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”Don’t worry, this time I won’t use you as a target.”

“And I’ll do my best not to give you any more reasons to,” Oliver replied with a teasing smile. He actually meant that to be a promise than a joke. That was a rather sad memory, but now that he and Yassia have called a truce of sorts, Oliver was determined to put it all behind him. He deserved that one for being such a big pain in the bottom anyway. Now, he was going to make it all up to her. One day at a time, Oliver was going to show Yassia exactly how he regretted that moment, how he wished he didn’t let his stupid pride get in the way for he knew how much it had cost him. Had he kept his wits about him, he and Yassia would have been more than just friends now, and Edmund wouldn't have claimed her for his own without her knowing it. ”More or less the same amount of strength you have put into that dagger throw.” If Yassia can throw a dagger that could lodge itself strongly onto a tree, she can shoot an arrow that could kill a man…or a deer. Oliver was seriously excited to find out for sure.

It felt good. It felt right. Her hands against the bare skin of his chest checking his wound out, making sure it was all healing well as it should, was gentle yet firm. It gave this patient a feeling of assurance, of confidence, that whatever happens, this healer was going to be there to take care of him. Oliver basked in the moment, just enjoying it for whatever it’s worth. When she pulled away, he resisted the urge to pull her back to him. He wanted her close, very close. ”Thank you,” Oliver said trying his best not to jump up and down with happiness like a little kid would at the wonderful news.

The squeeze she had given his hand was not lost on Oliver, moreso the gentle caress her thumb made on the back of his hand. Oliver almost lost his wits again, and felt like wanting to pour his feelings all out to her, tell her everything, confess all. At that moment, he wished they were back in the Forest of Balor, the nomad and the hunter. He wanted to tell her just how much he ached for her every moment of every day, how he wanted to just spend all of his waking and non-waking hours with her. He wanted to tell her how his mind was always filled with thoughts of her ever since that day. Heavens! He wanted to whisk her away and just start a life together, him and her, away from the castles, away from all their royal titles, away from everybody. The last thought was what made Oliver turn away. Yassia deserved more than a sorry life like that. She deserved a life of comfort and luxury. He can never let her suffer like that again. To be queen beside Edmund, that was what she was destined to be, Oliver told himself.

He took the other hare that was still cooking over the fire and gently scraped away the burnt skin before handing it to Yassia. He took another bite from his hare and then bit on a berry, enjoying the interesting flavor the fruit added to the meat. “If you close your eyes and just savor the food in your mouth, you’d feel like you’re having lunch in the castle,” Oliver told her with a grin. Then he stood up and turned to grab a bag of water from Arrow’s pack and handed it to Yassia. ”Sorry it’s not much. Had I known I’d find you here, I would have brought a whole gallon,” he added, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

“Can you tell me more about your family? Your father sounds like a very good man,” Oliver asked her some time later when he had settled back down and continued eating. He wanted to know more about her family. He wanted her to talk about them. They might find it helpful when presenting her case to the council, but more importantly, it would help Yassia let all those bottled feelings about them out. She had probably already told Caitrin, and Oliver hoped she wouldn’t mind telling him more of her story as well.

Will the awkwardness and the unguarded moments ever end for him? Before Oliver could even think about taking back his bumbling offer, Yassia had interjected in the affirmative, and he just couldn't hide his extreme pleasure. A wide grin appeared on his face, one that looked a little too pleased at the wonderful surprise. "Really?" he exclaimed a little too excitedly. Knowing his unguarded reaction couldn't easily disguise his emotions, Oliver immediately turned his attention back to the hares and the little bonfire he had going, just so he wouldn't look at Yassia in the face. He could already feel heat rising up his cheeks as it were. "I mean, you're very good with a dagger. Should be interesting to see you with a bow and arrow..." he replied while poking the embers with a stick, his eyes a little too occupied on the fire than anything else. So much for guarding his feelings in front of Yassia...and not making another fool of himself after that kissing incident earlier today. Such a dilemma he was in really. He should be avoiding Yassia, but he couldn't bear the thought of not seeing her or spending time with her that he made the offer for them to be friends. Now that they are "friends" and are spending time with each other, Oliver couldn't help but want more. It sure felt like he was playing with fire, but heavens was it a warm and glorious fire. He'd rather burn in it than live without it. But before his thoughts could go any further, Oliver caught himself and reined all emotions in again. Nothing can ever happen between them. Remember your vow, Oliver. His mind filled with all these words as he tried to collect himself again.

