"I'm sorry..." she said, noticing his expression. "I...didn't think you liked me. And I am just in shock that you actually are doing this." she ate slowly.

"I know," he lowered his head. "I am sorry for that. You must forgive me, my manners are a little rusty..." He blushed slightly. "I should never have spoke to you the way that I did. You were my saviour after all."

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"No! I understand, I just..." she fell silent. "It's not often I find myself around people either." She gave him a wan smile.

"Well let us be awkward together," he chuckled as he took a swig of his pint. "At least for tonight," he added sheepishly. "Tomorrow you are as free as I am." He bowed his head to her.

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She bit her lip. "I am free to choose?" she thought a bit, then spoke quietly. "I would like to see this place...Lothlorien. It sounds wonderful." she looked up and smiled shyly.

"Then you can see it. We have some way to travel though, but it is well worth the trip." Markus sipped his ale peacefully. His eyes shined brightly in the fire light. "Is there much that you remember from your past?" He asked hesitantly. "If I am being too foreward or prying too much, do tell me." He added.

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"You're fine." she frowned "I remember..." her eyes darkened. She remembered screaming. Fire, smoke. Luna's breathing became fast and labored as she stared unseemly at the table.

Markus' eyes widened. He lightly laid a hand upon Luna's. "It is alright. Do not panic. I am sure Lady Galadriel will help you answer all of your questions." He grimaced. "Or perhaps some questions are better left unanswered. That is something you are going to need to figure out for yourself."

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She jumped, looking at him with wide eyes. "There was a fire." she could only say, looking at him with fear. Is that how she was orphaned?

His eyes softened. "I am so sorry," he said. He chewed the inside of his lip looking for something comforting to say, but he found nothing. He could not imagine the pain of losing your family completely to death.

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"But...that's my earliest memory..." she looked at the table again, embarrassed. "Don't be sorry, I don't remember anything else."

"At least you can remember that. Once you meet Lady Galadriel you will maybe be able to remember more." He watched her. "Do not be embarrassed. "You have done well to remember so much."

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She nodded, still unsure. "Thank you." she looked up with a small smile again.

Markus returned her smile. He drained his ale and finished his food. "Well, I do not know about you, but I can hear my bed calling me. It has been a long day." He stood and bowed to her. "Thank you again," he spoke softly to her.

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She nodded "You're welcome." she stood "Have a good night, sleep well!" she said as she headed for the door.

Markus watched her curiously before heading to his room. He sank into the mattress. His body welcomed it's soft embrace. He sighed with relief. Nearly five hundred years he had spent with his masters family. Not once did they offer him this. He soon fell asleep, his dreams busy with the sights of Lothlorien.

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