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herever so lightly because, of course, he never believed she could really support himwas very attractive. He had never yet touched any part of her but her hand. She was at his left side because she had noticed it was his left leg that was lame. Forgetting completely the injury to his shoulder, Walter raised that arm to lay it across Sybelle's shoulders and barely bit back a howl. |
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Although Walter actually uttered no more than a low grunt, Sybelle was instantly aware. She slipped swiftly to his other side, slid herself under his good shoulder, and put her arm around his waist. Surprise and a wave of vertigo made Walter sag against her, but she steadied him and began to move slowly away from the group at the hearth. By the time they came to the exit from the hall, Walter was supporting himself and Sybelle was able to dismiss the fear that despite his objections she would have to call for help to get him up the stairs to her grandmother's room. Nonetheless, he did not withdraw his arm from Sybelle's shoulders, nor did she suggest that he do so. |
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Inside the chamber, she steered him toward a stool and gently released herself. Sybelle had been frightened when Walter first leaned on her so heavily but soon recognized that it was only a momentary weakness. She knew she could have left him to walk by himself, only she found it very pleasant to be cuddled against his side. Perhaps if he had not been so damp, had not been wearing armor, and there had been a discreet way to prolong the embrace. Sybelle would have done so; however, under the circumstances, it was not practical. |
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"Stand a moment," Sybelle said, leaving him near the stool while she rapidly made up the low-burning fire and then thrust a long splinter of wood into the flames with which to light candles. Having done so, she came back to Walter and bent to catch the hem of his hauberk. "Now sit," she ordered, as she lifted the mail shirt. She had it up chest high when she remembered that he could nor raise his left arm without pain and paused. |
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"Take it off," Walter said, understanding her hesitation. "I do not know why my shoulder is so sore, but I have had the mail on and off several times." |
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"I can summon the armorer to cut it off," Sybelle suggested. "Just the sleeve, which could be easily mended." |
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