Hello, my name is Ethan and I am in need of help. I never thought that I would find myself in a situation where I need the help of others to decide my how my future will unfold. Before you can help me make my decision, I feel that I should give you some background information.

Katrin was one of the best warriors the city of Oakendale had ever seen. From bands of mercenaries, or armies that lay siege to cities to plunder the goods each city has when times are tough she has always brought the forces of Oakendale to victory.

Every man in the city wanted her as their personal conquest, so her comings and goings were a matter of public knowledge. Her days were spent first training new recruits to the guard. Her afternoons were spent training the existing soldiers some enhanced fighting techniques. Her evenings were spent at the millstone tavern. That’s where every man tried to win her favor.

Hoards of men would come to watch as “would be suitors” would try to win a kiss and take her away from the tavern night life to warm their beds. I had seen Katrin only once and had instantly fallen in love with her. The tavern was no dingy place; it made lots of money on the drinks sold to the onlookers and used its money to keep the tavern a place that was vibrant and magnificent to behold. As wondrous as the tavern was, it was nothing compared to her.

The tavern had hand crafted trims around the walls and doors. The trims adorned with polished gold designs, but the gold seemed to lack luster compared to the long golden blond hair that hung with loose curls along side Katrin’s shoulders. The custom painted night sky on the ceiling of the common room was elegant, and well lit to show the constellations. Katrin’s eyes looked like they were the missing focal point in the artwork. Looking into her eyes made you feel like you wanted to get lost exploring the vastness of space within

The joy that could be found in the tavern from the story tellers, jugglers, and composers singing their songs. All of it was nothing compared to the joy one could bask in from seeing the smile of those beautiful pink lips. She always wore her breast plate armor and it was always polished as were her arm braces and chain skirt. So the rest of her natural features were always covered up but looking at her in her armor was like looking at a figurine on a trophy or even a statue. Everything looked magnificent and was always polished clean.

As with everyday men would approach her in the tavern and bring a flower or family pendant of some kind and offer it as a gift then ask her if she would join them on a picnic in the countryside or at the lake to watch the fish swim.

Today however I was finally going to try and get a token from Katrin. I paid attention to everything about her whenever I saw her or the way she responded when others interacted with her. I know that some might think it creepy but I think the line between right and wrong comes after you are accepted or rejected. Remembering whats important to a woman shouldn’t always be seen as bad. Unless you can’t handle rejection and continue after she wants nothing to do with you.

Every once in a while there was a man that brought a golden sunflower and it would make the corner of her mouth reach up as if she wanted to smile bigger and brighter than ever. I saw that and knew that it was sunflowers that were her favorite. Many men would bring roses and tulips and all kind of other flowers but her smile never tried to escape her control.

Waiting for her flowers to bloom was hard. I worried that someone might have stolen her heart while waiting for the flowers to show their hidden beauty. Fortunaty that never happened, so I gathered seven and made my way to the tavern. When I got close I moved the flowers behind my back so that I could pull them out and surprise her. I wasn’t sure but I think seven was also an important number to her, she never trains with more than seven others at a time.

Katrin looked me as I made my way across the tavern. The men around the tavern always gave it away when someone came to try and win her heart, so I didn’t even try to be sneaky. Sure enough, the men I passed saw the flowers behind my back and make gestures to those ahead. They hadn’t made a sign for different kind of flowers but they had a sign for when someone was coming with flowers. The commotion in the tavern would rise and eyes would turn and Katrin could tell someone was coming for her.

She laughed as I approached. It made me falter. “Maybe I can give the flowers to one of the bar maids,” I thought to myself. “She’s already laughing which is never a good sign.” My feet didn’t stop, and I knew I needed her to stop laughing so I pulled the flowers from behind my back so she could see. The laughter vanished but the smile stayed. I knew down deep that the smile was something that she couldn’t get rid of, it may have come from her laugh but it stayed for the flowers. Her eyes looked to warm up and maybe soften a bit.

She raised a hand to quite things a bit so she could speak. The silence that came was the same as always. A low rumble of voices trying to guess what challenge would be issued if she issued a challenge, and how close she would let her opponents come to beating her with out letting them win.

“Boy, I’ll give you points for bravery. Coming into a tavern like this and the walk past all these men to approach me. Unfortunately you look a little old to be my squire so if that’s what you want I’ll make you do more to prove yourself worthy.” Katrin said, looking at the flowers with exquisite delight. Her teeth threatened to bit her lip but her self control won out.

