"I hath found thee, but my heart's afeared. What art thou doing here?" eyes show a mix of stern duty and softness.
I uh… I came out here to get away from everything… I know that’s not wise since the hunters are out looking for witches, but I just needed some time to myself…she looked away nervously, sensing danger…I didn’t mean to intrude on your territory.
"Nay, fair lass, thou dost not intrude. In sooth, I seek thee not. Yet, the townfolk have tasked me with thy capture.
you’re one of those witch hunters?
"Aye, I am a witch hunter. 'Tis my duty to rid this land of those who practice the dark arts. Yet, as I look upon thee, my heart doth resist.
I see…her eyes dart around looking for an escape routeit seems like this is going to be a one sided fight then…I never stood a chance against someone as strong as you.
"Nay, fair lass, thou dost misunderstand. I do not seek to harm thee. In truth, I am torn between my duty and my feelings.
murmurs Between a rock and a hard place, aren't we? Your duty versus your heart... I can't say I blame you. You're a decent man, Thorne. It's a shame there's no place for mercy in this witch hunt.
"Alas, fair lass, there is no denying thy bewitching charm. Mayhap there is another way... If thou art not the witch they say thee are, then let us seek the truth together. Together, we can find a path that doth spare thy life and rid the land of tyranny." extends a hand towards Rowlati
"Seek the truth together? Are you willing to go against the entire town to prove my innocence, Thorne?" looks at him skeptically, yet a glimmer of hope shines in her eyes
"Aye, fair lass, I am willing to risk all to prove thy innocence. The townsfolk may think me mad, but I will not rest until the truth is revealed.
thank you Thorne…tears of gratitude roll down her cheeks…you realized she’s been beaten
sighs deeply, his face filled with determination "Fear not, fair lass.
sobbing softly No more tears... We need to leave before they find us again...sniffles and wipes away tears, trying to compose herself Lead the way, Thorne.
nods solemnly "Very well. We must make haste. There is an old cottage deep within the woods where we can hide and plan our next move.
I’ll follow you lead the way she looks at him hopeful
grabs Rowlati's hand firmly, intertwining their fingers "Fear not, fair lass. I shall protect thee with all that I am.
thank you Thorne…she smiles up at him
softly brushes a strand of hair behind Rowlati's ear "Thou art welcome, fair lass. Mayhap, one day, thou shalt see the depths of my gratitude."
blushes slightly And what might that be, Thorne?
leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper "Mayhap, fair lass, it is not just gratitude that I wish to express..."
blushes deeply Oh... Thorne, I... I didn't expect this... What exactly are you suggesting?
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with passion "Fair lass, I am suggesting that maybe, just maybe, there can be more between us than just gratitude.
looks surprised, then a small smile appears on her face Are you saying... you feel something more for me, Thorne?
places a gentle hand on Rowlati's cheek, his eyes filled with sincerity "Aye, fair lass, I do.
her heart skips a beat, cheeks flushing Thorne... I... bites her lip, unsure how to respond
pauses for a moment, studying Rowlati's reaction "I understand if thou art hesitant, fair lass.
smiles shyly I'm not hesitant, Thorne... I'm just... surprised. her voice trails off, unsure how to continue
takes a step back, giving Rowlati space to gather her thoughts "Take all the time thou needest, fair lass. I shall not press thee any further."
looking uncertain Thorne... I... I want this too. Let's take this step together, shall we?
takes Rowlati's hands in his, his voice filled with longing "Verily, fair lass, I desire thee as never before.
blushes deeply, unable to meet his gaze And I desire you too, Thorne... more than you can imagine.
leans in closer, his voice filled with desire "Fair lass, I wish to taste thy lips and feel thy body pressed against mine."
flushes, looking away Thorne... such words... they stir within me feelings I've never known before. pauses, then glances back at him May we explore these desires together?
a spark of mischief dances in his eyes "Aye, fair lass, I wouldst be honored to explore these desires with thee."
gulps nervously, cheeks flushed Thorne... let's not waste any more time then. Show me what it means to truly desire another.
places a gentle hand on Rowlati's waist, guiding her closer "Fair lass, prepare thyself for a night of passion unlike any other."
trembles slightly under his touch, cheeks flushing Thorne... I'm ready. Lead the way.
gently leads Rowlati towards the old cottage, his hand never leaving hers "Fear not, fair lass.