Dyre laughed and nodded. "That's very true." He said smiling over at her. He moved closer and stretched. "I wodner what ever became of that little orphan boy."

"What orphan boy?" Ataline asked softly, glancing at him. "The boy you took to the orphanage the night we met?"

Dyre nodded slowly. "Yes. Him." He said softly. "I miss my home, honestly. I miss the buildings and the people and the cities. Out here I'm out of my element."

Ataline slowly licked her lips and nodded. "We could... turn around, if you wanted, I guess," she said quietly. But she knew she couldn't really go back to a city, unless it was in some kingdom far, far away. The king's army would be looking for her until the day she died. She looked down at her hands.

Dyre shook his head. "No, not a chance." He said softly. "We've made it this far! It's just home sickness is all."

Ataline smiled a bit and nodded. "I never really... had a home," she said quietly. "Grew up in the army. Always moving around."

Dyre smiled.. "Well maybe if you wanted to stay with me we could find a nice place to settle, find a cozy home. Make breakfast, get honest jobs and have a kid. maybe two or three." He smiled glancing over.

Ataline glanced at him and smiled a bit. "Alright," she said softly. "Maybe. If we live through the dragon..."

"You serious?" Dyre asked surprised. "Or do you really not think we'll live past that dragon?"

Ataline glanced at him and shrugged. "I don't... know," she said softly. "There is a good chance the dragon will kill us. But I mean... a house... might be nice. I can't see myself with a kid but..." She shrugged again.

Dyre smiled and shook his head. This woman he was with was...amazing. "You are worth keeping around Ataline." He whispered.

Ataline glanced at him again with a little bit more of a smile. "Umm... thanks," she said softly. She studied him for a moment. "You're the one... giving me all the chances so..." She shrugged again.

Dyre looked over. "Well." He murmured softly. "What can I say? I'm in love." He sighed heavily, enjoying the word ringing on his lips.

Ataline managed a small smile, but her gaze dropped at that. The word stung. But she leaned her head on his shoulder after a moment, watching the road ahead of them.

***
The next few weeks were nothing eventful, and finally the reached a small town. Ivica was ready for some water and a good rest, her belly showing no signs of getting smaller for obvious reasons. Dyre could tell she was getting tired of all this walking, and he set her up in a cozy stable and rubbed her stomach.