growing on the back of your head. This was just a wild fantasy, a dream of yours. Even though he had send you this map as a sigh of his feelings, it was unwise to feed his hopes. He deserved a much better fit than you. Even if he wanted no royal woman, he deserved at least a proper partner. You would have been the last person to be called a proper partner. No one with a sane mind would have married you.

But it seemed like Morvran was willing to give it a chance.

Again, you shook your head to destroy the daydreams that were slowly taking form inside your head.

"Hells!", you yelled in exhaustion, as his face appeared before your inner eye. "Why?! Why are you haunting me, general? You're just a man like any other, so why do I keep seeing your perfect face inside my head? Why do I wish to be touched by your large hands and why do I still remember how your lips taste?!"

Your words filled the silence of the forest. Birds stopped to sing and suddenly the wind disappeared. It was as if the world wanted to make sure that everyone was able to hear you. Even the man that was never supposed to hear them.
Bothered by your stubbornness yet the fact that there clearly was something pushing you towards the general, you let yourself fall back and sighed.

If things would go on like this you would have never been able to find your peace. Especially not without this stupid man.

Rolling your eyes you let your head fall back. A deep sigh left your lips as the realisation washed over you.

"Fine!", you screamed into the air. "I will go seek for the fucking general!"

With one swift jump, you got back on your feet and grabbed the reins of your horse. It protested a little, after all this had been the first real break it had in a while. But you forced it to go on, leading it to north.

The map that Morvran had drawn was surprisingly detailed. He had written down important names and destinations and even mentioned how you would be able to find the right way without using the streets.

You had noticed that the way you had originally taken was closer to Morvran's rout than expected. You only needed to ride a little bit further north and then you would be good to go.

As the horse below you began to walk faster, a thin smile appeared on your face. You didn't know why but it felt good to think about seeing the generals face again. You did not dare to admit that you missed him. But you acknowledge that it would be a nice thing to be close to him again.

"Come on boy. Let's run.", you told the horse and hurried across the street that was separating one part of the woods from the other.

It took you a while to find the right path, almost half the day. But as soon as you realised that this area looked a lot like Morvran's map you couldn't help but get excited.

With a broad grin on your face you chased with the horse through the land of green. Wind was stroking through your hair.

This place felt different. It was a little as if war was close by and had its claws reaching out for you.

A cold shiver ran over your back as you recalled the memories of past times. It had been bloody and traumatising. Somehow, you were still alive. And now, you would use this life to get away with the man that made your heart beat faster.

With a certain nervousness, your eyes jumped from one tree to the other and back. Over and over again you thought that shadows looked like Morvran or that you could hear his voice calling for you. Of course, this was just imagination. But you couldn't help but feel even more nervous with every second that passed.

As the patience of yours ran out, you let the horse run as fast as possible and began to scream.

"Morvran?! Morvran it's me! I'm here!", you yelled and let the horse run towards the last daylight that was shimmering on the edge of the forest.

A silhouette was standing there, waving. It had just the right size for the general.

Suddenly, you couldn't help but smile.

"Morvran!", you yelled.

He waved his hands even more, his head was shaking. He must have been thrilled to see you again.

But as you came closer, and his face appeared, you realised that something was terribly wrong. He wasn't alone. Next to him stood a man that was equally intimidating and filled with hatred. His eyes looked at you, as you ordered the horse to come to an abrupt stop.

"So this is your little lover.", the emperor said, eying you up and down. "Too bad that you two have to reunite like this."

Confused, you looked to Morvran. He had blood on his face.

"Forgive me.", he whispered. "You should have never come here."