Arn listened, her story stirring the depths of his soul.  The maelstrom inside him shifted from anger, to murderous intent, to pain and sadness for the young girl, to self-loathing for forcing her to relieve those painful memories.  

Yet, he was also glad for them.  They painted a picture of the girl who he now held in her arms.  It had been hubris to think that she was defenseless and thus needed his protection.  He had forgotten the admiration that the man who had witnessed described her actions.  As he listened, he found more and more respect for the young girl.

She was kind and sweet.  Her concern was always with others.  Eilis felt the pain of the world and would hold herself to blame as if she was the only reason the world bled.  Yet Arn had seen how cruel this world could be and so had Eilis.  Perhaps, that is why she clung to her belief that her presence hurt the people around her.  

Even her justified killing of her tormentor further showed how pure she was.  Arn never felt remorse for killing those who he deemed deserving of death.  Yet she regrated taking life.  

Her story also shed light to the people who might be hunting her.  Ruthless was the theme of her story.  These were a group that were powerful enough to be ruthless and had the backing of the empire to do it lawfully.  This meant that the forces which were at Belisio’s door steps could very well be fanatics more than willing to deal out death and destruction to achieve their goals.  

This information was definitely sensitive because it meant that perhaps negotiations were not possible.  This also meant that he alone would not be enough to protect her.  A group with such sadistic tendencies often operated in cells.  Only thought the assurance of victory could such group have the benefit of being so sadistic. 

Arn squeezed her hand in support and assurance.  She was no longer alone.  She no longer had to run.  If she decided to fight, he would be by her side.  He was still not sure why he had been so drawn to her but whatever the reason, it had cemented in his mind the need to protect her and assure her happiness. 

He noticed she realized that she was able to see again.  For one illogical second he worried she would find his look threatening and would be scared of him.  He had never wondered or cared about how he looked but for a fleeting second he whished he looked more like Tyrhallan who was the epitome of a knight in shining armor. 

The mage waited a second or two to see if Eilis would continue.  When the lovely refugee did not he began in a soft and reassuring voice.  [color=0054a6]“You say you are a coward but I have yet to find someone more courageous.  It takes an unbelievable amount of courage to refuse to fight even at the expense of pain and suffering.  The valuing life is not a weakness.  Valuing peace is not a coward’s idea.”[/color]  He practiced a wider smile, his face tried to protest, the motion not something it was used to producing but finally managed a lopsided sort of grin.

[color=0054a6]“You feel you are a liability because you have people after you.  However, I can assure you that those who truly care about you do not see this as a deterrent.  Rather, your plight is much more of an incentive to help you.  You asked me before why I helped you and I did not know what to say before.  I know now.  I pledge myself to help you because you deserve happiness.”[/color]

He brushed back a loose lock of hair as she lowered her head.  [color=0054a6]“You may deny it, but you do the same for others.  If I recall correctly, you were willing to suffer so that others in that frigate might live.  There was no reason for you to do so.  In this same manner, I ask that you let me be by your side.”[/color]

The master mage looked past her as if talking to someone or even himself.  [color=0054a6]“I have considered myself a weapon meant only to be used.  However, now I see that I am to be a tool and a shield.  I have protected some in my way.  Now I have a reason strong enough to resolve myself to you.”[/color]

He cleared his throat. [color=0054a6] “I thank you for answering my question even though the memories are painful to you.  I promise never again to ask you such a thing unless you yourself want to disclose them.  You see, you are a mystery to me and if I am not careful I might cause you pain unwittingly.”[/color]

He sighed as he carefully selected his words. [color=0054a6] “But I promise you that I will do what I can to free you of these chains.  To every lock there is a key.  You deserve to be free.”[/color]  He squeezed her hands in his.  His voice firm but kind.  [color=0054a6]“Would you let me help you?” [/color]