Lanik stared at the high cedar ceilings in his chambers, lying in his bed with Marie nestled close to him on his left side. The night was quiet spare for the ambient chitter chatter of the sparkle bugs attending to their nightly gossip: first by his window sill, then out by the garden only to be lost in the abyss of the cool blue night. The Captain gently ran his hands through Marie’s raven hair who slept soundly, the rhythm of her breathing in time with his. How lucky a man was he to have such innocence believe so wholeheartedly in him. Marie and Lanik like any daughter father duo had their ups and downs, but the Captain’s love for her was as permanent and strong as the deepness of the night that surrounded them. His breathing paused. He thought of Erudessa.

	What was it about the elf that made his mind wander into the night? Objectively, taking her as a slave was a foolhardy political move. Lanik had no doubt that the pretty slave would have all Imperial courtisans and courtesses running amuck; the high elite with their fancy plumed dresses and robes talking over blood wine and fresh game. The night could almost hear him smirk. Lanik could picture the conversations even now.

[i]Did you hear? The handsome ranger took an elf as a slave! Their Covenant have never bought a slave before! They must have some serious plans for her.
About damn time, prissy rangers thinking that they’re better than us inner province folk. 
I wonder what they’re like in bed.. ?
What? Rangers? I’d imagine no different than your standard Imperial Legionnaire… ?
Not the Rangers ser, the elves![/i]

	Lanik frowned. It would be a lie to say the captain did not feel possessive over Erudessa. He lay there in the darkness, combing over his thoughts on why it could be. Perhaps the Imperial sentiment of slaves had finally gotten to him, to have that much power and control over such a delicate thing… the thought scared him. Surely he would not turn to such savagery that the typical Imperial reveled in. But Lanik knew his feelings were more than just a sense of honor and debt to one who had saved one of his charges. He sighed. Lanik was no fool and he knew exactly why. It was because she was beautiful. It was human nature to feel possessive over things deemed beautiful.

	There would be no sleep tonight, and knowing this the Captain got out of bed and moved silently towards the kitchen. He poured himself a cup of mead, lighting a candle before allowing his racing thoughts to rest in the solemn space around him. The nights were the hardest, because the nights were when grief over Marcus and hate for Serani and love for Marie collided fiercely in the darkness. He drank his cup, filling and drinking thrice before moving into the living room and taking a seat by the hearth. Sitting alone there, the Captain let his thoughts rest. Thoughts of the elf and the night were catalyzed by his stupor till finally he fell into the arms of lady sleep.