<span style="font-style: italic">“I don't want to be the Chosen One.”</span><br/><br/>Motto wasn’t entirely sure what she said mostly due to his attention being on the symbolic mark on her back.    What a tremendous honor to be in the presence of the Chosen One !  He would serve her with his entire body and spirit.    The place she described for leavings sounded strange but he would use their customs.   Although he would not need to ask another woman to show him when the Chosen One would be with him.     Motto’s head nodded and he shook his head.  He would  keep constant vigil.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> “So. Are you gonna sleep in the bed they prepared for you? Or at the foot of my bed?"</span><br/><br/>Motto hadn’t given it thought.  frowning his moved his eyes to her arm.<span style="color: #00BF40">“Close enough to you in order  to always…” </span>He struggled for words.<span style="color: #00BF40">“Do not fear.  I will care for my body in order to protect from all things evil."</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“You uh..going to just spend your last night in comfort alone?” </span><br/><br/>Troublesome man.  Agitation flashed briefly in Motto’s eyes.  He not alone at all.  The Guide seemed intelligent enough to know that!  Was it a joke of some kind?  If it was one thing Motto did not like it was feeling stupid.  He had heard the whisperings of his birth village; each time he arrived to purchase goods.  They all considered him slow in the mind because of his extreme solitude.  Only once did he set foot in the tavern and it was an unhappy memory.    Did this Guide think the same way?    Motto was tempted to ignore the man completely but it would be unwise in this circumstance.  His sacred duty was now ...His eyes softened upon her back.  He felt a deep joy at fulfilling his task.  The Chosen lay peaceful before him; safe in his strong watching.  He would protect her every moment without ceasing until her time.  A small pain in his chest was felt, causing the mountain dweller to absently touch it.    He needed to answer the Guide and respect him.  It was no time for pride or comfort.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00BF40">“I am warm enough.”</span>He lied.  It wasn’t nearly as cold as the mountains but Motto hadn’t slept for days and his fatigue was settling into his bones.  It was time for him to take rest.  Just as he did with sick lambs, he would keep his touch upon her while sleeping...only not in his close holding this time.   Heat rose to his face and Motto blinked several times.  She would not be familiar with his way but it was to be and that was all.  She was small and soft.  She would be no trouble.<br/><br/>Motto moved to rest his side against her bedding and moved a blanket to expose her foot, slid his hand up and placed a hand on her calf.  The moment skin touched skin, both Dox and Motto’s symbolic markings would glow briefly.  Motto only noticed the smoothness of her body beneath his hand.  Now he would know her from all other creatures and guard her fully.  Her sound he knew, her scent and appearance.  Now Motto held her small warm limb and let his eyes close.    His head dipped downward and slumbering came.<br/><br/>If nothing more happened, he would dream of her.  Her small female body delightfully uncovered and she appeared content. He was her strong Escort.  A wolf was there baring its teeth but only for a moment.  Motto tore it’s head from it’s body.<br/><br/>The morning would bring a warm sun and lively smells.  Motto yawn and stretch, moving his hand away and standing.<span style="color: #00BF40">  “Lead me to the latrines please.”  </span>His eyes were bright and his stance was happy.    His private part’s firmness was not able to be seen  as his wrappings were always careful.  It would feel good to empty his full bowels.