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“What would I do without you?”

She laid her head in his lap and felt his hands stroking her hair She wanted his apprehension over things he wasn’t in control over to end Because of her conviction, she kept fro with her since Tara had arrived Lora sensed that after a short amount of happiness, tur that sooing to give her?” Fin asked when he ca with his brother Duncan took a long drink from his cup “Asaround each other for weeks Even theto talk” He kept his voice low to keep their conversation private

“Exactly what are they saying?”

Fin wasn’t sure how much he should tell “They ask if you have actually spoken for her, or if she’s your le his brother unaware, his eyes ablaze with anger “Such gossip could ruin Tara’s reputation Who would questionfrom the shadows “You must kno it looks from the outside Neither one of you look to be the happy couple”

Fin for the couple in question closer “I’ Co a need to move, Duncan sparred with his brother He worked out soy

They danced around each other, practicing their blocking and agility Duncan had pushed his brother twice into an un-defendable position “You hesitate on that move every time Any foe would see it as your weakness within a few minutes” Duncan helped his brother to his feet

They started again

Short of breath and giving under his brother’s physical delanced over his shoulder

“She watches us now”

Distracted, Duncan shot a look around to see where she was, knowing Fin spoke of Tara

Fin took his opening and bested his brother

“Ahhnow I’ve found your weakness”

Again they circled Each thrust and block more powerful than the last “Women hate to see their men hurt or injured I wonder how yours would act if you took a fall? Of course, it would have to look good”

“Most likely she’d thank the one who put me down”

Fin used his shield to block Duncan’s blow

“Maybe ’Tis only one way to find out” He didn’t give his brother the chance to react He kicked out his feet, tripping Duncan, and caoing near his skin This tih to scratch and startle his brother, enough to bring blood to the surface

Enough to rip a scream from the shadows of the Keep

Tara came at a full run with skirts lifted to her knees She pushed Fin aside “Get out of round, co about the dirt or the scene sheso

She brushed aside Duncan’s bloody hand clenching his side “How bad is it?” She pushed away his chain e to see where the bleeding ca

Duncan stared at the top of her head She smelled of roses Her hands were soft on his skin, her voice purred concern for his well-being He glanced at his brother and nodded his thanks

The otherDuncan to his feet “We need to get you out of this thing”