Crow’s legs felt heavy as he made the trek through the woods towards Myrefall. Even though he had decided to go through with the meeting for the villagers’ sakes, he still dreaded to face Penelope after what he had done. Part of him hoped she actually hadn’t waited around for him, just so he wouldn’t have to see her. He knew there would be no avoiding the topic of the battle if she was still there. He couldn’t just brush past the fact that he had stabbed her, even though he really didn’t want to bring it up again. It would feel wrong to pretend like nothing had happened, so he was going to have to talk to her about it whether he liked it or not.

After a what felt like an eternity of walking, he reached the edge of the village and headed down the street that led to the tavern. His heart hammered nervously in his chest, and for a moment, he considered turning back and forgetting the whole thing. It wasn’t too late. Even if she was still there, she hadn’t seen him yet, so she would never know he had showed up. It would be so simple to just slip away before anyone knew he had been there…

[i]No,[/i] he thought stubbornly. [i]I made it this far. I’m not leaving until I check the tavern.[/i] He forced himself to keep moving forward, ignoring his rising sense of unease as he got closer to the Ivory Hatchet. He had to do this for the villagers.

Just as he was about to reach for the handle, he startled as the door opened from the inside and Penelope stepped out. For a moment, his mind went blank and he just stared at her, unsure of what to do. In his concern about what she was going to say to him, he hadn’t thought at all about what he would say if he saw her. He wished he had prepared a bit more for their meeting.

His eyes wandered to her shoulder, and he swallowed uncomfortably. He wanted to ask her how bad it was, but he also didn’t want to mention it and draw her attention back to the fact that he was the one who had hurt her. Suddenly, he felt a pang of frustration directed towards himself. [i]Stop getting so worked up,[/i] he chided silently. [i]It happened. You know it, and she knows it. Just get yourself together and say something already.[/i]

He met her gaze again with a pained expression, “Penelope… I… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…” He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves enough to form coherent sentences. Standing up slightly straighter, he looked at her with new determination as an idea came to him. “Hit me,” he said suddenly. “I know you’re mad, and I deserve it for what I did to you.” He held out his hands. “Hit me anywhere you want. I won’t defend myself.” Holding his breath, he closed his eyes and braced himself for her to swing at him.