Despite himself his heart beat sped up further as the one he loved hugged him gently. The warm feeling that came from deep inside was a familiar one. He had always believed love was the strongest force in the world, even though he felt unworthy of it. What Wish said about caring more for him than she could express in words was all he needed to know. His feelings were hard to summarize in a few words since he wasn't a poet as well. Madrin smiled as she touched his face and answered his question better than she seemed to realize. His next words were filled with passion. "Wish, your words alone speak volumes about your feelings. That is all I need for the time being."

Madrin knew everyone was entitled to their secrets. He had a large number of his own, because it was necessary to protect the people from themselves at times. He wouldn't lie to himself he'd never wanted to know more about anyone than the fae woman before his eyes. The scars others had left on her heart vexed him, but he had pushed enough for now. As he gazed into Wish's olive eyes he resisted the urge to kiss her strongly. However, he was losing as she remained so close. Unfortunately, as if someone sensed he was in the midst of a tender moment a knock sounded on his locked door. He never wanted their time together to end, but duty waited for no one.

The beautiful healer was urged gently to step away from him as he reached for his oak walking staff and stood with only slight trouble. "Yes, what is it?" One of the door guards reluctantly announced that several unit captains had come with status reports personally. "Aye soldier, I'll be there soon."

Madrin turned to Wish and gave her a special smile just for her and spoke. "Duty calls, I want to spend more time with you. However, being comatose for two weeks has left my subordinates a bit over enthusiastic." The Lord Commander of Eiler pulled the weight of his position around him like a suit of armor. His guard had been down while he spent private time with Wish. Authority that had been taught to him from an early age somehow caused him to appear larger and stronger than he was. He bowed respectfully to the paladin of Aurora. "Please come see me again when you can Wish. I look forward to the next time." Weakness was forgotten as Madrin Kir walked over to his door and unlocked it. Then he held it open for the paladin to leave as his ten Captains including Mira Blackwolf came inside and took seats around his large table.

However, Mira paused for a few seconds as she took in the woman her clan brother fell for. The smile she gave Paladin Star was warm and friendly. She only hoped Madrin had finally been honest with her about his feelings. Mira couldn't hate the beautiful fae despite wanting to, because in the end her brother's happiness was what she wanted most. All this passed thru her mind as her sapphire gaze met olive orbs briefly. Then she took her place on the right of the Lord Commander's empty chair. Madrin came shortly after the last of the captains was settled in her place.