But the Fates didn't seem to want to make things easy for the young prince. He turned his attention back to Yassia when he felt her lean in to take the bandage on his wound away. He couldn't even trust himself to speak when she told him she was going to apply pressure on the scar. He took a deep breath, not in fear of any possible pain, but from the anticipated contact. Yassia was so near...and yet so far. He managed a small smile and then shook his head at her question. "Barely a stretching ache, nothing more," he said while looking down at her fingers on his scar. When she implored him to tell the truth, Oliver lifted his head up and his eyes met hers. "And I'm not saying that just so I can shoot with my bow and arrow today," he said, his voice sure and truthful.

Oliver didn't know what to say to Yassia putting her foot down on her trying to escape the horrors of her past. One thing was sure though, he knew the feeling that was rising up inside him as he listened to her talk about facing them all and coming to terms with them. Yes, it was admiration yet again. And somehow, he felt proud of her, watching her, listening to her speak with such conviction. This time, Oliver could no longer stop himself. He took her hands in his and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "You will always have Caitrin. And you will always have me," he said, looking deep into her eyes. Even though she had relegated him to being just her friend, Oliver knew he would always be there for her. And knowing Caitrin, Yassia would also have a lifetime friend in her as well. "Just as you will always have your family in your heart." He sat there, holding her hand, and looking into her eyes. They were the most beautiful eyes he had ever had the greatest fortune of gazing into for the first time a year ago. They were eyes that he knew could make and unmake him, and bare all of the deepest and innermost desires of his heart for her to see or feast upon. And bare all he did. For a fleeting moment there, Oliver felt like his eyes had betrayed him and made him open himself up a little too much to Yassia. Realizing what just happened, him slipping yet again, Oliver averted his eyes. "Look, our meal's almost done!" he exclaimed as he picked up one of the skewer and bit on the meat. "Tastes like...hare," he teased, a grin on his face, the emotions from the earlier moment all covered up and masked now.

At the back of his mind, Oliver knew that wild hare and forest berries are not enough to celebrate the birthday of a princess. But then he wanted this, to be alone with her, to be the one to make her happy even at least on this special day of hers. He could and would willingly throw a grand party for her, but somehow he felt it wouldn't be something that she would want, that the meaning of this day would only be lost in all the revelry. And then of course, he was being selfish. He wanted her for himself on this day. Thank the fates for whatever it was that kept Edmund away and busy to be hogging Yassia's time today.

“Very good, you’re a fine patient”

Oliver couldn't mistake the hint of pride in her voice, and as much as he wanted to revel in it, he didn't want to hope too much. Was she really pleased that he was being a fine patient? Only a patient and nothing more? That she was saying these words as a healer and nothing more? All these efforts at trying to read between her lines was starting to get a tad bit stressful, but it was all that was keeping Oliver from breaking out and breaking away. To try and feel the reasons and emotions behind her words, it was what fueled him to keep going everyday. He just hoped that the fire wouldn't die down when she says 'yes' to Edmund's proposal. As long as he keep all these thoughts and emotions inside, everything would be fine. Oliver hoped.

"I might just lift the bow-ban from you, starting today."

"Really? You are not joking? Wait--you said 'might.' What do I need to do to make it official?" Oliver asked with a cheeky grin. He had to make sure. He didn't want to get his hopes up to high just yet. His mind was already swarming with the many things he could show her as soon as he gets himself shooting again. She was right. His wound was healing fast. He was feeling all fine and dandy now. He could hardly feel any pain or sting from the wound on his chest. His chances were looking mighty fine by his opinion, but then he wasn't the healer here.

Attentively, he listened to her speak about her travel from Ailantha to Albion. She had traveled alone, on foot, with no directions whatsoever to where she was going. She was practically just leaving it all to fate. Oliver shuddered to think what might have happened had misfortune met her along the way. Still, he was glad she survived that ordeal and even came out of it not only alive but stronger, more resilient. "I had admired you and your spirit the first time we met. And I know my admiration will only grow as I get to know more of you and your story," Oliver said, carefully choosing his words as he was now treading on sensitive territory--their first meeting, where it all began, where they had both declared their love for each other. It was a past that will now only be cherished for whatever happiness it had given them both. Nothing more. "I was reading a geography book about Ailantha the other night. Your kingdom is quite far. I can't imagine all that walking...and you had to cross the sea..." he added, deftly changing the topic now back to Ailantha before she could even respond to his first comment.

