"I don't know how long that is... But... If you wish to be here, I won't stop you. Perhaps you being in my life with enrich it." she gave a wan smile and then moved to sit at his side in a tentative manner, slowly moving so he could wrap her arm around her if he desired. "If you are sure, Mark..." and then she whispered her name into his ear. "My name is Merrin. But the rest of the world knows me as my pen name. Please... call me by my true name. It's been so long since I have heard it.