The understanding that the Knight Captain relayed and the fact that he was not pushing to know who the lady was and why Arn had pledge his life to her so quickly brought a sense of relief to the mage.  In truth, he had worried that the other man would investigate the obvious mystery and sudden connection.  

Arn had even gone as far as to plan out a way to retire from the service to alleviate any responsibilities to the Belesian King and representatives if it came to that.  This new path, though more convenient and definitely with its benefits, still gave the master mage an uneasy feeling.  

This was a path that had been thrust upon him and not knowing all the variables or players made the always prepared, always analytical man a bit nervous.  However, he also knew that in this setup, Eilis would be better provided for and out of reach of people like Evander. 

However, being amongst elites also came with its own set of scrutiny as nobles tended to have little else to do that gossip and speculate.  Still, the arrangement was better than Arn could have hoped for so he was grateful.  A feeling he was quick to express to the silver haired lord with a bow.  “You have my thanks for understanding and willingness to take Lady Eilis in.”

[color=ed145b]"Will Arn live there as well?"[/color]

Her question made a warm feeling spread through his face.  Was it because he was glad she had asked for him?  Or was it because he caught the slight knowing smile of the Venray lord.  The man seemed to have a knack for deciphering people and their inner most secrets or at the very least able to put pieces together and Arn did not like the look the other man shot in his direction.  As if to drive the point home the other man diverted the question to the master mage. 

[color=ed1c24]"If Lord Arn chooses to do so then I am sure we can accommodate him."[/color]

The battle mage felt both of them staring at him waiting for him to answer.  He had never had stage fright.  He had always been sure of himself especially in maters of magic or military protocol.  But this was nothing he was used to.  If he answer yes, would Tyrhallan satisfy some inner bet?  If he answered no, would Eilis feel he had betrayed her?  Was it appropriate to live together even if it was as wards of a noble?  Was the Knight Captain merely setting the stage for his mother’s enjoyment. 

[color=ed1c24]"So what say you Arn? Shall I have to inform Mother that we'll be having guests for dinner?"[/color]

The question brought Arn out of his dizzying thoughts.  He looked at the smug lord.  The mage’s eyes narrowed but when he caught sight of Eilis’s look he softened.  She had such a look of eager longing and pleading that the stone hard mage could not help but agree. 

He sighed and once again bowed his head.  [color=0054a6]“I again, thank you for your benevolence  and I would like to also make sure it is know that I swear my allegiance to you.  I will serve under your banner and under your house.  For you see, my enlistment expired long ago.  The only reason I was allowed to stay in the Shooting Stars was an open ended contract that allowed me to remain in the outfit as a private but that allowed me to depart when released or upon my choosing. If you truly requested my transfer then that clause has been fulfilled.”[/color]

With a slight turn towards Eilis he answered with a slight defeated smile from someone who can not help but give in to a request.  [color=0054a6]“That mean I will be able to accompany you”[/color]  He placed a hand upon her head almost like a pat.  He stiffened a little remembering Tyrhallan was there but decided that sooner or later the knight would see the close connection between them.  


[color=ed1c24]"We'd best say you are betrothed, that way we still have a little wiggle room should my mother decide to do some detective work of her own."[/color]

The comment made Arn’s head snap so fast towards Tyrhallan’s direction that he winced at the pain the still tender skin that Eilis had helped him heal strained under the movement.  The mage’s eyes widened as he turned back to Eilis expecting her to be repelled by the proposal 

[i]Betrothed?[/i]

Despite their sudden closeness and the fact that Eilis wanted him close, the mage was sure that such an arrangement would be unappealing to the lass.  Yet, despite his misgivings, he did not want to behave repulsed by the idea.  Logically, the idea was sound.  The title would most definitely prevent any unwanted attention from single nobles or any wild ideas which could inhabit the bored mind of an influential and rich lady. 

In an almost shaky tone Arn managed to compose himself enough to say. [color=0054a6] “I would not dare make this decision alone.”[/color]  He turned to Eilis.  [color=0054a6]“Do you have any reservations to the proposed plan….Eilis?[/color]”