100 "I release you from that promise," his Lady
told him, "of my own free will, and of my own desire I break the bind.
Are those not the proper words?"
101 The Hawk went down on his knees and took her hands. "They are the
proper words, but are they given out of love, or out of pity?"
102 "Oh, DAMN you," cried The Lady Hawk, "I give my consent, for
whatever reason accept it! Go to her. She burns. She's desperate. I
made you make a promise that I should have known your Lords would make
you break. Don't you understand? THEY gave her to you! For whatever
reason, for whatever purpose, They made me understand what your people
mean when they say 'Love is all the greater when it is shared.'
103 We couldn't keep this from happening if we tried. It is alright.
Understand me. I never dreamed I'd say it, but it's true. It's of my
own free will I gave my consent. Now, she burns. It is her time. She
needs you. Do not return until she sleeps."
104 "I do not know why," moaned The Hawk, "but I keep getting into these
situations! I don't even know the woman's name!"
105 "It's Blue Blossom," informed The Lady Hawk "her husband's name was
Newt, but don't call her that. Now go!"
106 The Hawk slipped off his outer robe and boots, and walked around
the curtain. There was little conversation; there couldn't be...neither
knew the other's language, but in some things there are no need for
words.
107 When The Hawk slipped in bed beside The Lady, she spoke very
softly. "Is she or isn't she?" she asked.