This is how I originally began writing this story. As much as I love slowburn stories and buildup, I realized I was dragging it on too much and needed to just focus on Dolores and Mariano like how I originally planned. I had already written over 5,000 words and didn't have the heart to delete this, so here you go. It's sort of meh because I tried focusing on too many things as once and got too detailed in areas that did not need any focus at all. Uuuurrrgggh, stupid me.

   A soft, contented sigh escaped from Abuela's lips as she gazed fondly at her family. They were all gathered at the table for their evening meal. It was amazing how much could change in two years since the collapse of their home. They were whole, not perfect, but whole.

    Her beautiful children were reunited again. A light had returned to Julieta's kind eyes, and her movements seemed less burdened. Pepa was less anxious and more carefree, able to let loose all emotions without fear of being reprimanded for ruining the weather. Bruno also seemed freer and happier, glowing in the welcoming warmth and love of his familia.

    The triplets laughed and joked with each other just as they had in their youth. They chattered animatedly, finishing each other's sentences at an almost frightening pace. They definitely had some sort of unseen bond that linked them together because they sometimes even managed to skip entire sections of conversation, which was confusing to everyone but them.

    Abuela's heart clenched at the thought that her actions had harmed and nearly broken the family. She had been the one to nearly snuff out the joy of the people that she loved so dearly. Her goal to earn and preserve the miracle had transformed Casita from a home into a gilded cage, shining on the outside but stifling on the inside.

    It wasn't just her children that had felt the effects of the harmful environment and had benefited from the change. Their husbands were also affected. Though Félix was a naturally jovial and supportive guy, he, like his wife, now wasn't burdened by the necessity of having to remain stuck in that role. Agustín wasn't plagued by secret feelings of inadequacy, knowing that the Madrigal household now held acceptance and love instead of crushing pressure.

    The matriarch of the Madrigals turned her attention toward her dear grandchildren. They had not been untouched from the pressure and pain either. In short, everyone—including the grandkids—definitely had self-worth issues and anxiety among other problems they had to work through as part of the family's healing process.

    Antonio, despite being the tender age of five at the time, had still managed to latch onto the anxiety of not living up to standards that pervaded the Madrigals. But with past pains having been resolved, he was free to grow up in a better environment. 

    Abuela chuckled lightly to herself as her youngest grandchild got one of his toucan friends to snatch an empanada from his brother's plate while Camilo was occupied with teasing Isabela.

    Oh, Camilo. The child who had always been told to be someone else but never himself. No one asked for Camilo, just the mask—the façade—he could create. The poor boy had barely known who he himself was because he had always been so busy masquerading as someone else. After support from his family and lots of self-exploration, he had finally developed a firmer grasp on who Camilo was and confidence fitting in his own skin.

    Then sweet Isabela. How she had bloomed! She wasn't the perfect model Abuela had wanted; and that was absolutely fine because the young lady that Isabela had grown into was far better than anything Abuela could have envisioned. She was finally happy and able to just be her true self. Isabela was a free spirit who created wild, wonderful beauty wherever she went. With no pressure to be perfect, her blossoms were healthier, and her smile was brighter.

    Loyal Luisa. Though she had the toughest frame, she had the gentlest of hearts. Always there to bear everyone's burden, but no one had been around to bear hers. She had been pushed since childhood to work instead of play. Somewhere along the way, it had gotten into her head that her worth was based on her strength. Now, her family was there to remind her that she was priceless, gift or no gift. She didn't have to shoulder it all alone, and she should take breaks.

    Mirabel, the heart of the Madrigal family. She had felt like an the outsider of the family, deemed unimportant because of her lack of Gift. If anything though, her quest to save the magic proved to her and everyone else that she had a far greater ability than the rest of her family. The list could go on and on: her perseverance, her bravery, her unconditional love, her brilliant perception. Through her, the Madrigal family was made whole and broken hearts were mended. 

    Speaking of broken hearts, Abuela turned her attention toward her second eldest granddaughter. 