Ethan knew the flowers were the right ones. “No, no, I don’t want to be your squire, I don’t want to think of myself as something less. I’m a young man, sure but I’m capable of great renown. I want to prove myself to be your equal and if I do, would you dine with me?” The words came confidently out of my mouth. I hadn’t expected this to be so intense and was glad I managed myself well, but to be honest with myself I had no idea where that confidence came from. I will admit that I practiced that line several times.

The crowd exploded with laughter at my proposal.

“My equal? You see all these men around you, many of them have sought my favour and left in disgrace at their attempts. Have you not heard that you must beat me at a challenge?” A small chuckle escaped her lips.

“I have, I have even watched some of these men try.” I said.

“What makes you think you can keep up with me then, when you have seen so many fail?”

Katrin wasn’t looking at the flowers or any of the men around her, she was staring right into my eyes and I could see something in them. Was itintrigue? Was it desire? Maybe it was something different.

“Funny, I thought you were the first that might be able to keep up with me.” I bantered back. I couldn’t believe how exhilarating it was.

 “I like your spirit, and just maybe. You know what, I’m feeling generous today.” Katrin said, her face taking on a devious look. “I’ll let you pick what the challenge will be.”

“Let’s start simple then, how about a race?”

“A race?” She smirked. “You’re on. Let’s make things interesting. If you win, I’ll grant you a request. A single request, but if I win…” She paused looking him up and down and side to side. She tilted her head looking at his arms. “You will be my servant for a day. You’ll polish my armor, clean my boots, and every nasty little chore I can find for you.” Her look turned a little devious.

I realized that my bantering might have been a mistake. She must have been embarrassed or offended because she was asking for a lot for one request. It almost didn’t seem fair.

“Ha, I knew it. Not so sure of yourself now are you?” Katrin spoke loudly so that everyone in the tavern could hear her.

“All of that on the balance of one request?” I said with some confusion.

“Yes, and ready when you are.” Katrin said slamming her mug down on the bar.

“Oh, you’ll race me in your armor?” I asked, still holding the flowers out.

“It will prove you are nowhere near my equal.” She replied coldly.

I was feeling a little chagrined. What had started out as playful somehow turned too serious. I passed the flowers to the barmaid. “Hold these for when she gets back. Even if I loose, I want her to have them.” I turned and made my way out the door. It seemed everyone from the bar followed me outside into the failing light. Katrin was at the back of the hoard of onlookers.

“What are the race parameters?” I asked, feeling sorrow. I didn’t mean to offend her and wasn’t sure how to fix it.

“At this point if you back out then it’s a forfeit. We will race to the highest peak of the mountain that this city sits on. The first one to that summit wins.” Katrin crossed her arms and gave a defiant look.

She had tied her golden hair back on the way out of the tavern and looked determined. A run to the top of the mountain was a horrible challenge. The city was built up on the mountain and the mountain had two peaks. Getting out of the city could be easy or hard depending on where one went out.

The tavern was at the lowest point of the city right by where the city guard were headquartered, which was also the center of the bottom. I could run out the front gate, around the city and then up to the top which was the slowest option. The fastest would be up through the city and out the top gates which had its own problems that could make it slower, the problem would be getting through all the city gates especially since some of them were restricted. The run through would take me through every segment of the city, first the merchants corridor, then the quarry zone, then the slums which was the old quarry, then lower populace, the scholars segment, the mid cast and finally the elite cast. The elite cast society doesn’t live at the top of the mountain but you do have to go through it to get to the top and they don’t like visitors in their part of the city.

I needed to buy time, and she was taking things too seriously. I had an idea but it was going to be tricky. “I don’t think that will be enough. Up a mountain is all uphill. I say we need to get there and back, running down hill requires someone being able to adapt not to mention that we need witnesses at the top so that there is no unfair play.”

“Loreen and Lorgan, take your horses and go up the west road path to the summit. Any of you who wish to see this gather with your horses and follow them up as far as the horses will go, then finish on foot to the summit but leave a path. I don’t want any complaints that the path is blocked.” Katrin announced to the whole of the crowd.

A man and woman ran for the barracks and more than a dozen followed while another group turned and headed towards the common stables. With all the people that left there were still plenty of people present to see the send off.

I wondered at Katrin’s words. She said she was feeling generous and he thought that she would make it easier on him but the turn of events was adding up to seem impossible. He knew he had until he arrived at the part of the city for the top cast to figure out a way in going through the city was the only way to win. Katrin wouldn’t have a problem getting in because she was the completely recognizable hero of the city and can go anywhere, has been everywhere.

