One Year On

## Introduction

**Dunban:** Has it really been an entire year since the Battle of Sword Valley?

**Reyn:** That was a rough time for us Homs. Lots of people died.

**Dunban:** Sometimes I think I’m cursed. It’s not right that I survived the battle when so many did not.

## Gain (+8)

**Reyn: *[Well, I was glad you came back.]*** Fiora too. The smile on her face went from ear to ear.

**Dunban:** I remember.

**Reyn:** But it was a big shock seeing you carried in on a stretcher like that.

**Dunban:** I’d prefer it if you didn’t bring that up. I wasn’t exactly thrilled.

**Reyn: *[I know how you feel.]*** It wasn’t a good day for me either. I was so jealous of you! It burned me up!

**Dunban:** Jealous? Why? Did you want to fight at the Battle of Sword Valley?

**Reyn:** I was in the Defence Force too! I wanted to fight alongside you.

**Dunban:** You were young then, Reyn. Too young to go to war. But I would not say that anymore. You’ve changed a lot in a year. You’re stronger now. Mentally and physically.

**Reyn:** Haha! Watch yer back, Dunban! ‘Cos I’m gonna overtake you before you know it!

**Dunban:** When that day comes, I’ll be waiting, But know this... It’s going to be no walk in the park!

**Reyn:** Dunban, the Hero of the Homs, has laid down the gauntlet. It’s on!

## Net 0 (+4, -4)

**Reyn: *[Well, I was glad you came back.]*** Fiora too. The smile on her face went from ear to ear.

**Dunban:** I remember.

**Reyn:** But it was a big shock seeing you carried in on a stretcher like that.

**Dunban:** I’d prefer it if you didn’t bring that up. I wasn’t exactly thrilled.

**Reyn: *[I can’t help it, Dunban.]***

**Dunban:** That’s fair enough I suppose. You can’t help that you saw me in such an embarrassing state.

**Reyn:** That’s not what I meant at all! I was jealous of you, man. I was so upset that I didn’t get to fight.

**Dunban:** What?

**Reyn:** I was a Defence Force soldier too. I had every right to join the battle.

**Dunban:** No one thinks any less of you, Reyn. You did your part. Protecting the people back home is something to be proud of.

**Reyn:** Yeah, yeah, I know. But I felt so... confused. Like, conflicted about staying back.

**Dunban:** This is the first I’ve heard of it.

**Reyn:** That’s ‘cos I’ve never told anyone before.

**Dunban:** Hah! Not like you to keep quiet about something.

## Net 0 (-4, +4)

**Reyn: *[Don’t talk like that!]*** You’ve gotta know how much Fiora worried when you left!

**Dunban:** You raise a valid point.

**Reyn:** She spent all her days wishing you’d come back safe. We used to hang out in the park. She’d just stare into the sky...

**Dunban:** Now that I didn’t know...

**Reyn: *[I was worried too.]*** I spent the whole time hoping you’d get home ASAP.

**Dunban:** I... never would have imagined. I’m sorry I worried you.

**Reyn:** Easy! You’re freaking me out. People might think you actually like me.

**Dunban:** And we can’t have that, can we?

**Reyn:** I guess what we’re doing now makes up for all that though. You and me, shoulder to shoulder. I could get used to this.

**Dunban:** You’re stronger and fitter than a year ago. Almost a new person. But you’ve still got a long way to go. Don’t forget that.

**Reyn:** Well that lasted all of one minute. Thought you and me were bonding!

## Loss (-8)

**Reyn: *[Don’t talk like that!]*** You’ve gotta know how much Fiora worried when you left!

**Dunban:** You raise a valid point.

**Reyn:** She spent all her days wishing you’d come back safe. We used to hang out in the park. She’d just stare into the sky...

**Dunban:** Now that I didn’t know...

**Reyn: *[But I didn’t worry a bit!]***

**Dunban:** Really? You weren’t worried at all?

**Reyn:** Not really. ‘Cos somehow I knew you were gonna make it back OK.

**Dunban:** I always wonder where you get that confidence, Reyn.

**Reyn:** You were pretty banged up though. Anyone else wouldn’t have made it back. Maybe it’s just ‘cos Fiora wished so hard.

**Dunban:** Knowing Fiora, you might well be right!