    Dolores had always had a way of fading into the background, not one to add noise to the already overwhelmingly loud world. Heartbreakingly, she had resigned herself to a life of constantly being overlooked. She, like Isabela, was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of the family. 

    But now, as Abuela watched Dolores contentedly interact with her young husband Mariano, leaning affectionately against him, the matriarch couldn't help but berate herself for her utter blindness to her family's desires. Such pain she had brought, yet such healing had occurred. Yes, there had been blunders and setbacks in the process, but they were all happier and freer than ever before.

    "Aye, Pedro. If you could see us now," murmured Abuela softly.

    "Mamá? What was that?" asked Julieta curiously, sitting to the right of her Mamá.

    "Nothing. Nothing," waved off the matriarch. "I'm just so proud of you all."

    The entire Madrigal family paused in their dining to look over at Abuela with shining eyes. Oh, the way their faces lit up at such praise! This is how the Madrigal home should have been from the very beginning, brimming with unconditional love.

    There was an extra, knowing twinkle in Dolores' eyes, having caught what Abuela had murmured to herself. She let out a happy squeak as she let the noises of the family meld together, but there was another sound coming from beyond that caught her attention.

    She tilted her head. What was that? Thunder? No. She stiffened, her eyes growing wide as she finally recognized it. Hoofbeats. Many hoofbeats. Her chest seemed to constrict and her breaths grew short. 

    She, like the rest of her family, had heard Abuela's stories of the raiders that had driven her from her village and killed Abuelo Pedro. But this couldn't be? The mountains, the miracle—they protected the Encanto from ill-meaning invaders... right?

    Mariano turned worriedly to his wife at the strangled hum of surprise that escaped her mouth. "Mi amor, what's wrong?" 

    His question caught the attention of the entire Madrigal family as they fell silent and turned their attention toward Dolores. 

    She had her head tilted and scrunched her brow, focusing in on the riders who were steadily growing closer. In her typical low tone, she whispered fearfully, "I hear horsemen approaching the Encanto. Many of them."

    The calm atmosphere and dining screeched to a halt. A collective gasp rose from the family, and a dark cloud immediately formed over Pepa's head. They all swiveled their heads to look for direction from the Madrigal matriarch who had suddenly gone very still and pale.

    The woman's frozen state didn't last long as her expression grew hard. In a tense voice, she asked, "How far away are they?"

    Dolores estimated nervously, alarmed by how close they had gotten before she detected their presence. "About halfway down the mountain."

    Abuela stiffly rose from her seat and banged her fist on the table. Her harsh tone surprised everyone. "Madrigals! We must protect our home! Hurry! We must warn and shelter the townspeople!" 

    As the Madrigals poured out of Casita, Julieta had the wise mind to grab her small emergency basket of food. Agustín grabbed all the food he could carry from the dinner table and hurriedly followed after his wife. A growing cloud loomed over Pepa's head, crackling with electricity, as she sprinted toward the village with Félix hot on her heels.

    Before Bruno could leave with the others, Abuela quickly grabbed his arm, holding him back and staring at him beseechingly. "Bruno, please. If we can see..."

    "I–I–I can't. Mamá, th–there's not enough time! The riders will be here any minute," stuttered Bruno, nervously fidgeting. Honestly, there was that, and he also feared what horrid future he would see. His heart wouldn't be able to bear it if he had to watch his family be cut down in his vision.

    Abeula let out a shaky sigh and released her grip on her son. She resigned, not forcing him to do something he didn't want. "Okay." She patted him on the back and they both stepped out of their home, making their way towards the village. 

    She murmured softly, "Vamos. Let's defend our home." Her heart was heavy at the thought of her family having to fight. She couldn't lose it all again.

    Bruno turned back to Casito for one moment to quickly rap on the doorframe. "Knock, knock, knock, knock. Knock on wood."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Antonio, who had employed Parce his jaguar friend to help carry him, had made it to the village first. Being seven years old and heavily freaked out by his family's reaction, his warning to the people calmly milling about came out rather hysterical. 

