Shared Nightmare

Another day with Jeff awaking with a start. This time, he knew where he was and what had transpired. He knew the terrible burden he now carried and the path to success.

Above all, he knew he would protect the person closest to him.

He chuckles because yesterday is repeating itself. Kim again fell asleep on top of him with her arms wrapping around his neck. They were both naked again on top of a bedroll that was sullied by the moisture they didn't bother to dry. Her content smile was still present.

"Kim, we have to get up now," he whispers while stroking her red hair with his right hand. He didn't bother to judge if her hair was civilized. Kim opens her eyes to stare into his, "Yeah..." In response, Jeff kisses her lightly and she returns the kiss in kind, "We don't have to do this, Kim. We can live our lives here and be happy. We don't have to go back and fix anything..." Kim simply shakes her head, "You know better than anyone that we wont abandon our own when we can do something about it."

Jeff simply sighs, resigned to his fate. "We first need armor, weapons, and tools of steel. It's a complex coal-iron alloy that I will need to fabricate and smelt before forging into items." Kim had never heard of this element, "Steel? Back in the village the highest metal we ever forged was iron...." She grins at him, "What else did the dragon give you?"

Before Jeff could answer, he notices someone at the door. He moves Kim of him lightly and goes to open the door when it simply opens itself.