“I want to apologise for my moods and behaviour over the past few days. I was unhappy with something that happened, and I took it out on you all. I’m truly sorry, and I promise to try not to do it again.”

Chuckles rippled through the kitchen at her words, everyone understanding the promise to try was no guarantee.

“That’s more like it.” Taffy wiped her hands on her apron. “What turned your mood around?”

“You did.” Selene stepped over to hug the older woman. “You gave me the kick I needed. I didn’t realise I was being so horrid to everyone. I’m going to apologise to Conway when I see him.”

“Don’t you think it better to seek him out? He came looking for you, remember?”

“You’re right. I’ll go and find him soon.” Selene looked around the kitchen and spotted Aeron lurking near the doorway. “It’s alright, Aeron. I won’t bite now, I promise.”

The young lad wiped his forehead dramatically, shaking the imaginary sweat from his hand with a flourish. “Phew, thank the Goddess for that. You’ve been a right misery-guts, Selene. I didn’t like it.”

“I don’t think I liked it much either.” Selene pulled him in for a hug, much to his embarrassment.

He pushed her away, his face scarlet, and brushed his hair down nervously. “That’s all well and good, but promise me you’ll not cuddle me again. I love you, Selene, but not like that.”

Selene laughed, loud and hearty, drawing stares from the others in the kitchen. “Oh, Aeron, but it’s good to have you in my life. You’re like my little brother. That’s good enough for me. Oh, and I love you too.” She booped him on the nose and he quickly backed away, throwing a pleading glance at Taffy.

“Leave the poor boy alone, Selene. Just because you’ve decided to break your grump doesn’t mean everyone’s ready to deal with a happy you. What did you want Aeron for, anyway?”

“Oh, that’s right.” Selene looked at Aeron, a teasing glint still in her eye that had him keeping his distance. “You hear all the goings-on, Aeron. Please could you tell me which cottage is Conway’s? I need to apologise to him and want to do it tonight?”

“Well, of course, I can.” Aeron puffed his chest out. “Although it’s obvious once you think about it. He lives in the cottage nearest to the pigs. It’s the one just inside the forest.”

“Thank you, Aeron.” Moving too quickly for him to stop her, Selene swooped in and kissed his cheek.

“Aw, Selene. Stop, would you?” A red-faced Aeron scrubbed at his cheek with his sleeve. “That’s it, Taffy. I’m done until she’s gone. I’m not having her hugging and kissing me any longer.” He shot Selene a filthy look. “Bloody emotions! You can keep ‘em.” He stomped off towards the common room, leaving Taffy and Selene fighting against laughter.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Morgan Sheppard now resides in Germany, although she freely admits to having left part of her heart in Wales.   Whilst a writer mainly in the fantasy genre, Morgan is more than happy to share her love of reading amongst the many different genres out there, and can always be found with a book close by.

 As well as reading and writing, Morgan spends her time looking after her family and trying to learn German. Unfortunately, a natural aptitude for languages doesn’t appear to be one of her strong points. However, stubbornness is, so she continues to persevere. So far, Morgan is confident enough to order a beer and a pretzel.