    In his small, high voice, he shrieked, "RIDERS ARE COMING TO KILL US ALL!" which caused a flock of toucans in the distance to take flight.

    Dolores winced at her youngest brother's piercing voice and choice of words. She hastened her pace to the village, but it was too late. The damage was done, and raw panic had already taken root. 

    Everything turned to complete bedlam as people scurried frantically about, securely closing up shops and homes as best they could before running away to shelter themselves. They too had heard stories from their elders. Villagers collided and tripped over each other in their haste to find safety.

    The Madrigals helped wherever they could. No one was prepared to fight nor flee, so they had no choice but to help secure the people in hiding and pray fervently that the invaders didn't find or harm anyone.

    With her Gift, Dolores pinpointed where they each could help the most and located any stragglers.

    Bruno and Abuela encouraged those frozen in disbelief to get to shelter.

    Camilo stayed by Antonio's side, assisting him in herding the burros and other livestock into the barn.

    Luisa had to physically lift Señor Osvaldo away from his delivery cart, telling him to leave it. There wasn't time to hide it, and it was better for him to be alive and cartless than dead.

    Isabela used her Gift to begin growing a barrier of thorns and cacti around the Encanto as best she could, hoping it would prevent the horsemen from entering.

    Pepa focused with all her might, commanding her emotions and the weather to send sheets of rain and harsh flashes of lightning to the mountains surrounding their Encanto to slow the riders. She kept the skies above the Encanto mostly clear.

    Félix, though he loathe to abandon his wife, worked with Mariano in quickly boarding up the church where many people had taken shelter in.

    Julieta and Agustín were quickly passing out arepas and empanadas to the people injured in the chaos.

    Mirabel rounded up the kids, making sure they were with their parents. She also helped point out places for people to use for secure hiding spots.

    In less than a few minutes, most of the people of Encanto were safely hidden away except for the Madrigals. And not a moment too soon.

    Dolores identified the pounding of hoofbeats on the outskirts of the Encanto. Although she was already feeling absolutely overwhelmed by the many, many sounds of the unfolding turmoil, she shouted to her family. "GET BACK TO CASITA! THEY'RE HERE!"

    Most of the family rushed to get to their home, but Julieta and Félix stopped short.

    "Isabela—"

    "Pepa—"

    Dolores cut them off, pointing emphatically toward Casita. "Go! I'll get them!"

    She rushed off, not leaving room for argument. It made sense she should go after them. She was the fastest runner in the family besides Luisa because what good was hearing things if she couldn't share them quickly? 

    By the time she reached her mamá and prima, it had started to drizzle in the village. They were straining so hard to utilize their Gifts. She grabbed their hands, breaking their concentration and pulling them toward home. "We have to go now!"

    Understanding her urgent warning, Isabela and Pepa ran towards Casita. With her anxiety rising and her focus gone, Pepa's storm worsened over the Encanto.

    Dolores sprinted behind them, but tiny sound underneath the beating wind and rain made her stop. It was a sob and a child's desperate cry for help. She turned in a frantic circle trying to pinpoint the kid's location. Agh! It was so hard to concentrate!

    A giant clap of thunder made her double over and clasp her hands desperately over her ears. But it was a small blessing in disguise, as the lost child gave a loud enough yelp for her to distinguish where they were, even over the pain ringing in her ears.

    She darted over to the tailor's shop. Beside the building, Alejandra was huddled on the ground, crying and hugging her knees to her chest. The young girl had gotten separated amongst all the chaos. 

    Dolores listened to the clatter of hooves against cobblestones. The riders were coming down the main road and would catch sight of her brightly colored clothes if she didn't act fast. Without much choice, she grabbed Alejandra up and barged into the tailor's shop, hugging the terrified girl to herself. "Shh, shh. We'll be okay."

