The shaking would have been enough itself to get him to let her go, but when Diarmuid hears the desperation in her voice not only does he let her go, he pulls away almost as if he has been struck. Confusion and worry fill his face, with just a tinge of sadness hiding in his eyes.

Did she think he was going to hurt her? Of course, after that anger and admission that he has changed, perhaps he shouldn't be surprised. Still, it hurts. Deep in his heart, the idea she is actually afraid of him hurts Diarmuid a great deal.

"What? What is it?" He fears she has worse news for him and he is convinced now, right or wrong, the rest of their child must have died, if not in that battle, then in some other way before her death. "What hell did I leave you in?"