"Elfling Part Five" by Rachel N. LeBeane

chapter five

I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Smokey was right. This was awful. Some of the books Kalen had asked me to bring back were almost completely gone, barely legible in most cases. I was tired of looking through ancient books and sneezing at the dusk stirred up every time i opened a book and turned a page.

"Smokey, are we done yet?" I asked, trying hard not to whine. The look he gave me said I'd failed." Please say we are. Please please PLEASE!" I begged." My eyes are about to fall out of my head and go rolling across the floor. If I read another sentence, I shall perish forever."

"Alright, alright, stop being so melodramatic. If you're that tired, I'll take you back. Wouldn't want you to get sick. Kalen would kill me, as soon as he got well enough to do so." Smokey said, closing his book and stirring up a cloud of dust." Let me get these four into a bag and then we can run. Just wait here." He said, leaving the room.

I guess I shouldn't complain so much, but I was tired. Even the splendor of the dragon library wasn't enough to wake me up. The bright red and gold hues were sending me to sleep. I jerked my head up when Smokey came back in, carrying a bag.

"Pack up and head out to the balcony. I'll be out in a moment." He said, handing me the bag and going back into the interior of the building. It was his fathers private house, and I felt privileged to be allowed inside. But I needed the cooler air outside, so i hurried out to the balcony.

As soon as I got out there, I took a deep breath, breathing in the clear night air. Remembering that Kalen wanted me to practice my water summoning spell, I leaned the pack against the rail and cupped my palms together, clearing my mind.

"Water." I whispered, cracking one eye open to watch as water filled up my palm. I grinned and raised my hands to my lips to take a sip. Raised voices soared out of a window near me, and I froze when I recognized Smokey's voice.

" I still cannot believe that my own son would do such a thing. How could you, Akorishanrana? A demon, and one of the ones that killed your brothers. And the poor elf child...such potential, wasted by your carelessness." Harshina shrieked, her harsh words making me wince. All these references to Kalen as 'the demon' were starting to grate on my nerves!

"Rydia is much better off the way Kalen and I raised her than any way you could've raise her. If you'd gotten your claws into her, she would be a self righteous, feminist, snotty brat, just like you! I warn you only once to stay away from Rydia, Harshina. If I find you around her after tonight, I will hurt you." Smokey said, his voice once again cold.

Harshina switched tactics." You're not doing you duty to your people, Akorishanrana. You need to be looking for the silver dragon so peace can be brought to the dragons for all time. You won't find her with a demon." Harshina's voice was very snotty. Smokey snorted.

" It is my belief that a union between Rydia and Kalen will result in the Silver dragon being born. They are made for each other...they're just to stubborn to realize it! So,I'm going to wait for their daughter to be born, and then, when she's old enough, We will bring peace." Smokey said.

I gasped, and dropped the water onto the marble floor. Kalen liked me, or was I reading to far into Smokey's words? And did it really matter? Smokey thought Kalen loved me like I loved him, and thats all that mattered to me. If Smokey thought our relationship had a chance, then it did. Smokey was always right!

Elated by my findings, I did a happy jig across the balcony. "Kalen might like me, Kalen might like me, Kalen---" I stopped when I bumped into someone. I turned and blushed when I saw Smokey staring down at me.

"Might like you, Elfling? The man is crazy over you. Grab those books and lets go." He said, stepping away to shift. I scurried over and grabbed the bag, then I crawled up onto Smokey's back and away we flew.

It was a short flight back to Smokey's tower. He landed and I grabbed the books." I'll meet you in Kalen's room!" I shouted, hurrying down the stairs. Why I was in a hurry was unknown to me. I knocked and opened Kalen's door.

He and Cassandra were arguing about something. I came in on the middle of the argument."...no such thing, Kalen! You'll undo all the progress that has been made. Sit back down and wait until your better!" Cassandra was saying, quite sharply.

