[color=0072bc]“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.”  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.

“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.”

He brushed back a loose lock of hair as she lowered her head.  “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]

She had hung her head in shame before she felt his gentle touch, brushing back some of her hair. Looking up at his words the worry could be read in her eyes. His words, he had told her again and again he would be by her side. Her protector. She felt like she did not deserve any of his loyalty one he gave to her so willingly. 

[color=0072bc]The master mage looked past her as if talking to someone or even himself.  “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.”

He cleared his throat.  “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.”

He sighed as he carefully selected his words.  “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.”  He squeezed her hands in his.  His voice firm but kind.  “Would you let me help you?” [/color]

She shook her head at his mentioning of himself being a weapon or a tool or a shield.
"Stop." She said as she ordered him softly, gently to allow her to reply.
"You may make me a thousand promises, but they would mean nothing to me if you don't value yourself as well." She stated as she turned their hands, lacing their fingers as she looked over them to his blurry image.
"You are more than just discardable Arn. I don't want to hear you speak about yourself in such a manner for it hurts me to hear you say so. You have a keen mind and such a warm and loyal heart that you are more than just your magic or your weapons. You are you. My past will haunt me and probably hunt me down, but even if talking about it brings back painful memories I know I can share them with you. I..." Her voice trailed off as his features sharpened a bit, making her smile. Soon she would be able to see her knightly mage.
"I doubt I will ever be rid of these again." She said hinting at her tattoo's. "Truthfully if it wasn't a sin to the All Mother I would have ended it before even coming here. But now that I am here things have changed and I am glad I didn't not give into despair. Even now it is very tempting were it not for a single thing." She stated, making sure he understood the gravity of her words. Before trying to lock eyes with him despite him being a blur. 
"You are a reason worth living for." She uttered softly.