Bleeding Heart 10 A New Friendship?

Raven was proving very useful to have around, near invaluable even. Not only was he useful for figuring out ways to get over troubles he also seemed to have a good grasp of tactics. He amazed Dawn when she realized that he was actually highly capable.

It was a pity he was blind. If he just had sight, she was sure that he would be wonderful knight material. As it was though, she decided that he might even prove useful on her trip for vengeance. And who knows, maybe they would luck into a cure for him.

So, she decided to make use of this man. If it benefited him that would be good but she was sure that he would be useful even without the ability to see.

Meanwhile she kept him close to keep an eye on him and to check to make sure that he was still doing fine. Raven was often quiet and kept his thoughts to himself unless he deemed it necessary to say something. It gave the impression of a quiet wisdom, and actually was making people respect him.

Honestly, he was probably only quiet because he spent so much time just trying to get his bearings and figure out who he was. Dawn could sympathize with the feeling of being lost. She had felt like that right after she had come her knowing only Arrion.

Arrion… she really did miss him. While he had often seemed annoying at times it had been his constant talking to her and seeking her out that had been slowly breaking her out of her sh.e.l.l.

A sigh left her lips at the thought that she had lost him and they had not even had any children to delight her after he was gone. They had never really even discussed children. Though Arrion had tried to bring it up before, she had just left whenever he had tried.

She sighed again. Poor Arrion…

"That is twice now you've sighed my queen?" Raven's voice nearly made her jump. For once she was glad that he was blind as that meant he did not see her reaction.

She looked up at her newest advisor. His hair was hanging down in his face as always but though his eyes were still closed there was a look of concern on his face. "It is nothing, Raven. I was

just thinking."

He nodded pursing his lips for a second, "… Alright, my queen. But… if you want to talk about it I will listen. I might not be able to help much but after what you've done for me it is the least I can

do."

Dawn blinked, feeling strangely touched as she looked at the serious look on the man's face. Not very many people offered her their ear like this. Arrion had, but most people just a.s.sumed that she never needed their ears or for anyone to talk to.

Truthfully she would probably not have accepted it before either. But lately, she had felt the need, the desire to have a friend. And right now she realized that perhaps she had been handed one out of the blue as it was. A choice she had made had made someone value her highly and that could easily turn to friends.h.i.+p if she just let it.

"Thanks Raven." She gave a slight smile though he could not see it. "Could you just sit with me a while… I have trouble talking about what bothers me, but I do appreciate your asking and willingness to listen."

He came over and sat beside of her. There was something comforting about having someone just sit beside of her, providing a sense of camaraderie.

Raven was quiet. He did not need to say anything though. Just his presence was enough. Someday, maybe, Dawn would feel comfortable actually talking to him about her heartbreak but as of now she needed time.

Dawn felt her mood improve a little and a small smile came to her face, "Hey Raven, can you come with me tomorrow to Carendlus?"

"If that is your wish, my queen." Raven gave her a nod of his head.

"Alright… and thank you again Raven. I… will admit I don't have much in the way of friends so… thanks for trying to be there for me." She stood up, and went to leave. "Goodnight, Raven."

"Your welcome." He stood up as well, "…I know what it is like not having anyone to talk to…" he laughed a little, "Goodnight, my queen."