Well from a Romantic point of View... I did feel that he had a more a strong facination with Annerose, but reinforced with the ideal that he was in love (first sight). I don't think Annerose truly realized/felt the same way though.... due to the situtation where she was being sold off. Though later in the story it seem there is a transparent bond between them. The Bonds that I see is the full-fillment of protecting Annerose's Brother (Reinhart) when asked. How else would you impress someone or create a stronger bond by protecting the one's they love. Like from a Parents point of view the Son/Daughter-in Law that marries there off-spring; in hopes that relationship goes in a pattern of support of each other (the couple) in the Pinnicles of life long relationship.... The other is seemingly the aura accepttence in having a relation-ship (though it is slight), to enforce this point is when Reinhart brings/invites him (Kricheis) to see his sister, as if it would seem apparent where it would be as important for Kricheis to visit as would Reinhart to visit Annerose too, like if it was an obligation (eg Family Duties/obligations---> which is also known to be practiced highly among asain cultures). _______________________________________________________ Say Bye to Slow Internet! http://www.home.com/xinbox/signup.html