We’re standing outside the tavern and I know I have to make it out of the city before daylight is gone or there is no way I’m getting out tonight and she will have no problem regardless of the time of day.

“Are you going to try to get through the city or are you going to try beating me going around it?” Katrin asked as she stepped up next to Ethan. She put herself in a stance ready to start running.

“I’ll make it through the city, that should prove we’re equals. I’ll even let you say when to go.”

She looked at Ethan with a new look. Maybe it was concern, maybe it was something else.

“You’re playing with fire, you do know that don’t you? Ready?” Katrin called.

I formed up in the same starting position as Katrin.

“Prepare to lose, if you make it back alive. Set.” She said, smiling again.

I could feel the anticipation. “I won’t die, and I won’t loose.”

She nodded at my last words and then called the last word. “Go.”

With no armor I got myself off to a fast start leaving Katrin behind. I still needed a plan to get through the gates, so that is what I set my mind on. As we ran I could hear the clanking sound of her armor behind me. People on the street could hear and they turned to look. Hands raised and pointed the sounds of her name spilling from the lips of many and that’s when I knew what I needed to do.

To accomplish what was needed I had to stay ahead of her but have her still within view. I ran through the merchants corridor, and all the tables were clear of wares, some still had merchants packing up but most were gone. The quarry zone had some men chiselling away at stone slabs that would become part of the stonework for the walls that surround the city. With all the riches the city had to offer, attacks were frequent enough and there always needed to be a supply of stone for repairs. The entrance to the mines was lit but no one was coming or going.

The slums had beggars down the whole of the street, they wouldn’t be out much longer. The ones that really needed the most help would be there all night. It was a sight that made me sad every time I saw it. I kept going at an easy pace, always looking back to make sure that Katrin was still behind me. The sound of her armor wasn’t enough, if someone came running up behind me and she took off on a short cut I had to be ready for it. I was passing streets of homes now, the whole time climbing the elevation as the city flowed up the mountain side.

Every gate was easy to get through. Most of them were unmanned and would stay that way unless the city was under attack. With no one blocking passage there were no lines of people waiting to get through. As I approached the last gate before the homes of the elite I could see a line near the gate. I turned to make sure that Katrin was still there. It was impressive with her being able to keep the pace she had set through the whole city.

Confirming her presence I started yelling for everyone to hear. “Commander Katrin, she comes. Get out of the Commanders way. Commander Katrin the hero of the city, she is on her way through the city, make way.” I repeated the call over and over. People at the gates started to move aside and turned to look. Once I got to the gates two guards stopped me from continuing on my way. They each held a Ranseur, a long reach weapon with a spike on the end with shorter spikes coming out of the sides. It also had hooks meant to disarm opponents when pulled back along a weapon and twisted to bind whatever someone was holding. The guards had them crossed blocking my path.

“Hold up there, no one comes through. I also highly doubt that commander Katrin is on her way.” One of the guards said.

I stopped right in front of the guard then turned and pointed. “There she is, and she said she would have me doing every nasty chore she could think of if I didn’t keep a head of her. I’m only trying to keep her path clear. Do you want her wrath on your heads?”

Katrin was getting close to the gate house now, close enough that Ethan caught a huge grin appear on her face. She probably thought that she had him now.

“Oh, my it’s her and she’s running.” The second guard said to the first. They both pulled back their ranseurs, “Make room, let her through.”

I held back the laugh that threatened to escape when I saw her eyes bulge and she pick up the pace. I turned seeing the weapons fully pulled back to let me and her through, so I ran beginning to cry out as I had before. “Commander Katrin, she comes. Get out of the Commanders way. Commander Katrin the hero of the city, she is on her way through the city, make way.” I ran for all I was worth, and when I cleared the people there was no point in keeping up the call and just stopped. She was far enough back that I could barely hear the echoed sound of metal on metal.

Once I got to the final gate there was a guard but he had no interest in stopping anyone leaving and so I ran the path through the woods until it reached the intersecting paths that went around the city.

I could see the crowd that had gathered at the top, I was going to make it before she did. I always could run like the wind, but I also didn’t want to beat her so badly that it would be embarrassing for her. Making her angry and embarrassed again would have the opposite effect of what I want. I started walking backwards trying to keep an eye out for her, it was no short amount of time I spent walking before suddenly she broke from the tree line in a sprint. She was missing her armor and some how I thought that I shouldn’t have been surprised. I had taken several breaks on the run and wasn’t sure what was taking her so long to catch up, but now I knew. She had been taking the armor off to lighten her load so she could close the distance, and without armor it was more of a fair race for her. Except that I had been walking and taking it easy so that she could catch up.

