Arn almost kicked himself at her uncomfortableness thinking his proposal to basically adopt her or have her be his dependent had made her feel so.  It would  be understandable.  After all, they had not known each other for very long and despite the connection they felt and the tender moments they had shared, they were basically strangers. 

The mage would have worked to change that.  He had not been lying when he said that she was a mystery that he wanted to uncover.  Even now, as she explained the reason for her uncomfortableness, the master mage could not help but want to know more.

Being a military member and living in the barracks, he could see her point of view regarding living by herself in a completely new land, with new people and the only person she knew being away from her.  He had spent all his years since being brought to the Cauldron among people.  It would be just as unnerving to him if he was to suddenly have to live  on his own.  Arn took a deep breath as no scenario he could think up was acceptable.  

[color=ed145b]But I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful...just...I can only accept if you would be there too."[/color]

The words brought a reaction that not even he was expecting.  A slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.  The battle mage was glad she could not see for he worried she might think him too eager at her declaration.  So then, why did such a comment bring a slight flutter to him then?  Was it because another being, especially one as lovely and unique as Eilis was glad for his company?

To be sure, Tobi and other mages were often in his midst but he always felt detached from them.  Like they were more of satellites to him.  Eilis was different.  He was the fire and she was the wind in the very same world.  He knew that he would not want to be parted from her but had he started to depend on her proximity to that extent already? 

The thought brought a slight fear into his chest.  Not because he feared connection but because he feared that he would not have much to bring to the table.  All his life, he had practiced being devoid of emotions.  Yet, here was a girl who thrived on human connection.  Would he be enough?

[color=ed145b]"I know I'm more trouble than I am worth..."[/color]

Arn shook his head and the remembering she could not see clearly he opened his mouth to speak only to have it silenced by a knock and sudden appearance of a silver haired figure he knew all too well.  After all, it was hard to miss such an eye catching person as Tyrhallan Venray. 

The mage was a bit embarrassed at first.  How much of the conversation had the knight heard?  The answer came shortly after as the lord proposed a solution to their current dilemma.  Arn’s misgivings were realized when he could assume that the Knight Captain had heard enough to offer his estate and own mother as a ward. 

Embarrassment started to give way to irritation.  This was then followed by the ever growing build up of anger.  If he understood correctly, the knight had asked for his dismissal from the Shooting Stars and reassignment under his command.  Arn narrowed his eyes.  He had very few times blown up against a superior but he had no qualms about doing so.  

However, his logical mind was able to salvage the situation.  Tyrhalland was correct of course.  Arn had been trying to work out a solution in the back ground of his mind after Eilis declared her wish to inhabit the same house as he.  He knew that the Shooting Star’s Captain would make it near impossible for him.  Despite the fact that Arn was the same rank as Evander, command still carried weight and title, no matter how low in the chain, did as well.  Having a sponsor such as the House of Venray would make things go smoothly. 

Arn took a deep sigh and instead bowed  his head towards the silver haired lord.  [color=0054a6]“You have my thanks Knight Captain.  The offer indeed would be the most suitable.  You see, I have vowed myself to this lady as her champion and protector.  The reason and circumstances I am honor bound to keep secret.  I know that your honor would not force me to break my vow.”[/color]

He stopped to study the other man’s reaction before he continued.  [color=0054a6]“However, now that I am in your service and you have solved this issue I pledge my loyalty to you.  I am at your disposal save for any issue that would prevent me from keeping my word to the present Lady.”[/color]

The mage then turned to Eilis.  [color=0054a6]“That is of course if you would accept the offer.  Knight Captain Venray is a noble man with stead fast honor.  I trust him with my life.  However, I would not violate your free will.” [/color] He waited.  Wondering what his self-appointed protegee would say.