Delia's next birthday was completely different from the last one. There was a cake again, but this time both of her parents' smiles were genuine and the air joyful rather than tense. When she blew out the candles, she wished it would stay so forever.
There were more reasons to be excited, however. Delia has been looking forward to her birthday for weeks, making elaborate plans for what she would do with her new independence. She couldn't wait to walk into the big word without one of her parents to protect her like a baby.

When she asked permission to go to the village, Tomas was more than happy to give it to her. Alysanne tried to say something about safety, but then she was reminded of her own independence at Delia's age and could say nothing more.
"At least we have more time for each other" Tomas smiled as he pulled Alysanne towards him for a kiss.

They ended up in bed, both excited and nervous like when they were children. "Aren't we...?" Alysanne tried to say but her husband silenced her with another kiss.
They embraced and for a moment forgot about everything else.

Delia meanwhile was looking for romance of her own.
"So you live in the woods? There are all kinds of creatures when you go deep enough, have you ever seen any? Because I'm sure I've glimpsed a centaur a few times."
"Really?" Delia couldn't believe her luck. Here there was someone who not only didn't ridicule her for where she came from, but was willing to share stories with her. And was he telling the truth?

"Could you show me the place?" She asked. "I mean, if you do, I can show you my secret spots and... wouldn't it be fun?"
"I don't know. Wouldn't you be afraid? I'm sure it was deeper than you have ever been in your life." The boy frowned, but Delia could see hints of a smile underneath. Still, was he making fun of her?
"Why should I, with you as my guide and protector" She stopped short of "Or are you afraid you couldn't protect me?" and instead tried a smile. She was doing her best to look and act grown up and desperately hoped she was pretty enough.

"Why not. If you aren't asking only to run off with one of the centaurs?" He grinned.
"I'm..." Delia blushed and struggled for words, before he put his hands on her shoulders.
"I'm just joking, kid."
As she was looking into his eyes, Delia couldn't believe her luck.

"You have grown!" Father Alvin was beaming at her like a proud uncle - which Delia supposed he was. Kind of. When he and mother were allowed to meet. It was the rumours from many years ago that made her unsure what to reply, despite seeing him all the time during her lessons.
"Thank you?" She tried eventually.

It didn't take long until most of her unease was lost, though, and soon the two were lost in conversation. Lost so much, that they didn't notice other visitors walking up to the house.

Father Lorentz had originally just been nearby, checking in on his flock together with Sister Miriel from the convent and discreetly checking for information about Kaella and her expected child, when he noticed which house he was passing by. Just the place that he ought to check thoroughly, to make sure nothing untoward was happening there...
Alysanne greeted them as respectfully as he could have expected, apologising that her husband was working and inviting them inside. Lorentz noticed a hint of fear in her face and smiled.
And then he saw her lover, talking animatedly with the child.
He didn't know whether it was the proof that she had not changed, despite all the time and all her promises, or the lingering image of Kaella that sent him to blind rage. He only knew that suddenly he was on top of her, yelling accusations and slapping the surprised woman violently.
Sister Miriel gasped and covered her eyes, too shocked to do anything or even cry for help.

Lorentz woke up only when Alysanne wrestled him down, her face triumphant for a few seconds before fear returned to it.
"It's... not true." She gasped. "I'm innocent, I haven't even spoken to Alvin today, in Watcher's name!"

"She hasn't. Leave her alone. Leave both of us alone!" Alvin added, suddenly right next to Lorentz and looking read to launch himself at him. The priest involuntarily drew back. They were sinners and liars, both of them, but was losing his will to fight. At least with his fists.

He looked around, saw Miriel gone and was just trying to think of a way to retreat with honour, when Tomas, the husband who had until now been "working", approached him.
"Please forgive us. I am sure this has been a great misunderstanding. I assure you I have been watching my wife carefully to make sure her offence is not repeated."
Alysanne frowned from behind his back, but she bit her lip. She knew how close she was to punishment for assaulting a priest, as well as that her husband was only trying to help. She silently cursed both Lorentz and herself for fighting back.
"You continue watching her. Remind her who's in change here." The priest spoke with an ugly smirk, but retreated fast enough for everyone else to collectively breathe out in relief.

"This is all your fault!"
Alvin's relief was shattered when Tomas exploded at him.
"Haven't we been through enough? My family deserves some peace, some good fortune for a change, and you turn up and stir everything up again. Leave us alone!"
"I..." Alvin wanted to say he was only passing by and wanted to say hello, but the other man's glare made think again. Tomas looked angry enough to attack him on the spot. "...I will."
He left quickly, hoping Alysanne would be safe.

A few quiet days passed. Alysanne kept jumping at every shadow, expecting her punishment any given moment. But when the news finally came, it was surprisingly good.
Father Lorentz was called away to reflect on his faith, and Alvin told her that it actually meant long penance without any of the comfort he was so used to.

Alvin took obvious pleasure in describing his and Miriel's testimony and how shocked and outraged Lorentz had been and imagining all the hardships awaiting him now.
His enthusiasm was making Alysanne feel a little guilty and mumbled something about being sorry for Lorentz, but she couldn't deny she was relieved - relieved she might not be punished after all and maybe even not have to see Lorentz glaring at her for some time.

Still, the nagging feeling of guilt didn't completely disappear. She couldn't stop replaying her latest interactions with Lorentz as well as her original transgressions, at the same time trying to assure herself she had done nothing to provoke the fight and feeling she did deserve at least some punishment.
When she found out she was pregnant again, she couldn't take it anymore. What if it was her fault and her unborn child would suffer for it? She donated as much money as her family could spare to the poor and prayed hard for the Watcher to forgive both her and Lorentz and to bring them all the much needed peace.