A month passed, filled with a life on the run. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the two of you reached the border. Both, you and Morvran wanted to get as far away from the border as possible. You did not rest until you crossed the middle of Toussaint, which was well known for its wineries and rivers.

Now, that the empire of Nilfgaard was far enough behind you, Morvran began to relax. He didn't look around that much no more and his hands had stopped shaking.

You traveled as far away from the streets as possible. But even as you had to cross a road, and people noticed you, nobody seemed to care.

As the night was about to darken the sky, Morvran decided that it would be best to rest. To your surprise, he did not seek shelter in a cave or the nearby forest like he would usually do. He decided to rent a room in a tavern.

Helping you off the horse, he placed it in one of the boxes of the tavern and payed a man a few coins so he would feed the animal.

Together, the two of you entered the tavern. It was a busy night, it seemed. Many people were out, drinking and playing gwent. Nobody took note as the former general of Nilfgaard passed their tables and rushed to the counter to speak with the owner of the tavern.

"We need a room.", said Morvran, without wasting a moment.

Sceptical, the bearded man eyes him up and down.

"You're not from around here.", he mumbled.

You nodded.

"Traveling worker. We are on our way to meet the new boss for the next few months.", you tried to smile as natural as possible.

Understanding, the man nodded.

"Ah, you must be here for the rebuilding of Beauclair. I tell you, after all those vampires attacked, the city looks like ruins. Be careful when you travel down there. Vampires are still around.", the man raised his eyebrows as if he was telling a horror story. "But for now, I can offer you a room for two. Is that right?"

For a quick moment, you and Morvran exchanged a testing glare. Then, you two nodded.

"Yes, one bed.", you confirmed.

Again, the man nodded approving. But suddenly the expression on his face changed and he had to suppress a disgusted snort.

"We have a bath next door. Costs a coin extra. I'd say you two are in need of a wash."

A little embarrassed, you and Morvran grinned.

"I would appreciate a bath. Three gold should be reasonable, no?", with a gesture, he pulled out three coins and placed them on the counter.

Sceptically, the man eyed the coins before taking them with one hand and letting them disappear in his pocket.

"Through that door over there and then at the end of the hallway. That's your room. The bath is right across the room, through the door and then to the left. You can't miss the entrance. And keep in mind it's a mixed bath. No one touches someone without permission.", the man raised a warning finger.

Hastily, Morvran and you nodded and disappeared.

With a loud sight, you let yourself fall onto the soft covers of the bed. It felt like heaven. Even though the mattress was only filled with hay, it still felt a lot better than the cold ground of the forest.

"Laying comfortable?", Morvran asked with a smile on his face.

He placed the backpacks at the door, as if he was expecting to leave urgent and sat on the edge of the bed.

Grinning, while with your eyes closed, you nodded.

"It's great. Honestly, way better than the forest.", you opened one eye to look at him.

He seemed so careless all of a sudden. As if a huge weight had fallen from his shoulders.

With a soft smile on his lips, he leaned over you to press a kiss onto your lips. Closing your eyes again, you grabbed his face with both hands and enjoyed the taste of his lips.

The ring was shimmering on your finger. You had not dared to take it of ever since you had put it on for the first time.

"Let's take a bath, shall we?", Morvran asked as he managed to separat from you.

With a playfully sad expression on your face, you grabbed him by collar and began to let your fingers run on circles over his soft skin. He had became a little less pale due to the many months out in the sun. He was still handsome though. The food had been enough but not in excessive amounts like he had been used to. The lack of more food had caused the last bit of body fat to burn. Now, he was a lot more muscled but even broader than before.

With a grin on his face, he leaned down and kissed you again. His hands reached under your back, pulling you up and into his arms. As if you had no weight, he picked you up and walked with you through the door. Still kissing, he carried you down the small hallway and through the other door that lead to the bath.

At that moment he did not care that anybody could have seen the two of you.

Giggling like a teenager, you broke the kiss and pressed your forehead against his.

"Why so naughty all of a sudden, general?", you whispered into his ear.

The sound of your words chased a shiver down his spine. Pleased, he closed his eyes, placed you on a bench and gulled his shirt over his head. The thin, white fabric revealed a body that couldn't have been better. His abs were a little bit covered in dirt. You could see the veins running through his arms.

Blushing, you bit your lips and turned your eyes down.

Gently, he placed a hand below your chin, forcing you to look him in the eyes.

"Are you blushing, little stray?", he asked with a satisfied grin. "Trust me, this is not the time to blush right now. I will give you a real reason to blush."