Disclaimer: I'm honestly not sure what to put here, so... Apart from Bailey/Broken Arrow, I do not own the characters. Um... other legal stuff... If anyone has a better way to phrase this part, please let me know so I can update it.

Caleb was enjoying a pleasant morning, sitting in the meadow and relaxing. He enjoyed coming up here to think, where he wouldn't be bothered.

Out of the corner of his eye, Caleb saw a form glide in from the clouds. Puzzled, he tried to get a better view. It looked like Bailey, but something was off. Then he saw another form stalking towards her, sword in hand. Helmer!

Caleb broke off running towards Bailey, hoping Helmer wouldn't hurt her. He didn't quite understand what Bailey was doing, but he wanted to hear it from her.

Unfortunately, Caleb quickly realized he wouldn't be able to get to Bailey in time. His heart dropped. He kept running, but each step drained the hope from him. Ugly scenes flashed through his mind, each getting worse than the one before. He shook it off and kept running.

Caleb could see that Helmer was poised to kill Bailey. "No," he tried to call, but his voice came out as more of a croak.

Suddenly, he saw a white rabbit sprint over to Helmer. Smalls called something and Helmer backed away from Bailey. They were having a tense conversation as Caleb slowed down to a jog.

Now Caleb could tell what seemed off. She wasn't wearing her cloak or mask, and it was obvious she was a wolf. But something was still off. She had wings, which Caleb knew wasn't normal.

A million thoughts rushed through Caleb's head. Why was Smalls defending a wolf? Why didn't Bailey tell me? Does she not trust me? Can she be trusted? She lied to me. That last thought resonated in his head as he approached her.

…

Bailey was sitting on the ground, shock still plain on her face. She looked up and saw Caleb walking over to her. She blushed and went to stand up. She stumbled and fell back onto the ground.

Caleb reached out his hand and helped her up. Bailey's vision swirled slightly and she swayed. Caleb held her arm and made sure she didn’t fall over again.

“Thanks,” Bailey said once her vision returned to normal. She rubbed the back of her head. “I guess I have a lot to explain.”

“Yeah,” Caleb said, slight annoyance in his voice. “You lied to me.”

“I just didn’t tell you,” Bailey said, feeling bad that she had hurt him. “But you know why I couldn’t. You’re a soldier and we,” she motioned to Smalls, “didn’t want to have everyone know about it.”

“Still,” Caleb said, the annoyance fading from his voice, replaced by hurt, “I thought you trusted me.”

“I did,” Bailey said pleadingly, “I do. I wanted to tell you. You have no idea how hard it was to not tell you. But I didn’t want to put you in an awkward position, with your job and everything.”

"I just need some time to think," Caleb said, walking away.

"I'm sorry!" Bailey called after him. She dropped to her knees, crying. How did I mess this up so badly? How can I fix this, or is it even possible? She felt someone put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Smalls.

"If he was a true friend, things will work out," Smalls said, trying to console her. "Just give him some time."

"I never meant to hurt him," Bailey said, her ears drooping.

"We never do," Smalls said, frowning slightly. They sat there in silence for a minute.

“Sorry about attacking you,” Helmer said, walking over to them, “Most wolves are evil, but most wolves don’t have wings either.” He shrugged.

“No problem,” Bailey said. They just sat there for another minute or so.

“So Smalls says you grew up with my apprentice?” he asked, trying to start a conversation. He didn’t like the somewhat mopey silence. He could only handle his own.

“Yeah,” Bailey said, smiling, “They took me in when I was little.”

“Interesting,” Helmer said, “Can you tell me more about this ‘Strider’ person that you mentioned? I would like to know who I was being compared to.”

Bailey’s face absolutely lit up. “Oh yes!” Helmer frowned slightly, realizing what he had gotten himself into. “Well, in the Lord of the Rings, you first meet him in the Prancing Pony, looking kind of menacing, like you in the Savory Den when we first got here.” Helmer smiled slightly. “Then…”

Bailey kept telling Helmer about Strider for about 10 minutes before Smalls reminded her that she needed to grab her cloak.

“Oh, yeah,” Bailey said, standing up and grabbing her cloak. Her stomach growled. “I need to eat,” she said, “I’ve had too much excitement for an empty stomach. Well, see you later!” She waved at Helmer, who was now smiling, glad she had stopped talking.

Smalls and Bailey headed for the Savory Den. Bailey grabbed an orange, a bowl of oatmeal, and some other food that smelled delicious. Smalls grabbed a couple of snacks.

“Well,” Smalls said, “I need to get some stuff done this morning, so I need to head out. Try not to reveal your secret to anyone else please.”

Bailey blushed. “Sorry about that. I really wanted to fly. I didn’t think anyone would be up that early.”

“You need to be more careful,” Smalls scolded. “We all have to give up things. Thankfully I was there and Helmer listened, but that won’t always be the case. I really need to go now. I’ll see you later.” He waved and ran off on some unknown, probably exciting, errand.

Bailey’s ears drooped. Will I always have to hide? I guess that is just my lot. I’ve always been the odd one out. She thought of Midnight. She probably feels the same way.

Bailey headed back to her room. On the way, she passed Caleb. He frowned slightly when he saw her, hurt still plain on his face. I’ll never fit in. She tried to remind herself about Midnight and that they were friends, but it didn't help. She got to her room and ate. Not even Gort’s amazing cooking could cheer her spirits.

I couldn't wait any longer. I am horrible about that! Anyway, I feel so bad for Broken Arrow, but I knew this kind of had to happen at some point. And when she started to tell Helmer about Aragorn... That was great. Anyway, feedback is always appreciated and I hope you like it!