It surprised Maric when Nimue dropped to the ground and asked what had distressed him. Especially the manner in which she did so. And when she began to fix up the tea and sandwiches, he could tell that she was as upset as he was.<br/>Getting up quietly, Maric walked up behind her and rested his hands on hers. After gently pushing them down so that they dropped the items inside them, Maric pulled softly on her arms to turn his love towards him. When she was turned to face him, Maric lifted her hands to his lips, casting a healing spell on the one that had been burnt.<br/>"Nimue, it is not the fact that you talked back to me that hurts me." He assured her. "It is that you believe that I do not respect you. Nimue, I do respect you, I do not think you helpless, and I do not want you to simply listen to me without a second thought. I want you to be ready to fight. There is not a thought in my mind that says that you are helpless, but a hope that I can maybe make you more prepared."<br/>By now, tears had welled up in his eyes. He felt so strongly for the woman before him, and he felt that she could not see it at times. She was still not looking at him in fact. And so he took one of his hands from hers, and held her chin with it, lifting her gaze to meet his. The knight didn't even bother to hide his tears from her. There was nothing to hide from her. This woman was his wife, and he would keep no secrets from her.<br/>"Nimue, I love you. I know that you are not just any woman that is only good for chores. And that is just how I want you. You are my everything, and I want the world for you."