He nodded slowly, "Yes, and then I would offer you hospitality in my home, it isn't much, but it is late, and I would not have you sleep on the road." he said.

"Please forgive my eagerness; I suppose it would be better to wait until the morning." A cold wind blew through the tree's reminding her both of the hour and that she was snuggled up in his cloak. Opening it to him her quiet serene voice asked, "Would you like to share the warmth of your cloak with me?" Then her head turned as she listened to the howl of a deep voiced male wolf. His howl was mated by the higher pitched howl of his mate. She turned to Aaron once more. "I would not have slept on the road, but rather had found my way to the den, and hope the wolves were inclined to have a guest."

He smiled, "Come, My bed, I mean my house is open to you." he said, he moved closer and wound his arm around her waist, and tucked the cloak around his shoulders too, pulling her against his side as he walked.

Walking with him, she allowed her head to rest upon his shoulder. Despite her travels, her scent was still of the outdoors. The tattered dress she wore showed the signs of hard wear. Her small giggle drifted upwards to him as he misspoke himself. "I have no intent of taking your bed from you Aaron. A blanket before the hearth would suit. In return I can try and rid your home of vermin such as rats and mice." A yawn managed to flee past her lips as her steps stumbled for the first time.

He caught her with his strong arm, "No no no, I insist, I will take the floor." he said softly.

"Nay I shall. It is your home and your bed. I but wish for a safe night of sleep, undisturbed by nightmares." The trembling that he could feel had naught to do with the cold which was seeping into her, but rather the fear of her dreams. Alongside of them a doe with her fawns slipped out from the trees and walked beside them for a few paces, before the young fawns bounded off.

"Is there anything I can do?" he asked as they walked and he continued to steady her

"Can you still the memories of seeing all I loved taken from me? Just hold me as walk. Is it much further?"

"No, I cannot take your memories," he held her closer as she said just hold her, "No it is not further." he said as his small cabin came into view.

One small hand lifted to brush away the tear which had started to fall. Seeing his small cabin drew a smile of relief. "What companions also stay with you?" Never would she insult any animal by calling them a pet.

"I have a hound dog that comes and goes, he never seems to be around when I need him most." he said with a smile

She giggled softly. "I had cats of all sorts who would come stay with me a day or. I will never forget when one of the Tabbies leapt to my bed to have her litter of kittens. Then once they were all weaned and taught how to hunt, Momma Tabby left and soon after all five kittens had also moved outdoors. They used to bring me mice and dead birds frequently." Softly she sighed once more both from exhaustion and grief.

"Think there are a few cats too, I even had a fox come for a night once."

"Foxes are so soft when they curl up next you." her smile faltered as she once more thought of all the dead animals. Slain for no reason then as a show of power over life. Fionna turned her face against his shoulder and struggled for calmness once more.

Aaron stopped and put both arms around her and held her close sensing her change in moods

"I am so sorry Aaron. I have managed to bury my grief until now. I just cannot do so anymore. Please can we go inside?"

The Ranger nodded, and wordlessly helped her inside. He sat her down on the edge of his bed, as he walked across the room to stir up the fire, so he could heat water for tea

She removed her boots; her feet dirty despite wearing them. Fionna looked at the split seam and sighed softly. It would have to be resewn in the morning. Her gentle eyes watched his as he stoked up the fire. She would be safe here, nothing would bring her to harm here...but she had thought the same of the Grove.  Her form fell to one side, as she curled up and let the tears of true grief finally come.

He eventually brought her a cup of tea, kneeling at the side of the bed, where she was slumped, on the mattress. "Here, this will help you sleep, help you to relax." he said softly, his hand gently rubbing her back.

She nodded and took the cup he offered her. She took a sip and nodded in approval. "Chamomile and catmint: a very effective combination." Fionna took another swallow as both the Tea and his kindness were settling her down. In her back he could feel the tightly wound tension that had driven her onward at her own Peril.