I turned and started running beating her to the summit, but just barely. Most of the crowd was cheering her on, and I was now a little scared that I might not win the race. As she caught up to me I kept pace with her, we were on the way back down and downhill running was dangerous. “I think I’m in love.” I said to her while running side by side. Katrin almost tripped and fell behind a bit, but I didn’t hold back or slow down. It wasn’t a lie, but I wasn’t going to give up at this point.

There was barely enough moon light to help find where my feet were landing, and it had been a long night. The on lookers had passed Katrin and me within minutes of reaching the summit.  Fortunately now I could see the outline of my surroundings beginning to take shape. The first rays of the sun were shining over the horizon and within a few hours there would be enough light in the sky to see.

I wasn’t sure how Katrin was feeling but starting the race with the armor on should have had an extra drain on her that should have her walking, so I stopped my pace and walked. I knew my limits and this had pushed my limits beyond anything I had ever done. I was wishing I hadn’t made the race twice as long as needed. I laughed at the thought especially since I would have already won and probably would have gotten a ride down. My thoughts rang loud in my head and I needed to stop thinking and listen, I knew that she wouldn’t be far behind and he didn’t want to get caught off guard.

I was nearing the gates and the sky was turning blue when I heard the movements in the woods behind me, so I started to jog. I didn’t want to burn my energy up now but rather wait until it was needed. I needed to keep a head of Katrin so I waited while she burned what energy she had trying to catch up again.

The guard house was now in view and I could hear Katrin gaining. I could see the guard but not well enough to know if it was the same man on duty as when I left the city. I watched and the guard pointed his reach weapon in our direction. I knew I would need her to get through the gates again so I waited for Katrin to catch up and matched her pace. “You’re, not wearing your armor anymore, you’ll have to stop and identify yourself too. The question is when I tell him we are in a race, will you compete with honor and be honest or lie to win?”

“You dare challenge my honor?” Katrin raged and pulled ahead.

“Your honor hasn’t been challenged yet. That will happen when you stop at the gate.” I yelled and then ran harder.

We both got to the gate at the same time, and I waited for Katrin to speak first.

“Guardsmen, it is I Commander Katrin step a side and let me through.” She ordered as she slowed and stopped a couple feet away from his weapon.

The guards eyes lit up with recognition and before speaking. I took that moment of surprise and spoke up. “We are in a race, please allow us both to continue this competition.”

The guard turned to face Katrin. “Is this true?”

Katrin cursed then turned to look at me. “It is true.”

The guard passed and I kept pace with Katrin in silence. There was so much I wanted to say. Most of all I wanted to give my gratitude for her integrity. I didn’t say anything because I could see the conflict in her eyes. I could see the exhaustion in her legs as they trembled so I slowed a little to see if she would slow as well or keep her pace. To my surprise she kept up her pace and so I resumed keeping the pace she had set. I watched her leather boots hit the ground with each stride and kept my feet moving with hers. My medium length brown hair flopped with each of my own foot falls helping me to mentally regulate my pace.

Katrin screamed and then came to a stop, and I stopped at her side, then walked with her.

“Do you feel the pain of having run too far?” she asked.

“I feel the exhaustion due to the lack of training. But pain, no not yet. I always thought that it would be near twenty miles.”

“No, it’s eighteen when you don’t run with armor. It’s less when you are foolish enough to run with armor and brag about it. I had planned to take the armor off at the gates and then put it back on during the return trip. In my anger I ran further with it on and have not had the time to put it back on. You were very clever with your entry to this part of the city on our way through. No one has ever made it through the gates racing me, and so I have made it to the top before my challenger every time.”

“Thank you for your honesty when coming through the gate back there.” Ethan said.

“Normally I wouldn’t stop and wait for a response. On the way through the first gate the guards wouldn’t believe the man claiming we were racing, and I would just yell for all to get out of my way. The guards would let me through and hold a challenger behind as if he were trying to be sly and get through because he saw me running. On my way back in I would not have a challenger anywhere close and would have time for a casual conversation while putting my armor back on. You were lucky with the timing.”

“Well thank you all the same.” Ethan had energy to start jogging, he had never run out of energy the way she had. “Why do you do this? Aren’t you tired of being alone?”

