sounds like hallelujah

ALISTAIR Alistair nodded, accepting her offer to hear her story. Though he appeared distracted by sketching he soaked in every word. "You were forced to grow quicker than most at such a young age...I can't imagine the weight suddenly placed on your shoulders, sent off to marry one you hardly knew..." Than she went on and the tale grew darker. Mentions of branding hinted other forms of abuse were not far off, but he didn't pry any further. He took in only what she allowed him to. Alistair often wondered what it was about him that made people open up with little in terms of pressure. It was something he never took for granted. Unprovoked people revealed a vulnerability. Any other man would like seize the advantage, weave words to string a wounded or lost heart, and capitalize on it for their own benefit. Alistair, simply listened. Growing up alone as long as he had, and finding himself feeling alone once again...he understood the value of just being there, being an ear for their voice. "You chose to survive. Despite the loss and the odds against you. You chose to survive...and here you are. A princess without a kingdom to lead, without a reason to exist in fear...being crudely drawn by a stranger in this strange land. That is...quite the path you forged for yourself." Adding finishing touches, Alistair handed the pad to Rexanna as his fingers raised to scratch along his stubbled chin. The sketch held a muted realism, as if she had been looking through a hazy mirror. The fullness of her lips, doe-like gleam in her eyes, the faint signs of the brand...Alistair captured her beauty to the most minute detail, such as the subtle sleepy-eyed puff of her eyes, drawn to endeer instead of insult. Every facet of her face handled with the up most care. "So now what? You have a chance to forge a new path, a chance to be more...What will you do?"