She froze in horror, with no place to hide as the door slowly creaked open. There had to be a way out – even a temporary hiding place that would shroud her from view for a few moments.

Her thoughts were disturbed as she heard Thorn's voice (which she could know identify), saying,

Relax, Samila. It's only us. Her temper flared, and she crossed her arms, annoyed with the pair for having scared her so. She glared at the two as they stepped in and closed the door, before opening her mouth to speak.

"You could have warned me, given me a signal, or-" Murtagh cut her off with a wave of his hand.

"If somebody heard us talking, then they would either know I was hiding something, or think that I've gone crazy."

"Then you could have at least opened the door faster, instead of giving me such a fright!" He shrugged, looking at his shoes.

"I didn't know if you were done changing yet." A silence followed, giving each human a chance to observe the other's change of clothes. Murtagh had changed into a red tunic with slight gold embroidering, and a brown pair of trousers, along with leather boots. He even had a new belt for his sword.

"Well, you look royal," she observed dryly.

"And you're skin is black and blue," he retorted. Samila was surprised by the sudden sharp tone in his voice. Did she do something to annoy him?

"What's the matter," she questioned, taking a step closer.

"It's nothing," he replied hurriedly, still staring at the ground. "It's just that I'm nervous." He was silent for a moment. "You have no shoes." Samila rolled her eyes.

"Aren't you the keen observer? I never had any. Didn't have the money to buy them. That's why I go the bruises." She grinning and touched a finger to her lips. "Thief by nature and way of life. How else would I get food?" Thorn fixed her with a stare of disapproval.

That's not a good way of life. Samila put her hands on hips and retorted,

"It was either that or starve. I chose live, so too bad. Apologies for not being a girl with high and mighty noble morals." She glanced over to Murtagh, wondering if he had any input. He was rummaging in a small closet, and came up with a pair of moccasins. Handing them to her, he grunted,

"Use them. They'll be slightly to big, but you'll grow into them."

"You mean I can keep them?"

"Yes. I have no use for them now. I use boots." Samila slipped the shoes on and wiggled her toes.

"Fair enough." He was right. They were slightly too large. Only by a small amount, though. At least they wouldn't fall off. Murtagh turned to face her.

"Now, what to do with your bruises."

"Well, there's not much we can do. They'll never heal by dinner."

"Yes they will. Give me your arm," Murtagh commanded.

"No," she shook her head and retreated back a few steps.

"I won't hurt you. Just give me your arm. Trust me." They were silent for a minute or so before Samila slowly extended her right arm to Murtagh. He grasped her wrist in one hand and put his palm over one of the bruises.

"Waíse heill," she heard him say, and then turned her head to watch as the bruise disappeared, leaving only her pale skin behind. Gasping in disbelief, she stared at the young man before her, stuttering,

"But-wha-how?" He grinned at her amazement, finding it amusing.

"Magic." With this said, he proceeded to heal the rest of her visible bruises and cuts. It took about ten minutes, but when he was done, Samila looked as it she had never been injured at all. She was still in awe of what had just happened.

"Whoa," was all she seemed to be capable of saying at the moment. Murtagh flicked her forehead.

"Stop stuttering, and let's go. Is there anybody outside?" Thor snake his head around the door and peered from left to right.

I see nothing.

"Good," Murtagh replied, and opened the door a little wider, glancing out himself. Finding the circumstances suitable, he motioned for Samila to follow the two of them. She did so without complaint, more interested in her surroundings that her anxiousness. They passed through countless hallways, so many that Samila was surprised that the two could navigate through them. Fmially they came to a large door. Murtagh Stopped, and turned towards her.

"Well, it's time for you to meet the king."