<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;"><strong>Ashley</strong> with Alfreic Slate in the woods</span><br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I am... surprised to find you here," he said very carefully. He turned to look around him, feigning disinterest in the face of extreme paranoia. "I do not know what you mean," he said finally. Indeed, Ashley's words seemed to decrease his confidence in his sanity. Her words made no sense to him, try as he might to allocate meanings to her statements. <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Ashley sees the confusion in the large man's eyes.<em>'He is hurt more than I have thought. First I must convince him to trust me.'</em>Thinking a moment, she decided that maybe if she touched him as she spoke, there might be a better chance of them helping each other.<br/><br/>Ashley slowly got off of Firefox and approached the wounded soldier with her hands hanging loosely at her side in a gesture of one who is both a friend and harmless.<strong>"Yes, I am surprised to be here. I was with Ivy and Emogene, but they have gone back to the Manor; and I am here now."</strong>She continued to walk toward Mr. Slate until she stood within arms distance from him. In a soothing voice she added,<strong>"I heard a noise through the trees and when I came to see, I saw you,  and so I am here Mr. Slate."</strong>Adding a bit of soothing to her voice, she continued,<strong>"You are hurt, and I will help you, if you will just but let me."</strong>Reaching out one hand she stated in a firm but clear voice.<strong>"Take my hand Mr. Slate, this hand will not hurt you."  </strong>