    She and Alejandra scooted farther back into the shop as the dark shadows of the raiders flashed by. By now, the weather outside had suddenly changed from violent downpour to a heavy snowfall. Dolores knew what cold weather meant. Her mamá was extremely anxious and afraid. She suspected it might've been due to the fact that she had not made it back to the Casita with her family.

    To her secret satisfaction, she heard the raiders' confusion and alarm in their voices at the massive changes in weather. Perhaps her mamá's Gift would drive these destructive people out of the Encanto.

    "What is happening?!"

    "The gods are upset with us!"

    "We should leave! This place is cursed!" 

    Her heart dropped as a firm gruff voice ordered his men, roughly tugging on the reins of his horse. "Get a hold of yourselves! El Invencible do not run. We conquer. Look around. It is like they said, this place is ripe for the picking."

    A more fearful voice piped up, "But the weather–"

    "Will not stop us," growled the leader. "Hyahh!"

    He spurred his horse forward, and his men followed suit. 

    Dolores and the rest of the village could only hide away in terror. The Madrigal listened as the raiders tore into the barns, driving all the animals out. Her heart gave a leap of horror when she heard the short pained cry of Señor Rendón and the sound of flesh and bone being torn and snapped. She was certain he was dead, but she was careful to hide her distressed tears from Alejandra. 

    As quickly as the raiders entered, they had left; but for those left in hiding, it had felt like an eternity. Only when Dolores was absolutely certain that all the horsemen had left the village with their spoils did she dare to venture out. She walked through the snow-covered streets while protectively holding Alejandra in her arms and shielding her eyes from the wreckage of the village's main livestock stables.

    To the Madrigal, everything felt hazy and she walked forward as if she was in a daze. She knew she should've felt cold or scared or something, but she only felt hauntingly hollow. She reunited Alejandra with her parents while quietly asking them to spread the news it was safe to come out.

    Her legs seemed to carry her on their own accord up to Casita where she gently rapped her knuckles on the front door. The home gave an overjoyed shudder before popping open its doors and her relieved family came spilling out, scooping her up in one big embrace.

    "They took the animals and Señor Rendón is dead," informed Dolores in a low, wobbly voice.

    Hushed whispers of fear and alarm spread throughout the family. Cruel, murderous violence had never reached inside the Encanto before.

    Mariano held onto his wife a little tighter and rubbed her back comfortingly, knowing the horrible things she must have heard. When he looked down at her, he let out a small worried gasp and gently tilted her head to the side to he could get a better look. "You're bleeding."

    Dolores grimaced as she gently lifted her hand to her ear. Congealing globs of blood were on her fingers when she pulled it back. She wasn't surprised. It had been unbearably loud in the chaos, and she would have been more surprised if her ears hadn't sustained any damage.

    Julieta was at her side in an instant, offering her a cold empanada from the abandoned dinner table.

    Abuela's mouth was set in a grim line, and her voice was hardened when she finally spoke. "We will honor Señor Rendón. I fear he won't be the last to fall." Her words scared the Madrigals. "I know these types of people. The raiders will keep coming back, robbing us of everything." She took in a heavy breath. "We must learn to fight."

    Every Madrigal could feel it in their soul. Change was imminent. But the foreboding thing about change is that it can be for the better or for the worse.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    And so, it began. There was a definite shift in the atmosphere of la familia Madrigal. Love still existed, but it was a tense, anxious sort of love that feared the looming threat of loss. Gone was the carefree happiness that had once pervaded the household.

    Dolores was a listener, an observer, by nature. She watched as fear creeped its way into the family. She saw it in the stress lines that marked her parents', tíos', and tía's expressions. She saw the hardening in her primas' eyes as they braced themselves to protect the Encanto. Her younger brothers smiled less nowadays. Everyone seemed to step warily and kept their movements measured. They were always alert and vigilant for any sign of danger. 

    Her Abuela became more like her former self but even harsher and more scared due to the very real threat of losing everything the same way she had all those years ago. She pushed the family to hone their skills for battle though it clearly pained her to do so. 

