The tree stood to the backside of the tent. No one could pass them. When he drew up his knees and bent his head down. She placed her arm over on his and rubbed his shoulder, her manna filled his body slowly. When he looked at her face she did not stare into his eyes or touch the back of his neck. His voice trailed she heard the sadness in his voice, "You were eight?  Ra'kan, You have been living a nightmare. From this day forward you will replace bad memories with good. I want you to be happy, laugh, and smile. I can't promise you will be happy every moment. I promise you will never fight for sport.  I will pamper you. Your body will never know physical punishment or a harsh touch. I will never harm you. You may ask me anything without being hit or ridiculed. Your past is yours. You do not have to talk about your past. Only tell me what you want me to know. Ra'ken, I will not pry. I never lie or gossip. I will break protocol if I can get away with it. I will teach you the customs of my people. I am a nobleman's daughter. My father is a kind and just man. He has more in common with you than you think. You need not fear him or anyone I introduce you to. You live with me and will wear the clothes of a nobleman. The material and colors will be your choice. I will not treat you as a slave. You are my friend and will be treated as one. I never owned a slave. I have seen how they are treated. It disgusts me."<br/><br/>Kate looked at a twig and drew scribbles in the dirt. The drawing helped stave off his balling until she finished talking to him.<br/>"I fear my father's wrath and obey him because he is lord of the shire. He will request to meet you and discuss your future. I want us to leave tomorrow. I am giving you time to adjust to your new home before he and Jon arrive. You will see guards but they are for protection. You are not a prisoner or servant. I am not of age and only Papa can give you legal citizenship. You began life as a farmer's son and that is a heritage to be proud of."<br/><br/>Kate's voice softened. When he looked at her she looked at his face,<br/>"Ra'ken this is a new start and new beginning. What you were and what you have done no longer defines you. What talents you inherited and traits make who you are. What matters is in your heart. He is hidden right now and in time we will discover who that boy is. He has been walled a long time for your survival. Nothing you have done is your fault. You survived, no shame in that."<br/><br/>She saw tears pool in his eyes. The spell only lasted long enough for her to talk. Kate smoothed his hair in the back of his head. His shoulders shook and chin quivered. He was fighting not to cry.<br/><br/>"Let your emotions out. It is alright to hold onto me. Your safe now. The nightmare is over. Healing will take time. I will be patient. You need to be the same with yourself. You have much to unlearn and learn."<br/><br/>She stretched out her legs and leaned against the tree. Kate knew all was a lot for him to take in. She saw him as the adorable cub inside the shell of a man. Learning to be free would not be easy. Kate wrapped her arms around him.  She kept overlooking his form as non-threating as possible she spoke. She loved it when he looked at her face she knew slaves were conditioned not to.  Kate kept a light touch as she toyed with his hair and stroked his arm. She knew he hid his face. If he was crying he hid it. Or tried to. She let him save face and if he wanted to hug she hugged him back. The mage was not sure if his back was completely healed and avoided rubbing it.<br/><br/>She saw the company fall into formation as they were getting ready for food. She patted Ra'kan's arm and gave him a handkerchief from her mage robe pocket. "Stay here cry if you need to. Never stifle your emotions. Best to let them out. I am going to get us some mid-day meal. After we eat, you can help me pack."