"Perhaps." she said with a smile, then found herself in her room. Callie laid down on her bed, pondering the days events long into the night. Sleep evaded her entirely. She got up, put her cloak on and left her room, the stairs creaking slightly as she walked down them. She flinched, afraid to make too much noise. Once she was down the stairs, she drew her hood low over her face and headed for her favorite spot.

Thoril was tucked up in bed, reading his leather bound book. He laughed softly as he read. It was late and his mind was full of memories from the days events, causing him to re-read some lines. Concentration evaded him, he set his book down on the bedside table and relaxed back into bed, closing his eyes.

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She walked along side of the building in the ally, not watching where she was going, she bumped into an old cart, exclaiming loudly, then clapped a hand over her mouth. She began slowly walking again, only to her foot falls behind her, she turned, and saw the man that had grabbed her the other night coming her way. She groaned inwardly. Had he been waiting for his chance? She couldn't help but wonder.

Thoril sat up straight when he heard a clattering noise coming from under his window. He leaned over his bedside table and extinguished the candle. Quietly he walked to the window and pulled back the curtain. There, in the street, was Callie. What is she doing out so late? Thoril wondered as his eyes moved to the second figure on the street. Oh no.." Thoril swiftly dressed himself and bolted out the door. He had is hand around the hilt of his sword as he stepped out onto the street, his nostrils flaring. Thoril detested men who could not take no for an answer.

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The man quickly made a move toward Callie, and she quickly evaded his move, yet he caught her wrist, bending it painfully behind her, making her eyes water. He yanked her back and pressed her against the wall. She glared at him as his hands began to run through her hair. He had stepped on her feet to keep her from attacking with her knees.
"Done this before?" she spat put at him, earning her a slap, Abd she struggled and glared. Why did this happen to her? She almost rolled her eyes. There was always something.

Thoril growled angrily as he came up behind the man. Thoril grabbed the man by the neck of his clothes and sent him sprialing to the ground. Thoril moved quickly and stood in front of Callie. His sword was unsheathed and pointing at the man. "Did you not understand me earlier?" His eyes glared with a fiery intensity and his voice was cold and harsh.

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She put her hand over her mouth in surprise. What was he doing? She didn't have time to ask questions before the man lept up, drawing his sword. "What is she to you?" he snarled angrily. Callie pressed herself against the wall. The other man was obviously drunk.

"She means more to me than to you, clearly!" Thoril spat. "I will give you one more chance. Leave now and you and your miserable hide can live to fight another day." He towered over the man menacingly, his sword held out in front of him defensively.

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The man grumbled something about not being able to have fun, then slinked off. Callie took a few shuddering breaths, closing her eyes to try and relax herself. "I...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to wake you." her voice was shaking, she realized, and it frustrated her.

Thoril sheathed his sword and turned to face Callie. "Are you alright?" He asked, concern thick in his voice. "Did he hurt you?" Thoril glanced over his shoulder, watching the man walk away. Thoril spat in disgust. His fists clenched tightly.

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"I am...thank you." she dropped her head down, knowing there was a bruise blossoming where he had struck her. But bruises were superficial only. She leaned heavily against the wall. How had she not evaded the man? By the gods she was an elf! Supposedly with lightening quick reflexes!

Thoril looked at her, worry in his eyes. He stepped over to her. Placing a finger under her chin, he raised her head. "Do not be frightened or ashamed Callie. You did nothing wrong." He ran a finger along her cheek, grimacing. A bruise was already forming. "I am sorry I did not get here sooner." He frowned deeply.

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"No!" she said alarmed "There's nothing for you to be sorry for, you were probably asleep, how were you to know?" she blinked at his touch, remembering how he had nuzzled her face the day before, and her eyes fell from his face, afraid he could read her thoughts. She knew right well there was no inkling of love, she did like him, yes. Although, as her mother said, there was a reason Callie never had suitors. Callie chuckled slightly at herself, at her foolish thoughts. "Thank you, Thoril, for getting here when you did." she lifted her eyes again to meet his eyes once more.

Thoril looked puzzled as her eyes fell from his face. Did I do something wrong? He thought as he reclaimed his hand. "Well...I'm glad you are ok." He smiled warmly at her. "Just let me know if he bothers you again." He looked into her eyes, trying to understand her, but he couldn't.

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She smiled back at at him, shyly. "Forgive me, I'm just not use to..." to someone touching her? Caring? She didn't know how to end that. She suddenly blinked "I really am sorry for waking you." she felt bad. Who knows how tired he was? She tentatively reached out and brushed some dust from his shoulder.

Just not used to...Used to what? Is there something wrong with me? Did I do something that she misread? He looked at her perplexed. "I hadn't yet dozed off. I was reading actually. It was no problem really," he smiled reasuringly. He glanced down at his shoulder where her hand had been. "Thank you," he said softly.

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