Crow’s heartbeat quickened as Penelope smiled at him, and he blushed slightly, knowing she had probably reacted that way because of his sudden eagerness to learn more about her plans. Despite his countless internal chidings that he couldn’t view her as more than an acquaintance anymore, he couldn’t help but find her smile attractive. He missed when she used to look at him like that every day, and even though he knew that time was long in the past, he was glad that she was doing it again now. Maybe it was okay to relax around her, at least a little bit.

As she went on to tell him about how she had given false orders on the battlefield, he raised a brow in amusement. It seemed that she hadn’t gone back to simply being a rule-obeying knight after all. He wondered if her disregard for orders that she disagreed with was a lingering impact from her time with him, just like how his care for other people besides himself had come from being around her.

Once Penelope had finished speaking, Crow stood up from the table with her. He gazed at her for a moment, feeling a swell of appreciation for her determination to help the peasants of the outer villages. It was encouraging to hear that she intended to use her high rank to try to make a difference for his people. The more they talked, the more it sounded like she was still the same Penelope he had fallen for two years ago, which was reassuring to know.

[i]Simon was wrong,[/i] he smiled to himself. [i]People change, but she hasn’t changed that much.[/i]

As they walked towards the door of the tavern, he turned to her with a grin. “I’m not worried,” he said confidently. “Because I’m certain you’ll be able to convince them.” He drew his hood and opened the door, nodding in a curt goodbye. “I’ll see you in two days, love.” With nothing left to discuss, he turned and began the long walk back to the ravine.