    Pepa was the most powerful because of her influence over the weather. Her husband and children hated the way she strained herself so hard have complete control. She was attempting to master the art of summoning lightning on command with little success so far, collecting a worrying amount of electrical burns.

    Isabela and Luisa were extremely useful in harnessing their Gifts in combat. They were afraid and hadn't ever intentionally harmed people with their Gifts; but they resolved that they would do what they must to protect their family.

    All of Pepa's children had Gifts that were perfect for gathering intelligence on their enemies. Of course though, sending Camilo undercover was an absolute last resort. Dolores and Antonio acted as the watchmen. And as another desperate resort, Antonio's Gift could be used offensively and he could call on the animals to aid him in a fight.

    Bruno, when he dared to glance into the future, was deeply frightened by what he saw. There were flames, expressions of pain and terror, and destruction. He kept what he saw to himself, not wanting to bring greater fear to his familia.

    Abuela Alma insisted that everyone in the family who was of age know how to handle a weapon, no matter if they had a Gift or not. She was a surprisingly skilled shot with a shotgun, but she absolutely refused to wield a blade.

    Old Arturo led classes for the entire village on how to defend themselves. Some took to the art of combat better than others. Unlike Mirabel or Félix who were surprisingly good fighters, Dolores hated fighting not just because she despised violence but because it was so loud.

    The sounds of flesh against flesh and clash of blades rang in her ears for hours on end even after everyone had finished practicing, and don't even get her started on the rifles. Those horrible devices were pure torture for her ears and she refused to ever fire one. But since Abuela had insisted that everyone learn how to defend themselves, Dolores had no choice but to learn how to wield some sort of weapon.

    Realizing his wife's struggle at figuring out how to fight, Mariano searched for a solution. In truth, he also wasn't the best at combat despite what his physique might indicate. In his heart, he was a lover not a fighter.

    "That's it. Keep the blade up, Lola," instructed Isabela who had taken a bit of a liking to fighting with machetes despite not really needing to fight with one with her Gift. "Now come at me!"

    Dolores had the correct moves and knew how to handle a blade decently. She just hated the feel and sound of it when it struck against anything. She braced herself and swung, wincing when the blades connected. The force of it sent unpleasant vibrations up her arms.

    After a few more blows were exchanged, Isabela lowered her weapon and put a pause to their sparring session after seeing her prima's grimace deepen with every strike. She worriedly asked, "Hey, are you okay?"

    The red-clad Madrigal forced a small half-smile and waved off her older cousin's concern, resisting the urge to draw her hand up to her ears in an attempt to block out the shrill ringing in them. "Don't worry. I can do this."

    Isabela had practically been the queen of faking smiles, so she could recognize Dolores' meager attempt at putting on a front in a heartbeat. "No. Let's take a break. Okay?"

    "No!" refused Dolores as she raised her machete defensively. In a determined tone, she declared, "I need to get better. Another attack could happen any day now."

    It was true. If Dolores went to the very edge of the village and focused hard enough, she could just make out the conversations of the horsemen wherever they had set up their camp. It had been two weeks since the first raid and she could hear that they were growing antsy. The village had come far in what little time they had been training, but Dolores feared it wouldn't be enough. She had also heard murmurings of the raiders about possibly calling their allies because they suspected something was off about the Encanto. She had heard them mention the possibility of magic.

    Isabela seemed uncertain. She didn't want to cause her prima undue pain. "Are you sure? Where are those earmuffs Mirabel made for you?"

    Dolores looked guilty as she hesitantly admitted, "I appreciate the gift, but... they don't actually help that much. My hearing is just too strong, and the way the fabric rustles against my ears is annoying."

    The oldest grandchild sent her a look of pity. "Oh, Lola."

    Before the two Madrigals could talk any more, Dolores tilted her head as she picked up the familiar heavy footfalls of her husband quickly approaching them. She smiled sweetly at the excited expression on his face as he ran up to her while holding something carefully behind his back.

