She felt a hand reach up and wipe away the tears. "Sirrah," he whispered, "I want you to be happy. More than anything..." He put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her in close. She flinched and began to shove him away out of reflex. "Sorry," he said, hurt in his voice. "I didn't mean to..." he began to stand up. "You...um...you can forget what happened yesterday, if you want. I was just...being stupid, I guess." He began to walk away, but she grabbed his hand.
"Ph-physical contact," she choked out. "I...I'm not v-very good with it. Just w-warn me when you're...gonna do that...and I'll be...be okay..."
She felt stupid. She felt vulnerable and defenseless. Against every bit of her better judgement, she had let this man...this Elven man...get close to her...even touch her casually. But she didn't want him to leave.
"Sirrah," he said quietly. He turned to her and smiled. "I'm going to hug you, all right? Is that okay?"
Sirrah nodded, practically unable to speak through her tears. Forget it, she thought, and simply dove into his arms.
* * * * * * * * * * * *