People hear and see what they expect to hear and see.

In the distance a wolf howls. Let it come, I think. Beast will most likely simply howl back, and the creature will either turn tail and run or fall into line behind him, like the rest of us have.

You come to us well tempered, my child, and it is not in my nature to be sorry for it. It is a well tempered blade that is the strongest.

Whenever you are ready, or if you never are, my heart is yours.

I blew that clay pigeon to smithereens. I don't know why Mum got so upset. According to Uncle Andrew she's a crack shot herself. But she says I'm too young. What I'd like to know is how old does a person have to be before they get to do all the fun stuff?

... then he offers me his arm. As I take it, I wonder what folly decreed that women cannot walk unassisted.

He smiles then, and even though it is well past midnight, its as if the sun has just come out.