    Isabela stepped back and watched the couple's exchange from a distance with a wide grin on her face. Those two were just too cute!

    "What do you have?" questioned Dolores, trying to peer around him.

    Mariano pulled back and proudly presented a brand new bow and quiver full of arrows. He nervously explained, "I know you don't like the sound of battle, so I thought maybe a weapon more suited for you would help."

    The thoughtfulness of his gift and the hopeful sparkle in his gaze overflowed Dolores' heart with warmth. She immediately threw her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace. She breathed into his ear, "Thank you."

    Mariano passed off the bow and arrows over to his wife to inspect as he brought up, "Andrés agreed to help train archers since he's the only person in the village who knows how properly handle a bow."

    At this, Isabela cut in and protectively protested, "Him! Nuh uh. No way!" 

    Dolores pulled a face, partially for the mentioned man and partially because of Isabela's loudness.

    Mariano raised an eyebrow at their strong reactions. "What's wrong with Andrés?" The man was a bit too brash at times for his liking but they had always gotten along civilly.

    Isabela tilted her head and squinted at him strangely. "You really don't know what went down between our families? The whole village was going on about it for weeks."

    Mariano shook his head slowly, not liking where this conversation was headed. "I've never been one for gossip."

    "Well, long story short, the Garcias really hate us because Abuela kicked Diego Garcia out because Dolores caught him doing some pretty messed up things when she just got her Gift. If you ask me, Andrés is not growing up to be any better than his papá."

    Mariano made a pitying expression for the man. He knew how difficult it could be to grow up without a good father figure in one's life.

    Isabela knew he was pitying Andrés, so she added, "You know he used to pick on Dolores a lot because he blamed her for his papá's exile."

    That definitely lessened the sympathy he felt. He worriedly turned to his wife who was still getting a feel for the bow. "If you don't like Andrés, I can–"

    "No, no. It's okay. I don't mind. He's probably gotten better after all this time," assured Dolores hopefully, much to Isabela's displeasure. 

   The eldest grandchild was extremely protective of her family and knew how to hold a grudge. And now that she wasn't stuck in the role of perfect princess, she had the means to carry out revenge on whoever made her mad.

    "Okay, but if he does anything. Let me know," instructed Mariano firmly, searching his wife's eyes for any glimpse of uncertainty.

    "And me," added Isabela. A vine threateningly curled up her arm.

    "I will," assured Dolores, giving her husband a hug. She felt quite certain nothing would go wrong. Yes, she hadn't interacted with any of the Garcias in years, but with the village facing such a dangerous foe, she hoped old grudges could be put aside to face the enemy. Everyone had enough on their plate already, no need for infighting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Turns out Dolores was wrong. Bitterness was a corrosive poison. She saw Andrés' expression darken the moment he caught sight of her. Ah, so he hadn't changed much since their childhood. His touch was none too gentle as he corrected her stance. And his voice boomed with a cold edge to it when he had to address her.

    While she wasn't necessarily scared of him, she was concerned by his presence. Still, he was an effective instructor, and by the end of the short practice session, she had gotten a good grasp of the basics of archery. Her worries about Andrés' sour behavior were washed away when Mariano greeted her halfway to Casita with large embrace and planted a kiss on her temple.

    She giggled but then wrinkled her nose and pulled back. She said bluntly, "Mi amor, no offense, but you reek."

    Mariano grinned, tightening his hold so that she couldn't wiggle free. He playfully laughed and his voice raised dramatically, "But don't you just smell my love for you. Breathe it in."

    "Noo! I'm going suffocate," cried Dolores, still trying to pull away and not get a whiff of his sweat.

    Finally, her husband mercifully released her from his arms. 

    She wiped at her clothes and crossed her arms, huffing, "Great. Now I need a shower too."

    Mariano wiggled his eyebrows and smirked as he leaned forward, "Oh, can I join?"

    Instead of answering, Dolores simply stared behind him.

