A fair distance from the crumbling building of the keep but within the crumblings walls is a beautiful garden area.

When Questa wasn't looking, Sileas silently slipped away. She knew Wulfsen meant well, but no surprise would soothe her pain.

Wulfsen imagined how easy it would be to nuzzle her neck, kiss under her ear, bury his face in her hair.

I'm the worst man in the world... She's grieving for her lost sisters and betrothed, she thinks I'm her friend, but I'm just thinking about snogging her. Wulfsen thought guiltily.

Sileas began to calm as they entered the garden, even as overrun and broken down it was. It was a wise choice to say yes to Wulfsen carrying her, she didn't think her legs were capable of holding her upright anymore. Her gaze went in the direction of the keep a few times, worrying for her mother.

Wulfsen saw where Sileas kept looking.

"She's in good hands." Wulfsen said, sitting on a bench.

"I know she is. Difyr and Lyssa are the best of healers. I've trusted my life and a few secrets with them a few times." Sileas settled on the bench and gazed up at the stars. Instead of being calming, it seemed like the twinkkles of light were taunting her somehow. Sileas burst in to tears.

Wulfsen hugged Sileas and rubbed her back.

"It's going to be all right." He whispered.

Sileas shook her head, her red curls bouncing. "It won't be all right. At the very least it won't be the same. Not for Mama and Papa. Everything's changed for them now." Sileas wiped ineffectively  at her stream of tears. "I can't do this. I can't be the strong one. Not all alone."

Wulfsen offered her another handkerchief. "You're not alone... I'll always be here for you."

"You have raiders to catch, supplies to gather, a keep to rebuild. I'll not be a burden to anyone," Sileas stated.

"I can make time for you." Wulfsen said, absently stroking her hair. "You're not a burden, I care about you."

"I know you do. But what needs to be done needs your undivided attention. I won't be a distraction to anyone either."

"You're worth it." Wulfsen said. "If you ever need someone to lean on, don't hesitate to come to me."

Sileas nodded although she knew she wouldn't. It seemed she lost everyone she could lean on. She wouldn't lose him too. It was best to be friends but remain slightly distant.

"I mean it. Anytime." Wulfsen hugged Sileas close. He wanted to kiss her. Oh how he wanted to kiss her!