A/N: Excuse typos and tell me what you think of this chapter.

Chapter 32- Erik.

The morning was so soft and warm that Erik couldn't resist a slow stroll up the hill to the left of his home. The dew was still dampening the grass, the smell reminded him of the few good times he had as a young boy, when he had a father that cared enough to rescue him from his mother. Of course, his father had died and his mother abandoned him and the memories, over time, had faded into obscurity. But the fresh smell of spring mornings made him remember some goodness.

It was very nearly spring; he counted early March as spring, even if it wasn't entirely correct. It wasn't his favourite time of year, he was a distinct fan of winter. He liked winter's clear skies, how quickly the weather could change, how cold the air was and how the grass crackled under his feet when he trod on it. He revelled in the fact that the night time ended late and began early. Yes, winter was his favourite season.

He took a cautious glance back over his shoulder, not ignoring the feeling in his stomach that he shouldn't leave Christine alone just yet, it had barely been four weeks since she had been moving around freely or had even felt well enough to wrap herself in a shawl and sit on the outer decking of the house. As he looked back he noticed that her drapes were still closed and, satisfied that she wouldn't need anything for a while, continued his path up to the top of the hill.

As he turned to look back down at his house he felt a sharp pain in his back which threw him to the ground with a thud. He dropped onto his knees, groaning in the pain and reached quickly for his sword, drawing it out and rolling over to face the offender.

It was a large black dog, panting like a lunatic wanting to… play with him.

For a moment Erik stared, still sitting on the ground, at the stupid animal. He considered, still, running the buffoon through but changed his mind when he heard the calls from the other side of the hill. He pushed himself to his feet and looked over to see a young woman running up, stumbling and cursing profusely for the temporary loss of control of her mutt.

The dog stood there panting and then began to bark, looking from her to him and then back to her again. Stupid thing, he thought, surprised it doesn't walk backwards and wag its head. He attempted to hide his disdain.

'Reg, you're a bad dog!' said the woman as she reached them. 'I… oh dear.'

He had obviously failed.

'I can only… I can only apologise,' she reached out her hand, apparently to shake his but he noticed that the hand was about two feet wide of where he was standing. He moved around, intrigued, and took it gently in his, shook it once and let go.

'It's fine,' he said, watching her carefully. She smiled. She had a pretty smile.

'Emily,' she said, holding the smile. He looked at her.

'Erik,' he said.

'Lovely to meet you,' she said. 'Was he bothering you?'

Bothering him? Erik thought, he looked at her more carefully and then he saw it in her eyes.

'He knocked me over,' he said and her mouth gaped in shock.

'Oh Lord… I'm so, so sorry. Are you hurt?' she said, placing her hand on the dogs head and rubbing his neck until she picked up his rope.

'No,' he said honestly. 'I'm okay, just taken by surprise.'

'He's never done that before, have you Reg?' she said, patting him gently on the head. Erik smiled.

'Reg?' he asked and Emily giggled.

'He's an old English dog, a friend gave him to me… Reg seemed fitting,' her giggle made him smile wider.

'Would you like me to walk you back to where you need to be, Emily?' he asked.

'Say that again,' she said softly and he frowned, holding his arm out for her to take.

'What?' he said, genuinely confused.

'My name, anything,' she said and paused. 'Has anyone ever told you that you have the most wonderful voice?'

'No,' he replied modestly, feeling a tingle of unfamiliar embarrassment along his skin. She felt his arm and took it gently and he slowly began to walk down the hill.

'You don't mind me walking you, do you?' he said, looking down at her.

'Of course not,' she answered. 'I don't get much company, so it's nice to have someone to walk with.'

'I don't often see many people over this side of the hill,' he said, walking slowly.

'Neither do I,' she said with a small laugh.

Erik smiled.

Of course not.

She was blind.