"I have always loved chamomile myself." he said, "Very relaxing and soothing." he said his hands beginning to massage away the knots of tension in her shoulders.

Her sleepy nod said much as he could feel the tension loosen up in her. Fionna drank deeply of the tea then set the empty cup beside her. The fabric beneath his hands had once been densely woven cotton of burgundy, with a heavy fold of green that covered her shoulders and made cuffs at her wrists. Now it would only be fit for the rag barrel. Taking in deep slow breaths she could feel the relaxation coming over her. "You have very good hands Aaron." her voice sleepily murmured.

He tried not to blush at her words, "Thank you." he said softly, "I try my best to please," he offered, "I want you to relax, to be comfortable."

Her head nodded drowsily at his words. The maiden struggled to wake. "Here let me make a nest before your fire. I will not take the comfort of your bed from you Aaron." her voice was stubborn, even if it told him the truth of just how tired she was.

Gently his hands pushed her back on the bed, pulling up the blanket, "hush." he said softly

Her doe’s eyes looked back up at him. In them he could see both her fear of the night and her vulnerability. Then her eyes drifted close, only to be opened with a sharp jerk of fear. Seeing only the one who had pledged her safety she let them close once more. Softly she whispered, "Don't leave me alone."

Aaron shook his head, "I will sit with you, until you fall to sleep." he said softly. "I won't leave you."

Her honey colored locks swayed slightly as she nodded her thanks. Taking his hand, she curled up about it, trusting in him to protect her. Gradually her breathing deepened and evened out indicating she was sleeping. Just as her hand finally relaxed enough for Aaron to reclaim it, he could hear her whimpering in her sleep.

Slowly he slid his hand down her cheek brushing back a lock of her hair, he wanted to lay with her, to take her pain away with his hugs, his kisses, but he didn't think it would be right. He would not take advantage of her. So he tried to calm her nightmares with his presence and his stroking touch

Her body turned towards him, tangling up in her dress. His gentle touch soothed her, and then her eyes opened to rest upon his. It did not matter that she knew him for so short of time, his soul matched hers. Bringing his fingertips to her lips she softly kissed them, and then tucked his hand beneath her smooth rosy cheek. Her eyes drifted closed once more as she struggled to find the rest she needed.

He cupped her cheek, and bent down brushing his lips along her cheek softly, and then sat there one hand beneath her head cupping her cheek, while the other played with her hair.

Once again her eyes opened, even as her lips curved in a soft smile. One hand reached over to stroke his arm. Softly she whispered, "Lay with me? For I do not think the demons of my dreams would dare come to me if I lay in your arms." Soft brown eyes rested on his face.

Slowly he slid into the bed beside her, pulling her head into the hollow between neck and shoulder as he lay against her, trying not to notice her feminine form against his body. "Sleep my lady." he whispered kissing the top of her head.

Softly Fionna sighed as he took her into his arms. Her eyes closed as her body truly relaxed for the first time since the horrid day. One arm lay across his chest with the small hand resting a top his heart. Finally sleep did claim her...for a few hours.

Briefly he slept, but not much or deeply, as he was more concerned with being there if she awoke.

Perhaps it was the tears that slid unchecked down her face that warned Aaron that her dreams had turned bad. Perhaps it was the way her form tightened up, becoming tightly wrought muscles and tendons that stood out against her neck. Perhaps it was the whimpering sound, which sounded like a gravely wounded animal. Regardless her form twitched, trapped in its terror.

Aaron cradled her wiping her tears away, massaging the tension away, "ssshhh, ssshhh," he whispered, “Its ok. You're safe." he whispered in her ear, not sure if he should wake her, or whether his presence would make her dreams better.

Her breathing became a bit more ragged before her eyes snapped open. Feeling him still there, still holding her whispering words of comfort her tense form relaxed. "I am so sorry, please forgive me." Her own voice was soft as she curled up against him a bit more.