“I want someone who wants me for me, not because of my fame. I want to be wanted, and needed but not because I’m a trophy. I fear that’s all anyone sees.” Katrin admitted. “And you, you’re no different than the rest.”

“That’s not true or fair. You can only be approached at the tavern, but I saw you plenty before you became famous, your father just kept a tight leash on you.”

Katrin snorted a laugh. “You have no idea what the general was like.”

“I saw you plenty of times as he walked you through the city as a child. I even saw the day you tripped and fell in the mud. I watched as he pulled you up and took you to the fountain and threw you in to clean off. That was actually the first time I saw you. You may have been drentched but when you came out of the water, that’s when I saw how beautiful you are. Even like that you took my breath away, I wanted to help but I was more afraid of your father. Also if you want proof that it’s more than just wanting your fame I’ll tell you that I know you love sunflowers more than any other flower.”

Katrin turned and looked at me. “I’m sorry I don’t remember you, and what makes you think that’s my favorite flower?”

“The flowers, I know because every time someone tries to give you sunflowers I see the corner of your mouth try to rise with a smile but I also see you supress that smile. As for remembering me don’t worry about it you are usually preoccupied.” We walked in silence for a time after I told her that. The silence was killing me after so I had to do something so I got us back to the race. “Well we have a race to finish. I’m looking forward to that request.” I took off at a run. I did turn to look at Katrin she tried to run but then stopped. I knew the pain must have been bad because she was holding her side when she stopped.

When I got close to the tavern I ducked in between a couple of buildings and waited for Katrin to come to the tavern and finish her race. I wanted to see if she would give up and quit or come in after anyway. It took some time but she eventually showed up running past at an easy jog. I was well rested at this point so I sprinted to catch up to her from behind.

The tavern was close, the crowd was cheering her on. That’s when she turned and saw me and then kicked her jog into a run. With the gap extending I ran as fast as I could to catch up and then matched her pace when I got close. The crowd cheered her on and gave me snide remarks, but that was okay I finished the race just a pace behind her. It was my way of letting her keep face with the city.

Katrin turned on her regular boastful self for the audience. “I knew it. You’re just like all the others and my heart is not so easily won. You did stay close so I will give you a second chance to win my heart, if you have something of sufficient value for it.”

The crowd roared with laughter at me, but I didn’t let it bother me. I won the race and from the look she was giving me she knew it.

She raised her arms to silence the crowd. “Let him give his answer.”

I looked up at her, and as serious as I could manage my face I gave her my response. “I don’t know that I have something of equal value to your hear, but…” The crowd resumed their laughter but Katrins arms were waving them to silence. “But… What do you think my soul is worth? Is it worth enough to you?”

The crowd changed from laughter to the low sounds children give when they see adults kissing or when someone gets in trouble and Katrin blushed. “Well, I will have to think on this offer. Although I believe you have to clean my armor today so let’s go retrieve it.” With that the crowd began laughing again and then to disperse.

Katrin and I walked back through the city to go find where she had stripped down her armor. With no other ears Katrin spoke up. “You should be careful with your words. I may just hold you to it.”

“It might not be enough but it’s all I can give, however since you’re thinking about it I should assess if your heart is worth my soul.”

“Why did you let me win?” she asked.

“What would happen to your reputation if you lost? And maybe I wanted to see if you are a good sport or a bad winner.”

“So you’re protecting my reputation but also leaving things for others to challenge me for my heart?” She asked.

“Your heart is something you should give when you’re ready, not when someone beats you for it.” I felt my response was the best way for her to see more value in herself and to keep that value.

We continued to walk and talk through the districts of the city. Getting through the gates was easy walking with her than it was when we were running. I knew it was going to be a long day for both of us with everything we had been through. A race that lasted through the night and then walking the whole of the city again.

“I’m going to go to the top of the short peak to enjoy the view, care to follow or are you going to make me come back down and clean your armor?” I asked. I wanted to enjoy the view with her. I felt it might have been romantic and that it might bring us closer together.

“Technically I did win, so you should be the one cleaning my armor.”

“Okay. I’ll clean it but I want to go up there and enjoy the view for a short time, since we’re already up this far again. Hey wait a minute, why didn’t you ride up here for it or send someone?”

“We wouldn’t have had time to talk.” Katrin said with sly smile

“I have a question for you, actually it’s more of a test of character riddle.” I said.

“Ask me your riddle then.”

“What does a rose say when it blooms?”

