Paxia and Liam

Groban barely had the door open before two familiar faces burst through. Helena could see that both were tired and covered in scrapes and bruises. The Dwarven adventurer's eyes lit up at the sight of her and Paxia rushed forward to embrace her friend.

"Ah lassy, I thought I had lost you back there. And when I saw you on that wall... I'm so sorry. I... If I could go back and change things..."

"Don't you dare apologize my friend. I made that choice, and I would make it again every single time."

"I know. But next time, don't. I would rather fall by your side than weep by your grave."

Helena hugged her friend tighter and let the dwarf weep into her chest. Liam was standing back, looking nervous and uncomfortable. Helena wanted to ignore him, but she could see that he was just as roughed up as Paxia. He had been fighting all this time... Had he been looking for her.

"Let her have some air Paxia," Groban chuckled. Paxia gave him a huff, but finally let go of Helena.

"I suppose I should. I'm probably covered in mud and filth from being underground all day. We made sure the entrance at the prison was well and truly sealed today. Went in with a battalion of soldiers and cleared the area so that engineers could seal the tunnels there. Lots of new bars and masonry. Then a few mages came behind and filled all the cracks with earth magic. We spent the whole day keeping those beasts off them. The knight captain kept hoping we would hear from commander Riddel, but we haven't seen anything of her."

"It's been almost two days," Liam said, "I doubt we will get good news."

"They had enough supplies for a week, but yeah, its not a good sign," agreed Groban.

"Brintley is bringing me some supplies tomorrow, so we'll mount a search for her."

"I don't think that's a good idea dear."

"I'm not sitting by Liam."

"I know that you want to help, but after what happened... I would feel better if you stayed here."

"And I will feel better helping protect my people!"

"Lass, please calm down. He means well."

Helena huffed and walked towards the bedroom.

"I'm not some child to protect," she said as she jerked the door open and left her friends behind. She regretted her behavior before the door even closed, but being sheltered and treated like she was broken wasn't making her feel better about what had happened. She had curled up on the bed when someone knocked on the door. Helena didn't answer, but after a moment, Paxia came in and shut the door behind her.

"I know you have a sore spot with him, but that's clearly not the issue here."

"I don't want to be protected. You said it yourself about standing beside each other instead of weeping at a grave. I'm the princess of this country and it's my duty to protect my people. And... If I just hide and wallow in pity, then that beast won. Sure, it used bred me, but I'm still ready to fight. If I give up, then I've truly lost."

"I figured as much. But... He had a hand in us finding you. Reese and Ashlin gathered some soldiers, but Liam was the one that went to the adventurers. Me and Groban were busy preparing for a suicide run when he came marching up with twenty armed men and women. Reese's squad had pushed through and prepared the way, but that final push only happened because Liam secured our reinforcements."

"Tagryn didn't mention that earlier."

"Aye, not surprised to hear that. Liam didn't want you to know. I don't support you dating him again, but... I think he at least earned some forgiveness. He does care."

"I know... Can't keep his dick in his pants, but he does care."

"Judging by the smell of this room lass, I'm guessing Groban didn't keep it in his pants either."

"That's a completely different matter," Helena laughed.

"Oh, I get it. If I didn't have my Tomas, I might have given the Orc a try myself. Sometimes I miss a man with muscles."

"Cheeky Dwarf."

"Aye, it's part of the charm. Want me to pass on to Liam that you aren't mad?"

"Yeah... But I still want to be alone."

"Alright. Tomorrow, we give the beasties some hell."