Oliver felt really bad for what he did. He hadn't expected it to turn out like this. Sometimes in moments of pure bliss, you tend to forget about the sad past. While that may be good, there is always that danger of bringing the past back up in a rather callous way like he did. Even though it was never his intention to do so, he still felt terribly guilty for it. To joke about death to a person who had lost everyone in her life was in bad taste. Oliver should get that note planted on the thick of his skull. He didn't want this to happen again.

It would have been easier to just ignore the kiss and to focus more on his failed attempt at a joke. But even outside in this wide open forest, it still felt like one big elephant trying so hard to remain obscure but still very much within his periphery. He knew it was unforgivably wrong. To take advantage of the moment, to think of nothing but the desires of his own heart and body, to succumb to that brief moment of weakness...it was so wrong in every sense of the word--and yet it felt so right. He finally resolved not to say another word about it unless she would. It was perfect in itself. She had responded to his kiss, and that was more than enough to last him for a while...maybe even for the rest of his life knowing he can never have her anymore.

The bitterness in her voice pierced through Oliver. He would have told her that he knew what this day was to her, but then that doesn't sound like such a good idea right now. Oh, but how he wanted to know, how he wanted to tell her that it will not always stay this way. Things are looking up for her now. Oliver was going to make sure that she would never had to suffer again. "No, it's not, Yassia. Please don't say that. And even if you think it is, I will not allow it to stay that way anymore...starting today." He continued to hold her gaze. He wanted to show her how much he really meant what he said. He might as well have admitted outright that he knew it was her birthday, but perhaps it was best to just keep it this way, for now. "Am I forgiven?"

With a small tentative smile, Oliver heaved a deep sigh of relief. Then he stepped away from her and heaved himself out of the river. He took Arrow and tied his reins at a low-lying branch before turning back to her. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere," he said before turning towards the nearby clump of trees and disappearing through it.

It took him almost half an hour before he stepped right back into the clearing. There was a small hesitant grin on his face as he walked towards where he had last seen Yassia. "Yass, look what I got," he said as he held up three dead hare and a basket full of wild fruits and berries. He placed the fruits on the ground, and walked towards the river to start cleaning his catch. Then he suddenly stopped what he was doing. "If you don't like eating wild animals and berries, we can head back to the castle and raid the kitchens..." he said, not so sure now if Yassia would even want to try eating like this after her experience as a nomad when she fled Ailantha.

"Thank you."

The words may be too simple for Yassia, but to Oliver it was more than enough. Oliver would do anything for Yassia in a heartbeat. Anything she would ask of him, he would do with all his heart and mind, there was no question of that. Of course, he knew he just had to be careful though. He had to admit he was treading on fragile grounds now with Edmund coming into the picture. Oliver had to be careful his actions would not jeopardize whatever plans Edmund has for or with Yassia. He had after all made that vow to her to put his people and his family first before himself. "We are here for you," Oliver remarked with a smile.

When she gave him her preferred schedule for their meeting, Oliver nodded and made a mental note about it. He was actually quite excited about working with her. He wanted to know more about Ailantha, her story, her people, her family. And then of course, he wanted to spend more time with her. Yes, he was truly determined not to tell Edmund, selfish and childish as that may sound. "No, you had every right to demand that you be heard as well. I guess we're just not used to having a princess around," Oliver said with a smile. "I look forward to our little study session next week."

Oliver watched the interaction between Marcus and Yassia with interest. In such a short time, the two seemed to have connected quite easily and comfortably, perhaps owing to their shared knowledge and experience in the practice of healing. That was a good thing, or so at least he thought so until Marcus started speaking in a rather suggestive tone. It was as if he was hinting at something, something that Oliver was totally clueless about.

"...so I’m sparing you that while Princess Yassia here dresses your wound.”

He really should no longer be surprise to know that Yassia was going to dress his wound. Just because Marcus was already there doesn't mean, he was going to takeover from Yassia now. In essence, Yassia had become the head healer so to speak, and Marcus was only willing to be her able assistant. Even after the white moss and the decoction, his skin still felt electric whenever Yassia's fingers brushed against his bare skin. At the rate this was going, all this electric current passing through between him and Yassia was going to electrocute them if they don't do anything about it. This wonderful kind of tension that was lying just beneath the surface was starting to get a little too much to handle that Oliver almost wanted to bolt out of that table and away from Yassia. Or else...or else, he just might take her in his arms right there and then and---he stopped that train of thought. It was a good thing Marcus was with them.

