Lily startled awake again, as she relived the tragic events that led her to end up here, in her dream. At first she thought it was the sound of her parents screaming in pain as the burning tree hit them, but quickly realized it was the voice inside that woke her. I told you they would pay, and they are. You are free now . . . do not cry for them, they held you back! Now you can live your life the way you have always wanted to. Learn what you want, no more limits for you!How could she possibly be having such thoughts? Yes, she had wanted to enjoy a little more freedom, but she never wanted them to die, any of them. Her open eyes were greeted by the muted light that snuck in behind the dark curtains of the room, and in that light she could see him. He was still in the window sill where he had been when she fell asleep, Lily wondered if he was sleeping. She wanted to ask, but thought better of it. If he was asleep, best not to wake him, in case he was quick to anger. She regarded him silently, watching his back rise and fall as he breathed. Despite tying her here and apparently deciding not to let her cover herself, he hadn't hurt her. He hadn't even raised his voice to her. Her thoughts drifted back to his brief caress of her stomach, gentle, though his hands were rough and held much strength. She certainly couldn't say she didn't enjoy it just a little.
Lily wondered if he lived here alone or if there were others here . . . if there were, she might be able to convince them to let her go. She would have to wait and see what would happen. He stirred where he sat. He must have been asleep she concluded. That was good! She didn't think she would be able to ignore the nagging emptiness of her stomach for much longer. It was almost painful. When was the last time you ate? Well, I guess that would depend on how long you had been here before she woke up. Great! Maybe he intends to starve you too, but that wouldn't make sense. Why save you and then starve you to death? She quickly pushed those thoughts aside.
"Excuse me. Are you awake now? I...I really do not mean to bother you, but I am really quite hungry. Do you think that I might be able to have some food?" She waited patiently for a response. At first he sat there, like a statue - unmoving. She feared he might actually plan to starve her, but as the thought entered her mind, he stood silently and nodded. She watched from the bed as he stretched his arms over his head, showcasing the amazing collection of muscles in his back. In the daylight she could now see that there were markings on his back. A dragon? The creature seemed to be etched underneath his skin, as if someone simply had drawn on him. Lily had never seen anything like it before and found herself wondering what it meant. She watched as he turned toward her, and made eye contact. It was the first time she had actually been able to see his face. Angelic! That was what the voice told her anyway, though he obviously didn't behave in an angelic way. That thought seemed to be greeted with a slight smile from him, as he passed her and left the room.
It was only moments before he returned to the room with a platter of fresh fruits and what appeared to be cheese. Lily's family had not been poor, but they rarely had extra money to buy either of those things, instead spending their money on grains and meats. Food that would last awhile and be used in a variety of ways. Seeing them on the platter just made Lily even more hungry and her stomach started to protest loudly. She shifted slightly in the bed as she watched him sit down on the edge next to her. Oh please . . . please untie me! My wrists are aching so much. Just for a little while, please? She silently pleaded in her head. The ropes had cut into her skin from her struggle with them the night before and they were very uncomfortable.