She heard his whisper…but it wasn’t enough for her. He had been alone for a while and that thought tore her up, that she hadn’t been there to help him when he needed it. But she was now, and nothing was going to stop her from being a force of good in his life. Someone he could count on. Elisabeth’s hands remained over the tattoo, breathing deeply in and out before speaking again. [b]“When you start feeling the tattoo affecting you, stop…take a deep breath…and remind yourself of something that doesn’t represent anything to do with the experience you had. Anything. Something small that you can conjure up in your mind. Something that when you think of it, makes you happy. Every time. Like, a flower…. or a book. It must be meaningful to you though.”[/b]

His wrists, she saw him flinch, but her hands had continued their path. Gentle fingers slowly worked warmth against the scars. It was that moment she felt a familiar sensation from the trials of their first meeting. It had been the first time in her young life that Elisabeth had ever felt the power of true rage. Regardless of Ezner being freed, that storm was still there, questioning why he had needed to live that life at all. Why anyone needed to. Her sapphire eyes found his, fingers still comforting as her voice conveyed her thoughts. [b]“Same thing. You can pick a different memory or thing…but sometrial, I promise you, these scars will no longer bring you pain.”[/b]

He had replied to her comment about telling her what he was thinking in an odd manner, so clarification, she felt, was needed. [b]“I want you to tell me things because you want to, not because you feel you need to. You do not need to tell me anything. I will never force you to do that.“[/b]

Smiling as she felt something against her hand, finding his fingers tangling with hers, and a soft squeeze. Giggling a bit, Elisabeth gave him a warm smile. [b]“Hey, that’s my move. I suppose it’s alright if you borrow it ever now and then." [/b]

And they walked together, hand in hand, until he led her to a gate and large house. Eyes lifting at the sheer size of the place, Elisabeth silently wondered why he would have been given such a large place, having come from what he had. His sentiments only confirmed that belief. The young woman completely understood now the problems he had been facing in her absence. [b]“Oh Ezner…I’m so sorry. I think I understand now. But, I will help you make this better.”[/b]

She allowed him to open the door but refused to let go of his other hand. No. He needed to feel her presence and know he wasn’t alone. Squeezing his hand hard, she nodded. [b]“Ready. Let’s face it…together, shall we?”[/b]

Her smile was warm and bright. Maybe by being with him, she could bring a bit of light to the darkness his home had inflicted on his soul.