There was dead silence in the hall after Lucria slammed the doors. They all stood in shock, gazing at Erdric as he closed his eyes, breathing deeply.

Mara hesitantly approached him, her fingers fluttering slightly out of reach of his arm. "Erdric? Are you alright?" Her fingers finally found the courage to brush against the fabric of his robe, and when he made no move to resist, she rested her full hand on his upper arm. "Erdric?"

There was no sign of acknowledgement within his posture. It was still ridged, and stiff, his muscles coiled for action.

The fortuneteller walked up to him, gently touching his shoulders before giving a slight shake. "Erdric, answer us."

"Don't shake me."

Instantly, Nara and Mara removed their hands, allowing him the space he wanted.

His eyes fluttered and he rolled his head before he opened his eyes. "Do you know how long I've needed to do that?" His blue-green eyes fixed upon Nara, then Mara, and after that, everyone else.

Alena clapped her hands. "At least two years, Erdric. We were wondering when you would finally loose your temper with her and Meikisama."

Xristis walked over, tilting Erdric's face in his 'healer' mode, checking out what damage Lucria could have done. His fingers gently trailed over Erdric's cheek, making him flinch at the soft contact. "Looks fine to me, friend, but I wouldn't sleep on that side of your face."

Erdric's fingers gingerly brushed against the cheek, sighing. "I apologize for showing you that side . . . it normally never is revealed . . ."

"It's alright, Erdric," Mara consoled as she gently squeezed his shoulder. "You don't need to worry about that."

"I should. It should bother me that I hurt my own blood, but it doesn't."

"Do you honestly consider something like that your own blood?"

"I . . . I don't. She never bothered with me after she found out whose child I was."

"Then don't feel guilty."

Erdric sighed, walking back to his chair and sinking down in exhaustion, one hand over his eyes. "I apologize, Lady Aryun, for the abuse suffered at her hands. I am sorry if my actions offended you in anyway."

Aryun tilted her head. "You seem to say that often, Erdric. There is nothing to apologize for, and you know it."

"I should not - "

"Hush! You should have. You can't be clam and perfect all the time, Thalata." Aryun turned and smiled at him. "I'm just impressed at how long you sat there taking her mouth."

Erdric's face burned slightly at her compliment, and he found himself pleased at her actions. He shook his head slightly, still holding on to his stubbornness. "But I should not have lost my temper to begin with."

"Nonsense. Everyone has the right to loose their temper, get angry, and indulge in fights. It's life, Erdric. Just life." She shot him a slight wink. "Now, since she's not here, eat!"

Everyone stood watching the interplay between her and Erdric, noticing things that they didn't before, and finally they decided to do as Aryun entreated and finish their dinner.