We didn’t complain as we took off into the woods, not really knowing where we were going, but leaving before they changed their minds and had us do ...something. Before we knew it we were back at the lake we were at last night, and there were two rowboats sitting at the bank.“Where the hell did those boats come from?”“I don’t know, but since they’re there, let me take my favorite girl for a ride.”“Oh, so romantic! I hope were only going in one boat because I don’t wanna paddle.”“Yes one boat, now. ”“Dammit, we can’t get out and they’re blocking all channels!” Verenestra screamed out.“Arwen! They’re after Arwen!” I yelled, now taking far greater chances with sword and pistol, forcing my attackers back in disarray.Suddenly, from being on the defensive, the three of us took our attackers by storm cutting them down and shooting them as well as using a variety of magical tricks to keep them off balance. Verenestra, being by far the more proficient with the sword, was taking the lead and. I’m no athlete so apart from shaking a collection bucket I felt that there was little I could do to really help until I had a moment of sublime inspiration. I thought about it as we were enjoying our meal then announced that I’d had an idea, but that he mustn’t laugh when I revealed it otherwise he’d be sorry. “Basically,” I said tentatively, “I’m already excited about the prospect of an encounter with you and some of your friends, and I’m going to do it anyway, but supposing we could find a. Finally, they asked the big question."What now?"To be honest, I didn't have a clue. We finished up and went outside to watch the sunset and have a few beers. Eventually, they asked me if I wanted to go fishing with them tomorrow. Why not, I thought. What else did I have to do. All of a sudden, I was cut adrift after 3 years of planning for a goal, that I was not going to pursue anymore.I realized that the one thing that hadn't changed was that I still loved the sea and everything involved with.