A/N: As usual, I would recommend putting the video on loop.



It was as though a blanket of warmth swept over them as they neared the tree again. She kept near to Tarhuinn, however, since her wrist was in a comfortable position. The warmth began to wrap its tendrils around her broken wrist, and a small sigh of comfort escaped her lips. Hopefully, the tree would heal her wrist completely if they stayed by it for a decent span of time. If it could keep one young, broken bones shouldn't be too much trouble.



In the distance, they could still hear the noisy splashes of water. Most likely, they belonged either to Icniss or Will. Personally, though, she was rather pleased that they no longer had to worry about the head author, and she was keeping that thought in her mind. Otherwise, a torrent of negative thoughts would flood her head. The tree also aided in maintaining her positivity. Her worry was fading, and the temptation to fall asleep in Tarhuinn's arms grew.



When they finally reached the tree, he seated himself down in the water with her. Her back and head lay against his chest while she sat between his legs. His arms were around her waist, and his head was back against the trunk of the tree. Despite the calming abilities of the stunning plant, her cheeks were warm on their own.



The water had caused the torn shirt to pool around her. Tarhuinn's arms rested underneath the piece of fabric, and she felt him shift them across her skin. A shiver would've run up her spine, but, in the shimmering water, she only felt the pleasing sensation from the contact. Her breath caught in her throat momentarily, and it was released as a faint moan. Instinctively, she brought her knees closer to her before she turned onto her left side. She brought her hands up to her chest and was mindful of her wrist, though; it was beginning to feel better.



His arms adjusted to the new position, but his fingers glided delicately over her skin. Another near inaudible moan left her, and she closed her eyes. She didn't care that a threat was bearing down upon them; she was just enjoying her husband's presence. The splashes of water grew, and she heard someone whistle. Easily, she recognized the owner.



Her eyes remained closed as Tarhuinn tightened his grip only slightly. He probably had a similar mindset to her at the moment, and she hoped that Will would follow in step. Otherwise, the very water around them might become their enemy.



"So, this is where the serum of youth comes from. Spectacular!" His green eyes latched themselves onto the couple, mainly (f/n) though. He only cast a quick glance to the male, who presently couldn't form a glare. "And, I have my other prize here as well." At the pace of a snail, he looked her over. Tarhuinn wrapped his legs around her more while his hair pooled around her. Losing his view, Will pouted but chuckled regardless. "And, you're in such better attire. It makes me want you right now, but this tree is causing my urge to kill your husband to disappear. I don't even have the desire to summon a simple spell."



Making another few steps forward, Will could reach out and grab her, but he refrained from doing so at the moment. Tarhuinn wanted the tree's effects to wear off; he wanted to attack the mage. He fought against the effects or tried to, but, for right now, he could only bring (f/n) closer to him. There was also her wrist to consider, and the memory of such an event would've usually fueled his anger enough.



Presently, it only caused him to frown slightly. "Take the serum and leave us," Tarhuinn demanded, but his tone wasn't threatening in the slightest. "You can find yourself another woman, and you could have many with the serum."



Never did (f/n) expect her husband to negotiate with the male before them. She suspected that he would have his hands around Will's throat or his teeth in it if it weren't for the tree. (F/n) wasn't too hopeful on Will being persuaded. The mage's following laugh proved her to be correct.



"I don't think so. I want my bluebell back. You've had enough time with her." Will extended out his right hand towards her, and Tarhuinn couldn't pull her any closer. He tried to open his jaw and bite the male, but his will to commit to the action was lacking. So, he repositioned himself and moved (f/n) behind him.



She opened her eyes and, reluctantly, met the mage's gaze. His hand withdrew itself, but he didn't take a step back. A grin was plastered on his lips. "I told you that I would be taking you back with me, Bluebell. Don't tell me that you intend to refuse me?"



"I'm not going back there with you. I'm never going to go into that storage space."