Katrin thought for a moment then arched an eyebrow at me. “Am I the rose? Am I supposed to say something like ‘pick me I’m yours’ or ‘I bloom for you’?”

“While those would be nice answers, they are wrong. The rose knows it’s beautiful. It doesn’t say anything. Many people see the roses as they pass by, but the roses only share their fragrance with people that stop to take it in. Some people cut the roses and take them home but that starts the death of a rose. Yes you might be the rose but I don’t want to cut you and no rose only blooms for one person.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She asked, sounding insulted.

“It means I don’t want to change you, or control you or remove you from what make you what you are.”

“Oh.”

“What does a blind man see?” I asked as we approached the peak.

“Another riddle?” Katrin sighed. “I’m not a fool, so don’t you dare try to make me out to be one.”

“I’m not, these are character defining riddles. You can learn a lot from what people say.”

“A blind man can see what’s hidden in the dark.” Katrin said.

She wasn’t looking out from the peak; she had her focus on me, and looking back the way we had come. “People who are blind can hear better, smell better, but can never see a view like this. It can only be described to them but never having seen color it’s still indescribable. The answer is, a blind man sees what we miss hearing, he sees what we can’t smell.”

“Ethan, you’re too poetic for me. I’m a hard person, everything around me is hard..”

“Yet you reject all the hard people that come and try to get close to you. Maybe you don’t know what you want.” I got down to my knees next to Katrin, not in front of her like I was kneeling to her or going to propose. “There are two more riddles I have for you, they will tell me if a relationship with you will work for me. Look at the world beneath us. None of what you can see can rise to match you. Not even I, so what will you do?”

Her hand went to her chest. “You really think that I’m beyond all that?” her arm extended and her hand waved across the view of the world.

“Animals have no need to climb to the peak, and the few that may come stand here, won’t rise above you. Flying doesn’t count because if we could fly we wouldn’t stop until we reach the highest height. Everyone has the potential to rise but few rarely take it, so what’s the answer to this riddle.”

“I don’t see a question.”

“This one requires an action.”

Katrin sits next to Ethan. “I choose to come down to your level.”

Ethan turned to look at Katrin. He looked down at her lips and back up to her eyes. She didn’t move. He knew she had gotten the riddle wrong but she looked so beautiful. He leaned in to kiss her and she pulled away.

“Oh, I don’t think so. Not yet Ethan.”

I let go of a breath I didn’t know I was holding, then got to my feet and walk away.

“Where are you going? We just sat down?”

“I was on my knees, not sitting, and I don’t think I can have a relationship with you.” I said with a tear in my eye, then I turned and walked away, it was the hardest thing I had ever done. I walked until I was out of sight. She called after me as I walked away but I had to ignore it.

When her words fell silent and she was nowhere to be seen he stopped and waited. He didn’t turn to look, he just forced himself to stop the tears.

Within minutes Katrin came walking up behind me. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Her anger was almost tangible.

“Please forgive me for what I did.” I said. I still hadn’t managed to control my own emotions, my voice cracked as I spoke betraying my fellings and I was about to cry again. I could hear the rage in her voice.

“Forgive you, no. You walk away because I’m not going to kiss you.” Katrin kept walking in rage.

“Thank you then. I said there were two riddles and you failed them both.” I said. “You were right about being hard.”

Katrin turned on her heels with rage in her red eyes. She had been crying as well but her hardness looks to have squashed it. “I failed?”

“The kiss wasn’t a riddle, it would have been a moment. The riddles were these. When you can rise above people, what will you do? The nature of people is to leave them down, either come down to their level for a time to interact or to look and talk down to them. You didn’t choose the worst but you didn’t choose the best either. Pulling people up, helping people rise above what they are is the best quality.”

Katrin looked stunned, she had nothing to say.

“The second riddle was this here and now. I’m not perfect and neither are you. Everyone makes mistakes but if you can’t forgive someone for something like this, when things get hard down the road will you hold back forgiveness when others give it? Or would you build resentment and eventually end things. I can feel how much I want to be with you, but I know that your nature isn’t to bring me up. You were ready to take offense at any time that’s why I can’t invest in you.” I walked past her letting the water in my eyes that had welled up begin to fall silently.

“Ethan, don’t. Please wait.” Katrin called. “Forgive me?”

I stopped walking, and now you see my dilemma. She is asking for my forgiveness when she wasn’t willing to give it moments ago, but now she wants mine. So my question is, What should I do? Should I forgive her and build a relationship, Should I reject it because her nature is what it is?