Ian and Iris kept silent taking in all the things that Rom said, looking at each other trying make a decision in regards to the three people in the forest.
Iris took a deep breath, lightly tugging on Ian's sleeve, she pulled him to the side to have a word with him about what Rom said and make a decision in regards to them.
Ian clicked his tongue " I know that you want to let him be but he must pay for what he has done to you!" Ian stated in firm tone of voice with his eyebrows knitted together not minding that three could hear him.
Iris gave him a sweet smile " I also met you, because of his actions. If he wouldn't had attacked me in the forest that day, we wouldn't be here today!" she countered weighing the good and the bad without being blinded by her emotions.
Ian's lips set in a thin line, she was right and he was grateful for it, no matter how weird it sounded, he owed Rom a debt of gratitude because of that.
Without him he wouldn't have never met Iris or even known of her existence and he would have stayed in the quiet forest continuing to live his life in the same way as before.
Iris smiled in relief when she saw that Ian went silent, she knew that she would be able to sway him if she would mention that little fact, knowing how much he cared for her.
Ian closed his eyes feeling a little exasperated by the whole situation, he couldn't believe that now he had to let Rom be and let him stay in the forest as well.
Cursing under his breath, opening his eyes to look at Iris " I won't be nice to him, that is something I can't do!" he firmly avowed while looking at Iris with pleading eyes.
Iris nodded, giving Ian the sweetest smile " No, you don't have to be nice to him!" she agreed while placing a gentle kiss on his lips making Ian smile in return, he at least didn't have to be nice to him.
Turning their attention back to Rom who was lying on the ground with his eyes closed " You can all stay in the forest if you choose to do so, you can use the hut on the hill for now until you build your own shelter. You won't be able to leave this forest without our permission or knowledge. If this is something that suits your needs, then make yourselves at home!" Iris informed Rom that slowly opened his eyes to look at Iris and Ian who was grimacing in displeasure while he looked at him.
Rom sighed in relief and finally pushed himself off the ground, feeling his body that until not long ago it was numb " Thank you for your kindness!" he mumured in a hushed voice while bowing his head to show his respect.
" We have a bigger problem then you three, so for the time being we will divert our attention on how to break the life bond that the has placed on the citizens of Hessia! We won't be able to touch her without hurting the people she has bound herself to! I'm guessing this her way of protecting herself!" Ian commented in a serious tone of voice while Rom nodded and lifted his head to look up Ian feeling on the brink of collapsing.
" We will need to get on our feet first, we are bearly breathing. We will need some time to recover!" he wispered while he felt his eyes go heavy and slumped on the floor falling unconscious.
Ian looked at the other two that weren't far behind Rom, having a look around to see if Tyla is anywhere near, she has been gone for some time now. He wondered what took her so long to gather the fruits and water.
Not wanting leave them alone or Iris behind, his eyes settled on the wolf that has finally calmed down and now lazed on the ground with his eyes closed.
Lowering himself down sitting his heels, he gave to wolf the wolf a scratch behind his ears, the wolf rumbled, pleased with the scratch and slowly opened his eyes to look at Ian" Bastos, go find Tyla!" Ian softly asked the wolf who whined and licked his nose.
The wolf pushed himself off the ground, growling in complaint while sniffing the ground for Tyla's scent, his ears perked up and growled, spurring from his spot and disappeared in the forest and out of their view.
Ian frowned and looked up at Iris who just shrugged not knowing what the wolf has sensed that made him behave that way.
In her opinion Bastos had a better connection with Ian than herself and she felt a little bit left out since it was her own kethar.
She was still puzzled by that little fact and she made a mental note to ask Seth about it when she will get a chance.
Ian plopped himself on the floor staring at Sylus and Maya who were in each others imbrace bearly holding on to stay conscious. He had more questions but for now, he will have to wait to get his answers unless something happens again.
Iris finally sat down next Ian leaning against his shoulder, feeling exausted after spending the night and half the day walking, she could feel her body slowly surrendering.
" You should rest, I'll go and keep watch to see if anyone has entered the forest before Tyla has placed the seal on it!" she heard Ian soft voice while she drifted off to sleep while he gently placed her on the ground, feeling his soft and warm lips on her forehead.
Ian sighed heavily, looking at three people lying on the ground, considering their state, he concluded that they posed no threat to Iris in their condition and it was safe for him to have a look around the forest while waiting for Tyla to return.