    Mariano turned his head and jumped at the sight of Mirabel standing there with a deadpan expression, though her eyes sparkled with mirth behind her green frames. He nervously greeted her, "Oh... hola, Mirabel. H–how long were you standing there?"

    "Since the hug," shrugged Mirabel, struggling to keep a straight face. Those two were too in love for their own good sometimes.

    "Oh." Nodded Mariano simply, an embarrassed heat creeping its way along his face.

    To break the awkward silence, Mirabel declared while hefting the bag of flour in her hands and walking forward, "Weeeell, I gotta deliver this to mamá. Adíos." Julieta had been cooking up a storm, stockpiling as much magical healing food as she could. As Mirabel trotted past the couple, she couldn't help but add with a teasing smirk, "Enjoy your shower."

    Now Dolores had a blush blooming across her face as well. 

    As she linked arms with her husband and headed towards Casita, they both recounted their respective days. Efforts to reinforce the river were going well according to Mariano. Luisa's Gift was definitely helping to expedite the process. Dolores' laughed as she mentioned how she wished she had her prima's super strength because her arms would be sore for days as she built up new muscles. 

    When his wife brought up Andrés cold demeanor, Mariano bristled slightly. How could anyone dislike Dolores?! It's not like she could help what she heard. And he didn't like the thought of anyone treating her less than the queen she was.

    Later that evening, when Dolores had gone to her nightly post to stand watch and listen for any danger, Mariano went to have a little talk to Andrés. He caught the man just as he was coming out of the pub and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "What is your problem with my wife?"

    It took a moment for Andrés to realize who was speaking to him, but as soon as he did, his lips curled into an unpleasant sneer and he shrugged off Mariano's hand. "The problem with your wife is that she's a homewrecker. She hears everyone's business and doesn't have the sense to shut up about it!" 

    "That's not fair. She can't control what she hears," defended Mariano. He grimaced at the smell of alcohol coming off the man's breath.

    "Yeah, but she's too much of a woman to control what she says and does," spat Andrés, pure anger radiating off him. He leaned into Mariano's face, much to his chagrin. "I feel sorry for you. I see you've fallen for her charms. What kind of devil woman is so desperate that she goes after her prima's fiancé?!" He muttered curses and names unsuitable for women to be called under his breath.

    By now, Mariano was naming all the Saints to prevent absolutely demolishing this guy. Any small respect or friendship he held with the him was gone. He gritted out, grabbing Andrés by the collar. "That was two years ago. Do not ever insult my wife's integrity. I know for a fact she has more honor than you."

    Andrés shoved Mariano back. He looked about ready to throw a punch when he seemed to pause, thinking better of it. Instead, he opted to give a dangerous glare and briskly walked past Mariano, harshly knocking shoulders with him. He hissed lowly, "You Madrigals are so pious, thinking you rule us. Mark my words, one day you won't be so high and mighty."

    His words sent an uneasy chill through Mariano. What did he mean by that? He hoped those were just the nonsensical ramblings of a drunkard. He glanced up to where he knew his wife was probably overhearing this. "Lo siento, mi cariño. I know you don't like conflict, but I won't stand for anyone disrespecting you."

    Up on the hilltop, Dolores shook her head sadly. Animosity towards her when she overshared or accidentally squeaked out a secret wasn't anything she was a stranger to. Still, Mariano's confrontation was a noble effort, but some people were just too hardened by bitterness to change. Andrés' words had also deeply unsettled her, and she made note to keep a listening ear open for him in the future.

    But right now, something caught her attention. There was movement on the far side, near the fields. She brought her hands up and cupped her ears, catching the rumble of many horses. Her heart gave a leap of fright. She gently roused Pico, the toucan, who gave an indignant squawk at being awakened.

    She whispered, "I'm sorry, but go wake the family. Bandits are in the west fields."

    Pico, suddenly understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly took off towards Casita.

    When she focused on listening in again, she was caught off guard by the sudden explosion of fireworks. She grimaced as she covered her ears.