"That's unfortunate. If you came with me, you would get to see the rest of the authors and that mage. I'd even let you stab their remains a few times. Isn't that consideration at its highest point?" He held out his hands as though he was offering the platter of her greatest wishes. His deal was anything but that. Her only wish was to get back home with Tarhuinn with some of the serum in hand.



Not even going to entertain him with a response, she remained quiet and managed to bring herself to her feet. The tree kept her terror of Will suppressed. Her right hand rested loosely on her husband's left shoulder. It was still healing, and it shook a little bit from the small amount of applied pressure, but she didn't move it. "He's my husband, and I love him, not you. I'll never let you touch me. You'll be killed if you don't leave us, and I'll feel no sympathy for you. I'll feel no guilt that you died by my hands. You'll be forgotten, and everything of yours will be burned until even the ash vanishes."



"Such harsh words for a flower." He crossed his arms across his chest while his eyes directed themselves to her right hand. "And, a broken one too. I'm supposed to be the one to damage you. I should've come sooner. Then, that author wouldn't have laid a hand on you. How unfortunate." Finally, a threatening growl emitted from Tarhuinn. Will gave him an uninterested glance but maintained his typical grin. His eyes looked back to (f/n). "And, did I hear that you intend to kill me?"



"Yes, I don't want you in my life, and I'll end your life if I have to."



Standing to his feet, Tarhuinn gently removed her hand from him. He leaned down and whispered, "(F/n) ..." Before he could utter anything else, she pressed her lips to his. Her cheeks burned some, but she continued the kiss. She didn't care that Will was watching. To her, he wasn't even there in that moment. When she pulled away, she didn't let Tarhuinn finish his thought.



Lips still close to his, she whispered, "I know what I'm doing." That wasn't the case at all, but her fear was absent. Its lack of presence was dangerous, but she couldn't stop herself. Her mind had committed itself to the next task. Reason was probably gone from her as well; she couldn't take on a mage by herself, but, in this environment, logic didn't necessarily play a role.



Stepping back, she avoided his right hand when it reached out for her. She created distance between herself and the two males before she faced Will directly. "Are you going to disappear, or are you forcing my hand?"



"I don't know what you intend to do in this place," he answered, spreading his arms out to indicate to the whole area, "but let's see this oh so deadly side of you."



Everything was against her. She had no weapons on her except her hands, but one of them wouldn't be able to form a strong grip. Despite this information, she took a step towards him. Part of her wished to fall asleep, but that overwhelming sense of relaxation prevented her from thinking about the possibility of dying. Tarhuinn, though, wouldn't stand for this. The kelremm went to stand between the two, but (f/n) instantly locked her gaze with him.



"No," she managed to speak in a strong voice. It took some energy, but she felt that it was worth it. He needed to understand that she had this in her hands. This was her task, not his. To fully get rid of the nightmare of Will, she had to deal with him herself; she had to know that he was dead.



"She's correct. Don't ruin the show, fish. You're tiring me," Will remarked, yawning for emphasis. Tarhuinn ignored him completely and paused only because of (f/n). Shortly after, he continued his advance but towards her. She didn't speak the word again, and she stayed in her present place.



Walking up to stand right beside her, he faced the opposite direction. His right hand placed itself on her right shoulder. "No, I'll kill him with you. We both have more than a quarrel with him, but you deserve the final blow." He increased his grip on her. "Even you said that we'll stand side by side."



Focus remaining on Will, she clenched her left fingers softly. That was true, but she wished to finish him on her own. She had set her mind to doing so, yet here that was being taken from her. Tarhuinn had good intentions; he didn't wish to lose her, and if she was in his position, she would be behaving in the same fashion. She forced herself to see some reason. A slight nod came from her. "Just make sure that I receive the killing strike."



"Don't worry. I have no intention of stealing that from you. Now, let's go under," he replied in a hushed tone. At first, she didn't quite understand him. When she felt him press against her shoulder, she knew exactly what he meant. They were in water, and Will wasn't a kelremm. As she became submerged, she smiled; they might just have the upper hand after all.