She implored, and I declined. Again, and I said no; explaining the shift of paradigm in our relationship. No longer would I be her protector. No longer would I be there for her to beat. For her to yell and scream at.

Even as I said these things, I moved and sat on the edge of the bed; stroking at her mousy curls as she drifted to sleep.

She hates me, but even then I cannot willingly do something to cause her pain; I made her a promise that I would never hurt her.

I will keep that promise.

In other news, there is a rather timid initiate walking the lands. Beyond odd, I think she might have been so over-protected and sheltered by her mother that she will never fully recover. After many marcs of listening to the uneducated attempt to explain professions, I finally dismissed them. How can an Enchanter not know there are six spells to be gained by exchanging gold crystals for scrolls? How can a warrior hear things when they are not present; through heavy oak doors, nonetheless? The only one there that had any humility was Apolla. She at least recognized she didn't know everything of each profession, nor did she know everything of our own. Shame that she ended up leaving, when her level-headed words were helpful.

An interesting turn of late.