She let out a breath, thankful he wasn't going tonight. She couldn't stay in this room. "uhm...Niko?" she hated to ask this of him, sure he wanted peace and time to himself, but she was afraid to be alone. Still there was tomorrow to think of. So much had happened. She couldn't think clearly.

He guessed what she was about to say '' You needn't worry. '' He told her. ''I'm staying with you. . There is ale and food in my room'' he said, managing a smile. He took her hand hoping to comfort her. ''Lead the way to wherever you wish''

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"your room? He may come back to mine..." she thought a second "and ale would be good right now." she rubbed his hand with her thumb, and pulled him out the door, nearly running to his room. When they were inside she shut the door and locked it, leaning against it, sighing. Safety felt good. She held his hand still. "thank you...so much."

He hated to see her like this. As they moved towards his room she seemed impatient and afraid, almost running to get there. She only relaxed after he had shut an bolted the door. I will not leave her alone and vulnerable to him again the anger still present. If it came to it he knew he would fight the man to whatever end.
He noticed how tightly she held his hand and then came her words ''thank you'' she said to him. ''What for?'' he asked.

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She looked at him "For being here." she looked at him longer, then rushed into his arms. Her common sense had vanished, leaving in it's place only a need for comfort, a need for closeness. A need for him. She held him tightly. Never wanting to let go. "Don't you ever leave me. Don't you dare." she whispered.

He nodded at her then was taken aback when she ran into his arms. He held her close to him, softly stroking her hair. ''I wouldn't be able to.'' he kissed her forehead before adding'' you arms have me in such a tight hold I think it would be futile to try to escape'' he said with a laugh.

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Her eyes popped open "oh! I am sorry!" she let go, unaware of how tightly she had held him. She folded her hands in front of her, embarrassed by how forward she had been. "I can sleep on the floor, I am sure you need the bed." she kept her eyes down. "I don't know what to do about tomorrow."

Niko laughed at her embarrassment ''no need to apologize. I did not mind''
He was genuinely surprised at her offer, it showed on his face. '' I would not wish for you to sleep on the floor in your own home. You take the bed, the floor will do fine for me. Or we may share the bed, your decision. My fate rests in your hands'' he said with a laugh.
He poured them each a cup of ale and handed one to her, while taking a swig of his own.
''I am also not sure as am not fully accustomed to the traditions of this city. I believe it is your decision to make. and whatever you decide, you shall have my full support'' he raised his glass to her as if giving a toast.

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She nodded, taking the cup and nearly draining it. "I know if I was already betrothed he couldn't do anything." she grumbled. She set her empty cup on the table, moving to look out the window. "if my father says yes, that's the end of it." she sighed. Her eyes narrowed, and she chewed her bottom lip. Then she shrugged, turning back around to face him "well? What now?" she laughed.

Already betrothed?
''Perhaps we should attempt to convince your father otherwise?'' He wasn't entirely sure what he should do.
He moved to sit on a chair and tried to think.
To answer her question he gestured to the bed, ''perhaps you should try and get some sleep'' he said though he doubted she would be able to. '' I can stay up with you if you wish'' Anything to make you feel safe

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"My father would get irate if we tried to convince him to sat no to Elthor." she went and sat ok the bed, a troubled look on her face. She lay down on her side, facing him with one arm supporting her head. "please. Come here with me." she gave up, she wanted him there. She hoped he would understand.

He frowned at her response. This shall be no easy task
Niko gave her a smile at her words after and went and sat beside her,bringing the ale with him. He looked at her, '' we will think of something. I won't allow him to have you'' he said almost trying to convince himself as well as her.

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"I hope so." she said softy. She sat up, putting her arms around his neck from behind. Her face buried in his shoulder. Her hands spread open on his chest. She hugged him, the peace of the moment settling in her heart and giving her hope of more peace. It soon grew dark in the room as the candle burned itself out. She let go "do you want the candle re-lit?" she asked as she moved to sit next to him.

He leaned back against him as she held onto him. The room grew darker as the candle lowered and eventually went out.
''No need'' he said. '' I prefer the dark'' he said softly. As he felt her move next to him, he put his arm around her and placed a kiss on her cheek, enjoying her warmth.
He was silent, enjoying the closeness of her. He didn't want to bring up anything that may upset her. He just sat with her enjoying her presence.

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Her arms went around him, then she moved her hand to his face, then to the back of his head, tugging him down. She found his lips with her own in the dark. Again her hand moved to caress his face while she kissed him. Her eyes had drifted closed long ago, and as she felt his face with her hand, she could see it in her mind. A complete imprint, there in her mind to stay.

He returned her kiss passionately, forgetting everything else for the moment. One of his hands became entangled in her hair,while the other held her hand to his face.
At that moment he was, for the first time in what seemed like ages, truly happy. There were no words he could say to her to express the way he was feeling but by the way he kissed her and held her to him he hoped that was enough to show her what she meant to him.

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