When Aryun had finished with the wound, she looked up at him. His blue-green eyes where shimmering with unshead tears. Tenderly, Aryun touched his face, catching one lone tear that mannaged to be freed and make it's long trek down his face.     "Lord, please don't cry... I know it hurts. I understand that... and.. I feel for you.... I'm sorry that you have such pain right now... I.. I.. wish I could take it away and never have you hurt again..." Her other hand rested lightly upon his shattered left leg. "And you won't be going anywhere till this heals... then you'll have to re-learn how to walk and move those mussles..." She felt his left hand snake atop of hers and they looked at each other for several spans of their hearts beating.     Aryun was the one who broke the gaze, turning her attention twords his hurt leg. Her face was slightly flushed, and she thanked her hair that was covering part of her face. She swiftly pulled back the coverlet, and exposed his braced leg.     The Lord hissed in air as the cool breeze touched his marred flesh. He barely felt Aryun's hands touch his skin, but he gave a soft cry when she started to probe one of the nastier cuts on his upper thigh. He started to bite his lip again, to keep from crying out once more, and by the time Aryun had finished healing what little she could help with at the moment, and bandaged it, The Lord was shivering and sweat soaked.     Aryun looked up at him, seeing the pain flitter across his face like the shadows did. Then it was gone as quickly as it had come, and the warrior's mask was in place. She took one look at the black and ugly purple part of his leg and sighed. Then went up and washed her hands. She worried about that man. More then she should, she reasoned with herself. There was an exceedingly good amout of fate that he'd never be able to walk again. And that tore at her heart to see him that helpless....     She turned back to look at him, and he blinked his eyes open, and gingerly touched his lip, and she watched as it came away red and wet with blood. She shook her head, and she softly placed her fingers aganist his lower lip, and said a few words, and the wound was gone.     The lord watched her every movement like a hawk. He was breathing harsh and shallow, and there was something behind his eyes. He watched as she gave him a reasuring smile and wrap him back in the covers.     "I'll be back later tonight to check on you, alright?"     The Lord slowly nodded, still watching her, and as she turned to leave, he caught her hand and tugged her back.     "Please.. Stay with me... for... tonight only.. if.. you wish.." His eyes looked up imploringly at her.     Aryun opened her mouth. "I... Um.. that is I... Ah... I mean... oh.."     The lord dropped her hand and turned his face away. "I.. understand..." he whispered softly. "Go..."     Aryun looked like she was trapped between Kharybdis and Scilla. The proverbial rock and hard place. "Lord.. it's not that... Oh hell.. I'm.. I'm making a fool outta myself, aren't I?"     The lord still didn't look at her. "Wasn't you.. who was.. making a fool.. outta yourself.... it was me...."     Aryun looked at him, and heard the tears within his voice. Something in the back of her head rang a bell as she looked this man. Something within her clicked, and she sat down beside him. "If you wish me to stay, my lord, I shall." She reached out and touched his face, gently turning it twords her. She locked her gaze with his and gave a small smile. "It was.. awkward... I wasn't expecting it...." Her thumb gently caressed his cheek. "You wish for me to stay, hm?" She the lord nod watched his head. "Then I shall.."     With that, Aryun took off her black boots and lay down beside him, as she took his right hand in his, pillowing her head upon his upper arm. "Since you're awake... would you mind if I asked about this.." She ran one of her fingers along the slivery scar.     He felt his breathing ease because she was there, beside him. He sighed when he heard that question. "It was.... a long time ago," he said softly. "When I was a young child and taken away from the ruins of my town by 'Saro. I was.. badly wounded for not doing something that he asked, and the healers botched the job. They let it fester and swell... I was lucky I escaped alive... Mara and Nara found me, or I found them, and Nara healed it. She told me, that I would have that reminder for the rest of my life.. They wanted me maimed incase I left, or escaped... they didn't suceed thanks to Nara..." He sighed again, and reached out with his left hand to touch Aryun's red-gold hair that shone even in a little light.      Her hair proved her divine heritage. Even if he was blind, he could tell what she was just by her feeling. Aryun was a lot like he was. Mysterious, a soft heart, and, most of all, frightened.      Why frightened? If he could guess, it would be the same as him. Scared of the past that would come to haunt her. He knew her past was as dark and deadly as his own.      He felt Aryun sigh and start to rose. His eyes gazed at her, seeing her every movement. Like he was trying to memorize her every feature. She was too unique to allow a glance.      'I wonder,' He thought to himself. 'Does she feel the same way that I do?'      "I wish I could stay, My Lord, but there are things which must be done. Master Dragon has left me in charge until you recover enough." She quickly slipped on her boots and stood. Gently she reached over and brushed some hair out of his face. "I shall be back soon, Lord."      With that, Aryun left to conduct business as usual, or to try to at least.      The days passed swiftly. The Lord regained strength daily, Aryun was becoming more and more attached to him and she spent what little free time she had with him.      Little by little, his wounds closed until just vicious scars remained. He was still bedridden, but kept trying, forcing his dead leg to work. The workers in the kitchen kept hearing nightly, and rhythmic thumps and curses from the lords room. He kept trying to walk again, no matter the pain.       The Young Lord was sitting in his bed, reading one of the many notes that were well wishes from his subjects. His small sliver and glass spectacles were propped upon his head, and in his hand, he held a note which was delicately scrawled.      Aryun found him thus. The note, crumpled in his hand. There was a distinct upset look upon his face.      "Erdric?" She whispered his name aloud for the first time, as she tentatively reached out and touched his clenched, white knuckled hand.      "I can't believe it... the bitch..." he whispered. He had pulled his knees up and burried his face in his arms which encircled them. "Why can't she leave me be..."      Aryun looked at him. He shook like a leaf. "Who Erdric?" She gently pryed open his hand and took the note. As she read, her eyes grew wide and she read it outloud to get the full impact of the words.   My Darling Edric,    Beloved, why have you yet to respond to my prior missives in regards to our impending  marriage. Make no mistake, you will marry me. I am through waiting for you to make up your feeble  mind when we are obviously so perfectly matched.    I found your silence amusing at first but it begins to wear thin, dearest Edric, you do not wish to anger me further. The choice I offer is simple enough even for one of your slow wit, marry me or I will destroy you.     As always, faithfully yours,       Meikisama “Erdric?” She whispered. “What’s going on?” She laided her hand upon his quivering shoulder. “Who is this.. this... Meikisama?”