"Are we done? Am I cleared to go?" he asked after Yassia pressed the soused cloth over his wound. Oliver didn't mean to sound impatient. He just needed to get away as soon as he could for now, away from Yassia, away from her mesmerizing scent, her overwhelming presence. Oliver had to take a deep breath to calm himself and rein it all in. He needed control. That was the least he could do for himself, for Yassia...for Mercia.

"Not this time! I won't let it happen."

Her panic was real, sincere. Her voice held a touch of denial and an earnest plea that what was happening before her couldn't be real. And it was all Oliver needed not to rouse from his charade. Not this time. Her words rang in his head as he tried to think about the implications, the reasons behind such cry. Then it hit him. And it hit him hard. Yassia had lost so many people in her life that a joke about death was anything but funny at all. He would understand if Yassia would truly hate him now. Like always, he had been rather callous, thinking only of the fun in the moment rather than the repercussions. Will he ever learn? He tried, truly. He had been trying his best to act as responsibly as he could, but he just couldn't help but get carried away by the freedom and carefree atmosphere of the woods. He had hurt his family once before when it happened. He knew he was hurting Yassia now.

Then he realized that she had moved him towards the riverbank. He knew what was coming next. Yassia was going to revive him, and Oliver felt the guilt gnaw inside him like a leech. He had to end this. Now. Yes, he will have to face Yassia's resentment, but it was best over and done with. He just hoped he had not ruined her birthday too much. He was determined to make up for it.

Oliver was about to open his eyes when he felt her hands take his head, and before he could move, he felt her soft lips against his own. The slightest touch made him feel weak and he was immediately lost in the moment. All the frenzied thoughts in his head evaporated at the touch of her lips next to his. Just like that, he was held captive by the magic of her touch. Without much thought, he lifted his hand and held her head, just as he gently moved his lips to feel more of hers, to turn the kiss of life into one of love. Tingles and shivers raced through his body, and he felt a profoud yearning rise up from deep inside him, calling to her, reaching out, wanting to hold her close. Forever. Heavens, how he missed the feel of her lips! How he missed her!

Then he opened his eyes, fearful of what he might see in hers. "I'm sorry...I just..." Utterly lost for words, Oliver just prepared himself for whatever outburst that was going to come out of Yassia after what he just did.

Yassia was telling him about freedom and not wanting to clip his wings. Where in the world did she ever get the idea that she was restricting him in any way? She was doing nothing of the sort. Far from it in fact. He understood the care and concern that she had for him was for his own good. If he would unnecessarily exert himself while his wound was still fresh, it would only stress it out and might even make the healing longer. Oliver understood that much to think that as her clipping his wings or putting him in a ball and chain.

"Yassia, don't worry about it. I understand your concern. I appreciate it, in fact. It's not everyday that I get fussed over like this, so I welcome it. Thank you for looking after me," he had replied then. The last thing he wanted was for Yassia to think that she was crippling him in any way. Truth be told, he even felt like he was the luckiest guy in the world to have someone like Yassia look after him...or his health for that matter. In fact, he actually felt luckier than Edmund was right this minute, which made him wonder where his brother was. Usually, Edmund was almost always with Yassia if he wasn't attending to some of his princely duties, most of which their father had actually excused him from with Yassia in the castle.

He could faintly hear her frantically yelling his name with most of his head now down underwater. Success! Oliver could hear and feel the splash of the river water as Yassia moved even closer to him. It didn't take long for Oliver to feel her soft and cold hands against him as she grabbed his shoulders and rolled him around. He wasn't so sure now how long he could keep this charade up, and he felt his resolve slipping when he felt his head rest against her chest. Now, he wasn't expecting this!

"Breathe, breathe, you impossible person! I'll kill you if you won't!"

He can't open his eyes now, can he? His treacherous heart was enjoying this far too much. And as much as Oliver would want to deny it, he was liking the sensation as well. He knew he shouldn't be doing this. He knew he shouldn't be taking advantage of her like this, but he wanted so bad to feel her touch, missed it even. To be in the middle of the forest brought nothing but the nostalgia of their past meeting in the same setting, and Oliver was much to weak to resist the call of his heart. Forgive me, my love. I just miss you so much. And so he stayed limp, holding his breath as much as he could, simply because he didn't know how to get himself out of this rather crazy predicament he had put himself in. Seems like this has always been the case whenever he was around Yassia.

