The master mage looked down upon his self appointed ward. He noticed the immediate adverting of her gaze and this caused his brow to furrow. His hand still felt the delicate chin when he noticed the slight tint change on the fair complexion of Eilis. Perhaps it was a logical assumption he arrived at or perhaps another manifestation of their mind meld but he felt more than knew her thoughts. He could feel that he somehow was at the root of an embarrassing feeling that seemed to be washing over Eilis. Through this connection, he could feel that the young woman regarded their closeness as a point of unease. Also, there was some convoluted images of what appeared to be heroic men and beautiful damsels with warm feelings. Suddenly, a wave of pure heat pulsed through him and images of bodies intertwined, sweating and seeking. He gulped from the sudden pang of emotion and he retired his fingers from the young lady’s chin. The connection was suddenly broken and his logical and control mind returned. There was a mixture of relief and sadness. Where those images about them two? The Master Mage often referred to as the Hellspawn, a man who inspired fear among ruffians and killers, was suddenly nervous. Arn knew nothing of romantic exchanges though he had lived his young life in a whore house. He had heard the raunchy and often painfully descriptive depictions from the other boys or drunk gruff men. He himself had never wanted to participate in those conversations. It could be perhaps because his own mother was forced to be an object of lust and carnal pleasure. However, despite his reservations and historical feelings, what made him more nervous and bordering on fear was that the idea was not really repulsive if it involved the girl before him. His mood shifted to that of anger. Anger with himself for such thought and felt that he had violated her trust and her honor. He brought his hands close to him and crossed them across his chest. As if he was holding the offending members under guard. [color=ec008c]"I'm sorry Arn...I wish I could be more helpful[/color] Arn felt even more shameful at her soft comment. Here was a lady who risked injury to try and heal him and he was having thoughts best reserved for the gutter. He cleared his throat and told her in a more controlled voice than he had yet spoken to her other than when she had first woken up. [color=0054a6]“Please, you have done more than you know. Besides, I must make sure of your well being. This is not the first time I have suffered wounds and I must assure you that I will not die from this.”[/color] He noticed her embarrassment still lingered and reclined back into the chair next to the bed to give her even further room. He was not sure if his own thoughts had transferred to her as hers had into him. The battle mage hoped not. [color=ec008c]"I'm not much of a mystery...just unlucky...safe for meeting you." She said.[/color] He shook his head. Not because he disagreed with her claim but because he hated that Eilis and his own mother had been thrust into a cruel life. [color=0054a6]“If you consider yourself lucky to have met me then my only regret is that we did not do so sooner. I know that I will not be able to undo years of pain and tears but I hope that I may be able to eradicate those from your future.”[/color] He wanted to hold her again but he still had misgivings regarding the whole steamy images in his mind. [color=ec008c]"Arn, where...where I am supposed to go?" She asked softly.[/color] The question caught him unaware. For a second in time, nothing else had mattered but her. His mind had focused on her, her plight and the fact that he wanted to protect her. Despite his belief in possessing an analytical and problem-solving mind, Arn felt like a fool. There was a war in the horizon. Even with out that, where was he to take her? As a member of the military and unmarried, he lived in the barracks. The spartan living suited him just fine and he possess very little in the ways of personal items. He could definitely not take her there. Not only was it unsuitable for a young lady, but Evander would also lose his ever loving mind. Married members were able to inhabit small apartment style lodging on the major bases. Mages being a smaller portion of the population, enjoyed much more availability than the lowly foot soldiers. Even the Shooting Stars, made of mainly plebian recruits, had the opportunity to live in better housing than many had growing up. The mage narrowed his eyes as his mind worked hard to try and solve the current issue. He could not simply propose marriage to take advantage of these types of lodgings. Suddenly, he remembered something that was actually at the fore front of regular people. Another benefit of being in active service was that, though small, the troops actually received a wage. Having been in the service and due to his quick ascension in rank, Arn had amassed quite a bit of funds. He spent very little, mainly repairs or enhancement for his gear or other necessities. He ate the galley food and often got many of his operational gear from the battalion’s supply channels. He looked at Eilis and slowly and a bit embarrassedly he said. [color=0054a6]“Um, normally refugees are housed in public housing. But those are cramped quarters and though they are better than living in the streets I would not like you living there.”[/color] He cleared his throat to suppress his embarrassment. [color=0054a6]“Please forgive my forwardness but…um, if you don’t mind. I would be able to secure an apartment in the city…”[/color] He immediately added as he leaned quickly forward to assure her of his intentions. [color=0054a6]“It would be for you only as I live in the barracks you see.”[/color] He rushed through the words his own tanned face starting to feel a bit warm. [color=0054a6]“If you have other plans I understand. But if you would allow me this honor, it would be extremely helpful in allowing me to keep my word to you to protect you and neve leave you alone. What do you think?”[/color] He asked, almost holding his breath as he waited for her response.