Now it was Wil’s turn to almost faint. He froze as her arms wound around him and her gentle words caused his head to swim. Other than his mother he had never held a girl or woman before and he had no idea what to do next. His mind was overwhelmed and incapacitated with the sensation of her body gently pressing against his – even in the most innocent way possible.<br/><br/>Raised by monks as part of his training to become a Knight Templar, Wil had almost no physical contact with girls or women as he matured. When his father sent for him his step-mother and half-sisters loathed his existence from the start, which led to not so much as a hug in his new home. After being squired to Sir Philip Wil found himself in a tightly managed routine that prevented free time for carousing. Philip reasoned that Wil had to uphold the highest moral character if he were to overcome the stain of being born a bastard. As such Philip made sure that a poor reputation with the ladies would not add to Wil’s credibility issues in the eyes of the peerage. These high expectations and lack of confidence around girls led Wil to even avoid courtly dances and focus instead on his martial abilities. All of that meant that Wil was utterly unprepared for this situation with Elisabeth.<br/><br/>Unable to think rationally and forced to fall back on instinct, eventually Wil was able to gently, tentatively wrap his arms around her as well. In the process he was extremely careful not to touch her improperly in any way. The warmth of their shared embrace in the cool air instantly intoxicated him, releasing a flood of emotion through his mind and body. Most prominent of these was a sense of well-being the likes of which he had never experienced before. His eyes closed and his head lowered until his cheek brushed up against her hair. Suddenly and quite unexpectedly Wil found himself in heaven. He wanted this moment to last forever.<br/><br/>He did not initially respond to her words. This wasn’t because he didn’t want to – rather because he was literally speechless. When she whispered that she wished to repay him his eyes opened as he realized a response was required. He opened his mouth but no words came out until after he had cleared his throat.<br/><br/>“M’lady,” he replied in a whisper, “yer embrace is more than fair for any kindness Ah have giv’n ye. In fact, it is Ah who am in yer debt,” he said sincerely and in all truthfulness. “We must away, but Ah am afraid Ah canna let go…”