"Callie!" His voice echoed surprise, but also something more. Was it relief? Relief that she was still in the town? He bowed his head to her. "You are a sight for sore eyes, Miss Callie." He said gesturing to her apron and cheeks. "Are you fit for some company?" Said Thoril with a tilt of his head.

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She grinned "Of course! Come on in!" she opened the for wider and swept into the kitchen, quickly getting two cups down and filling them with wine. She handed one to him and sipped at her own before grabbing some rolls out of her stone oven and setting them down to cool. "What are you doing in this neck of the woods?" she smiled as she motioned for him to sit, then doing the same.

Thoril followed Callie inside, closing the door behind him. He followed her into the kitchen, grinning as he took the glass of wine from her. "Well it was my day off. It had come to my attention that I had not seen you for some time. I was afraid that you had left me. However I heard you had settled here and could not wait to find out the truth for myself." In his chest, his heart raced as he looked upon Callie. "How have you been?" He asked eagerly.

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She smiled "I have been well, but even better now that you are here! How is your work? How have you been?" she leaned forward, resting her arms there as she spoke. She had missed him, a lot more than she would admit outloud. Her cheeks remained red, but not from the heart anymore.

"I am glad you are doing so well," he tilted his head at her, smiling softly. "Work is good. Finally got some savings behind me. I am doing really well. I never thought I would stay in a town for so long." He leaned closer to her. "I have missed you, you know?"

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"Splendid! It's a wonderful town. I am glad to hear of your success!" at his next words, she sent him a small smile too "I've missed you too." she said quietly.

"I am glad you are doing so well too..." he said softly as he gazed at her. "I am sorry I did not stop by sooner. In between working and trying to find somewhere to live...I just have not had the time." He glanced around her home. "You look like you are really settled here, Callie. Anything that made you stay in particular?" Thoril asked, now avoiding her eyes. I stayed for you... His mind shot at him, he swallowed the thought back. Was it true? What else could have kept him there?

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"Do not worry! I was sure you had other things that kept you busy." she said with a genuine smile. What she didn't admit that half her days were spent thinking about him and hoping he would show up. "I guess I just thought what's the point of going on with my wandering when everything I want is right here!" she suddenly realized what she said, and her eyes grew wide And focused on the table top as her cheeks grew red.

He nodded thoughtfully. "I guess I stayed for the same reason. Or at least I hoped what I wanted was right here." He said in a soft voice as he looked at her with a measured gaze.

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She swallowed, not sure of what to say or think of his statement. Or of the way he was looking at her. What did he mean? She pushed the thoughts and questions down and looked at him, smiling softly. "Can I offer you some food? Or more wine?"

Thoril straightened as his remark went unanswered. This only confirmed what he had thought weeks ago. Callie did not view him in the same way he viewed her. Thoril finished his drink and set his glass down. "I think I have taken up enough of your time for one day, Miss Callie." He tipped his head to her. "I hope to see you soon," he took her hand and kissed the back of it lightly. He winked to her before turning round and heading for the door.

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She stared after him "Thoril! Wait!" she cried jumping up and rushing after him. "Please! Stay longer!" when he turned, on impulse, she threw her arms around his neck. "I've misse you, pretty much half of all my days are spent thinking of you. I don't know how else to explain it. I like you, Thoril, I understand if you do not feel the same. But truth is I stayed for you, in hope... She let her voice drop off, not sure how to finish.

Thoril's eyes widened at Callie's reaction. He chuckled faintly. "Oh, why did you not say anything before? What have you been waiting for?" He wrapped his arms around her waist. "I have missed you too...More than you will ever know. I think about you all the time. I like you too...very much so."

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She buried her face in his neck. "I was scared." she said quietly. "After...he showed up, I just..." she was amazed at his reaction. He did? She hoped he spoke true.

"You don't need to be scared anymore, my sweet Callie. I am here. I will not let him or anyone hurt you." He nuzzled his head against hers, breathing in her scent. He could not believe his luck. How had he managed to read Callie so wrong?

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She closed her eyes. "Thank you." was all she could manage. She was slightly embarrassed about her actions, but she couldn't let him leave yet. "Thoril, I..." she thought about apologizing, but wasn't sure if she should. She breathed deeply, smiling slightly as she remembered their kiss.