So far I think that this story might be coming along. There's going to be some slight changes as to what I had planned going on BUT hopefully its all for good! So read, enjoy, and review if you must and I'll try my best to update more often.

Oliza walked out of the midwife's small abode and looked up at the sky. It was late but the midwife had still received her in confidentiality and with not qualms as to why the late visit. Oliza took in a deep breath and walked through the paved streets towards her home. Rest had been unattainable through the whole night and the effects of it were finally felt. She turned a corner on the streets and in her haste did not realize at first the she had collided with a very shaggy and weary looking Ulrik. She looked up at him blankly for a moment as her racing thoughts clouded her reaction. It was obvious that he had been running about in the nearby woods, a ritual so natural and usual to him.

"Oliza…" He took her in with his somber gray eyes and smiled loosely. It had been a while since he had been able to look upon her face so calmly and closely. "What are you doing at this hour… and unaccompanied? Were you waiting for my return?" A playful smile played upon his handsome features faintly at his last remark.

Oliza tried to smile but the many troubles that occupied her thoughts held her from doing so. "Business Ulrik…" She felt uncomfortable under his penetrating gaze and so instead of looking at him directly, she simply looked away and began to walk off.

Ulrik didn't look at her but his hand managed to grab her arm and stop her from fleeing. Oliza stopped and decided to not struggle against him but closed her eyes as his lips began to graze her hair and cheek softly.

"It has been a while since I have had you this close to me… Please let me take pleasure in your company… for at least this moment." He whispered hoarsely and the many emotions that he felt for her were struggling to be released.

They stood like that, both close and united for a single moment in the shadows of the night. Ulrik's hands caressed her arms and held her hands in his and caught Oliza by surprise when he placed his hands on her lower abdomen and stayed there. Oliza tried to pull away fearfully, somehow he knew of her condition and by the look of his solemn face he was not content with it.

"It would be foolish to think this child would be mine…." His words were barely audible as he finally released Oliza from his grasp and took a step back as if in defeat.

"How…?" The look of amazement was firmly imprinted on Oliza's face as she tried to speak but Ulrik cut her off.

"I saw you visit the midwife and that was all I needed to see to know that what we had must remain in the past… I understand now. You have love for your people and a passion for what you stand for and I cannot steer you away from that. Go Oliza you need your rest as much as I need mine tonight." With those words, Ulrik turned and lost himself in the darkness of the night shadows as the feeling of desolation would not leave Oliza alone. She sank back into the hardness of the wall and took a few breaths before to regain composure and then made her way towards the palace and to Avaram.