Arn felt the change in pressure as the young lady released his hand and he slowly relaxed his own grip.  He did not know if he had held that long out of some sort of Samaritan feeling or perhaps he had fooled himself into reasoning that she was just someone in need of help and he was merely helping.  Yet, as she let go of his hand he felt a pang of regret.  He had not felt real human connection since his mother.  Even Tobi felt more like a responsibility than actual companionship. To prevent any awkward posturing, he clasped both his hands together, interlacing his fingers into a composed and military fashion.  

He heard her apology and shook his head forgetting for a second that she could not see him.  Realizing this he quickly added in what he believed to be a friendly voice but which sounded more like a calm stage whisper.  [color=0054a6]“There is nothing to forgive miss.  There is no one in this world that ever force me to do what I will not willingly do.  I came to you and was glad to be of help in your distress.  Dark Sight is often hard for many as the darkness is unsettling.” [/color] 

He felt a slight trickle of liquid run down his side.  He curled his lip disapprovingly.  As if his body had acted without his permission.  He shifted his weight so that the cloth of his gown pressed against the offending wound.  Eventually, the wound would clot with the cloth of the gown.  It would hurt like hell when it would be pulled but that was a matter for the future.  He continued talking to her in as controlled a voice as he could while enduring the pain.  

[color=0054a6]“I am not sure how needing help is selfish.  In truth, I would have perhaps gotten in trouble being unable to sit still.  This way, I have an excuse.”[/color]  It was almost imperceptible but he managed a ghost of a smile.  He had been taken aback by her admittance to enjoying his touch and he felt warmth rush to his face.  Very unlike himself, he continued along that same thinking avenue wanting to hear more.  Especially because the word [color=ed1c24]“trials” [/color]had summoned images of magical testing.  “I had never had any one comment on my proficiency with manifesting flames.  Indeed, I have caused much death with them.  I must admit that it makes me glad to know that I am able to also bring comfort.”

He looked at his hands then.  Scarred from many small wounds but mainly, the touch of fire which had resulted when his magic first manifested.  His control had been so little that even he was wounded.  He had suffered second degree burns and the scarring made them look unappealing in his regard. 

The battle mage marveled at how Eilis had simply held them without any concern for such scars and in such a peaceful manner.  As he had stated, they had simply been the conduit by which much death had been delivered.  Arn felt no regret in the lives he had taken.  He had done it out of duty not out of emotion.  In the same coin, he had not enjoyed the carnage.  The mage had actually felt nothing but respect for those willing to give their lives for their duty. 

Finally, he came around to addressing her last question.  It had perplexed him.  He wondered if perhaps she had knowledge that had evaded him in all his reading.  He had read both scientific and religious text.  The young woman had mentioned the All Mother, which meant she had some theological inclinations.  His own mother had been extremely faithful.  It had been the only way for her to deal with the situation her and the young Arn had experienced. 

The battle mage cleared his throat and answered simply.  [color=0054a6]“Well miss, I fear that my eyes are simply brown.  However, many have told me that they seem to be nothing but dark pupils”[/color]  He shrugged, more to himself than at his statement.  Many had commented how eerie it was to have to look into his eyes.  Indeed, many believed that he had sold his soul to a demonic entity which enabled him to be so savage, so calm, and so magically proficient.  

Arn secretly hoped that the young lady would reveal something that negated or contradicted that.  For even though he cared little for hearsay, it would perhaps be a good idea to have this information.