And the fight was on indeed! He didn't expect Yassia to fight back, but she did, and quite fiercely as well. His laughter rang through the forest with hers as he felt himself getting wetter by the minute. Suddenly, Oliver felt the weirdest sense of nostalgia overtake him. His mind filled with memories of their precious time together a year ago back in the Forest of Balor. She may have been in pain then, his fault, but she had let him help her, she had trusted him. They had joked and teased each other then...and then of course, they had kissed. He practically confessed his love to her in the middle of the mystic forest, under the stars. With a small chuckle, Oliver shook his head to clear away these thoughts. Those were the days. They were in the past now. And they will remain there. He may dig them up once in a while, but they will all remain inside him, in his thoughts and in his heart where he will draw strength from every now and then.

A bemused smirk appeared on his lips when she waved off his reassurance. He tried to hide the amusement from his face and listen to her healer-talk as any obedient patient would. My dear Prince Oliver... He liked the sound of that, and Oliver tried his best not to get carried away by her caring words. He wanted so bad to believe that her care and concern for him went beyond that of a healer, but he knew it would only be wishful thinking. She only agreed to staying friends with him after all. And after all that he had done to her, that was already more than he could ever ask for from her. "Yes, ma'am. I will do nothing of the sort without your expressed consent."

”Seems this time Arrow agrees with ME!”

He didn't even get to react to her retort about bathing. Everything had happened so fast that Oliver was still trying to get his bearings when he resurfaced from the unexpected splash. He had not expected to see Yassia so close. Apparently, she had swam towards him. What for? To see if he was all right? The thought warmed Oliver even with the cold river water around him, and he wanted to take advantage of the moment. And then maybe also get a little fun revenge. "AW!" he suddenly exclaimed as his hand went to the wound on his chest. He slipped his head back into the water, making a show as if the splash had hurt his wound and was making him weak and dizzy. Underwater, he counted to ten, and then slowly allowed his body to float, lying limp face down, back to the surface. Oliver may not exactly be an excellent swimmer, but he did know how to hold his breath for a long time underwater.

The play of emotions on her face at the thought of her father tugged at Oliver's heart, and he wanted so much to just hold her tight in his arms. He wondered if she ever got to properly mourn the death of her family. Now, he wanted to know everything that happened to her from the start. It may help him present her case to the council, but more importantly it might help her process all that happened to her since she left Ailantha, come to terms with them. Oliver may not have experienced the pain of death like she did, but he knew how important it was to accept it and move on. He didn't know if Yassia had completely moved on.

Oliver listened with his heart and mind as she continue to talk about his father and his last days. “’I do not fear for you, Yassia. You will make your way. I know it, so I die in… in peace’” Oliver was left speechless at her father's words. Perhaps it was prophetic in a way. The words of a dying man could have that effect couldn't it. And this was not just any man. It was her father, a man who loved her dearly. He reached his hand out and touched her arm. She had her hand on her back, and Oliver gently moved his hand down the length of her arm so he could hold her. "You are a strong person, and your father knew that. You can brave through anything and everything that will come your way. If it's any help, I will do all I can to keep you safe from here on out..." Belatedly realizing that he was stepping back into that place where he was no longer allowed to, he backtracked. "And Edmund...he will do everything he can to see that no harm will come to you now."

“But is it not also a little of MY choosing what I want to do and when? If you ask me first, then you get the first call. It’s only fair.”

I can't get the first call. Not now, not ever. Oliver looked down, apologetic that he had unknowingly irked her by pushing Edmund and his "right" to her time a little too far. Perhaps, he needed to take it slow. The last thing he wanted now was to preempt his brother's impending proposal of marriage to her. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to undermine you or your part in all of this, it is your kingdom we are lobbying for after all." Then with a sigh, he relented. Since he was going to keep Yassia all to himself for this 'discussion' anyway, he might as well just let her decide on the when. "When would be a convenient time for you to talk then?"

When Marcus came back with the decoction, Oliver eyed the slightly golden liquid with aversion. Moreso when Yassia told him to grit his teeth once again. Now that he knew better, he listened and obeyed her, his jaws clenching as she started to swab his wound with the liquid. He hissed when he felt the stinging sensation, but then breathed deep to keep the pain down. When it was over, he looked expectantly at both Yassia and Marcus, waiting for them to do what needed to be done next. He decided not to open his mouth until all the treatment was finished. He didn't want his healer, namely Yassia, to give him another one of her admonition, despite the fact that he liked receiving them. He loved how cute and adorable she looked when she's annoyed at him that way.