"Many were and many did," Callum said pensively, his thoughts going back to a certain time.? "Na always wisely, ah fear. And na without consequences. No, na without consequences."? He turned to look back towards the castle and it's forbidding tower.? "When we're young, we like to think that love conquers all, that it answers everything. And we dearly wish it to be true.? But life is na that simple. Or fair. Or generous.? Sometimes it can harsh and cruel beyond all reason, and lives end up being crushed between its great wheels like so much discarded wheat and chaff."

"Ah hope that will na happen to... to you, Scheherezade," he said, looking back to where the young woman was standing with eyes still closed.? Unable to resist, he reached up and smoothed a lock of her hair back into place.? "Ah hope that nothing ill will cross your path as it has that of others."

- Scheherezade -

Sam eyes fluttered open at his touch and she turned to him. Stepping into his personal space. “I like the way you say my name.” She whispered her deep green eyes resting on him.?

She blushed then “You sound like you have felt pain and fear and hurt and sorrow...regret...Yes I know everyone experiences those emotions at some point in their lives, but yours sound deeper. Stronger. You have lost much Callum. I am so sorry.” She said reaching for his cheek. “I promise. I will think of something I can do to bring the light back to your eyes.”