*sigh* I love Esme... This is really just a filler chapter, but the next one has some changes so don't worry. Enjoy!

Fritz ran. He had left most of his supplies in the clearing, so his load wasn't heavy. He carried Esme in his arms and though he had piled many blankets on top of her, her thin frame shook in the cold. Cold wind blew through the cracks between the trees, causing Fritz to flinch. He had been running for two hours now, and he still hadn’t come across any town or citadel. The sky was cloudy and grey, no sun shone and it was hard to move through the thick trees. Esme still hadn’t awoken, and Fritz secretly hoped she wouldn’t, for the time being. He was certain she would not want to be carried. As if on command she let out a felbal cough, and her eyes fluttered open. She glanced up at him, and he waited for the scowl to appear, and for her to beg for him to put her down, but she said nothing. Fritz slowed to a walk as she nestled into the blankets, searching for warmth. He faltered as she went slightly green. “Put me down.” She commanded. He obliged and she stumbled away with Fritz right at her heels. He held her hand as she was sick in the bushes, trying hard not to wince. She backed away, her teeth chattering and her face pale. “Where are we?” she croaked, her eyes narrowing. “We’re finding you a doctor. And you are not going to object!” he added. Her eyes pierced his before she nodded slowly. “Okay. But if they fix me, we’re looking for Terrilain. Right?”

“When they fix you, and are you saying I can come with you?” She nodded, looking down. “You’ll be useful, maybe you can replace the rest of the group for me.”

“That sounds fun.”

“It won't be. We will be tracked down, and even killed by the other band.” Esme said shortly, though her voice was feeble and weak.

“We need to get going.” Fritz decided, a frown on his face as she touched her injured head lightly. She nodded again and turned the direction Fritz had been running. He realized she thought she was walking herself.

“Oh no you don’t!” he said, crossing to her in a couple strides.

“What do you mean!” she exclaimed, her eyes flashing dangerously. “I can handle myself, thank you very much!” She took a shaky step definitely, avoiding his gaze. He scowled playfully at her causing her to scowl at him for real. “Stop!” she squeaked, as he bent to pick her up. “I can handle myself!” she repeated, and Fritz was shocked to see angry tears fill her eyes. “Hey,” He said softly, his brow furrowing in confusion. “It’s okay! It doesn’t bother me to carry you.”

“I don't want to be carried.” She exclaimed. “Why not.”

“Because! I have to…”

“What?”

“I have to prove them wrong! Okay!” she said, the tears winning the battle, and spilling down her face.

“What do you, oh.” He stopped talking, glancing at her arm, which was still wrapped tightly. Weak

Esme wants to prove that she’s not weak, of course.

“You're not weak.” He said, trying his hardest to not let his voice crack when he saw her shivering, green, pale, and very sick. “You're the strongest doe I know.” He said, and he was shocked to hear the truth behind his voice. “But you're also hurting yourself by refusing help.” He said and she looked down, ashamed. “Fine.” She said and she lifted her arms to hug him. He was shocked and he wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her head. “Thank you.” She said and he pulled away to pick her up gently. She hid her face in his shoulder as he piled the blankets on top of her again. She pulled them over her face and didn’t move, She was trying to fall asleep. Fritz realized as he walked away from their resting point that he would give anything to make sure that Esme survived. Even if she didn't love him back, he would make sure she lived her best life, that she was happy. And if anyone ever hurt her, they would have to deal with him. She deserved the best and he was going to make sure she got it.