"Stay behind me, Emma," Nefariel said as he eyed the group of bandits who had dared intrude on their quiet sanctuary.

He wasn't armed, and certainly Emma could fight, but they both knew it was safer if she didn't, and he didn't need his sword for lowly bandits.

Not when with a few quick steps and a bit of low-level magic, he had disarmed the nearest one and had steel in his hand, ready to take on whichever one of the group dared.

"Get him!"

Nefariel smirked. They'd had their chance to flee, after all. He was no hero, and this was to keep Emma safe.

So she wouldn't have to fight.

Not until she was sure she would be able to keep herself under control...

There had been seven bandits, not a one of whom was still standing. Nefariel thought they'd all live, once they dragged themselves away and then didn't return.

He kept the sword in one hand and smiled back at where Emma stood ready with her own magic.

"I would have been okay," she said quietly as the bandits slowly struggled to their feet and then, with low grumbles, admitted their defeat and began dragging themselves away.

"You don't need to fight. Not now, not ever again." They were nice sounding words, really. Neither of them believed them.

One of the bandits staggered and then wheeled back, charging for Nefariel with a dagger.

Nefariel felt Emma's magic, but he moved faster.

The bandit would not live; but the others didn't even glance back at their comrade.

"I'll take care of it," Nefariel said as Emma relaxed beside him, exhaling and then wincing.

No need for more blood on her hands, literally or otherwise.

Emma sighed.

"We can do it together."

Out to the edge of the woods, perhaps the others would return, and if not, the wildlife would do what it always did...

Nefariel didn't reply right away. He would spare her this. He would be the one to-

"Thank you," Emma added, before smiling at him. "You saved me again."

"Yes, I suppose."

He'd keep the sword with him. They'd both need to wash up once they were done.

That wouldn't be entirely bad either.

On the way back, Nefariel reached for her hand.

Emma wove her fingers with his and smiled.

Neither said anything about the blood.

He'd just keep on saving her, again and again.