>>5498038“Not much has happened. After I got up, I washed your clothes and then returned to my other duties.” Tari told you as you returned back to the chair, now with the shirt on. “And I talked with Blackmoore.”
“Oh, what did you talk about?” You asked.
“Well he was hungover, but he seemed pleased. He asked the usual pleasantries and asked if you were… satisfied and comfortable last night.” Tari told you. “I just nodded as I didn’t know what to say and he just accepted it.”
“That sounds good, Blackmoore seemed to be pleased and content just like you said.” You said back.
Tari nodded and stayed silent for a moment as you threw more logs into the fire.
“Alric, I need to apologise.” Tari suddenly said to you with a sad tone in her voice.
“Apologise for what?” You asked her.
“I have been so wrong about this… I didn’t trust you or accept your help before or even a couple of days ago.” Tari said and continued. “And now I see that your plan is working and I didn’t believe it.”
You didn’t say anything as Tari took another chair and set it up next to you before sitting down. You waited for her to continue as the two of you just watched the flames eat the wood away.
“After I talked with Blackmoore, I just came here and thought about everything.” Tari said and turned to face you. “I have been so wrong about everything. I am sorry Alric, I am sorry for causing you to go through all this. Instead of trying to help Alterac to grow, you have been helping me.”
“There is no need to apologise, because I am doing this as it is the right thing to do. One should help their friends and those who they care about.” You said to Tari and looked into her eyes. “And I care about you, I care about you a lot and I want you to understand that as much as I hate this, I hate it even more to see you sad and suffering.”
You took hold of her hand and continued.
“I have already talked with many of my neighbours and started talks with others and given ideas for the future.” You said. “Those talks can help Alterac, but that doesn’t happen overnight. And most importantly, I want to help you and as you said, my plan is working. Blackmoore thinks his plan is succeeding, but not in a way he is imagining it.”
“I… I will trust you. Please by the Light let your plan work.” Tari said and squeezed your hand. “I won’t say a word against it anymore.”
“Thank you Tari.” You said.
“No, no. Thank you Alric.” Tari said and tears started to appear in her eyes.
“Come here.” You said and pulled her closer for a hug.
Tari wept softly on your shoulder as you caressed her hair. She was a troubled woman, someone who was a victim of a horrible man and who through abuse couldn’t see a way out. But now, she had realised that she had a way out and she would just have to trust her friends to help her.
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