Kalen sighed and shoved a hand through his hair." I cannot sit here and do nothing much longer, Cassandra. I'm going mad. My wings long to be used and I can feel the hatred at my presence growing every second. That puts Rydia in--" Kalen turned and saw me." Elfling, how long have you been listening?"

"Long enough to know you're being stupid again! You can't go out flying until you're completely healed. You almost died, Kalen. Now, sit down and help me translate these things." i ordered, dropping the bag on the bed and dragging the chair over so I could sit beside him and make sure he didn't try anything.

He sat and pulled a book from the bag, sitting back on the bed." Ah, you found it." He said, flipping it open." The History of Hael was written by my great great great great great great...great grandfather, and every Dark Priest after him added to it. Even me."

"I get it! You're looking for the entry your father wrote, aren't you?" I asked. He nodded, absently flipping through and randomly reading things. " What did you add? You weren't really Dark Priest for a long time."

"No, but I was rather good at it. I revised spells and invocations that needed re-wording. Most of the parts written by me aren't recollections of my time as priest, but a reworking of the old ways. I figured I hand this over to my son, but I handed it over to Smokey instead." Kalen said, looking up just as the dragon came in.

"Well, someone had to keep it safe, and what safer place then here? Hand me that red book, Elfling. I'm certain I can read that." He said, sitting on the floor beside my chair. I leaned over Kalen, trying to reach the book.

"Here, Elfling, let me." Kalen said, restraining me with one arm and holding me against his chest as he reached for the book. His bare chest. I felt heat flare in my cheeks and tugged away. Kalen gave me a funny look and handed me the book.

"What can I do to help?" I asked after awhile, feeling worthless. Smokey glanced up from whatever ancient text he was reading and yawned.

"I thought you were tired. Why don't you go get some rest? I'm sure that Kalen and myself can manage for tonight." He suggested, for once not sounding so...princely. I nodded and got up. I gave Smokey a hug and turned to Kalen. He reached out, expecting the hug I'd given for over one hundred years before going to bed. Instead, I blushed and fled up the stairs.

~*~

I dropped my arms and looked over at Smokey, who was trying not to laugh." Do you happen to know the reason behind that, old friend?" I asked mildly, putting The History of Hael to one side. He shook his head, but his eyes were laughing at me. I leaned over and grabbed a fistful of his hair, pulling his head back. He blinked back at me in surprise.

"Cassandra and Rydia do not know how fast a demon heals. I'm shocked you would forget. The only reason I'm not up and about is the fact that I'm safest here, when your not with me." I grinned." And the fact that I'm rather enjoying Cassandras petting. Now, what is wrong with Rydia?" I asked, letting him go.

He sighed and rubbed the back of his head." My mother and I got into an argument at the library. Rydia overheard some of the things I said. I didn't say anything bad, but I might've embarrassed her." he said, smiling."Actually, I think she embarrassed herself once we got back."

"What are you trying to be to subtle about, Akorishanrana?" I asked, stretching ans letting my wings flare out. Muscles in my back pulled taunt and released. I sighed. Much better. He remained silent. "Akorishanrana...Smokey, tell me or I'll be forced to take extreme measures." I warned, lifting my hands and making cutting motions.

"You wouldn't dare try to cut my hair again!" He exclaimed, jumping up and hurrying across the room." I still can't forgive you for that. I couldn't show my face anywhere for six months!" I got up and clicked my nails together. He held up his hand and sighed.

'Fine, I'll tell you. I told Harshina about my belief that a union between you and Rydia will create the silver dragon. Rydia heard me say it and was rather happy about it." Smokey said, watching my face closely. I doubt my reaction was what he'd hoped for. Then again, nothing I do is ever what he expects.

"Dammit, Smokey! What happened to Selena when I admitted to loving her? My brothers raided the city the next night and slaughtered everyone! If word got out about my feelings for Rydia, she'd be killed. I won't be the cause of an innocents death. Even the dragons would rather see her dead than wed to me." I said, pacing the room.

"I think the choice is hers to make, Kalen. Just like it was Selena's. I've told you so many times that it wasn't your fault I've lost count! You're the one who beats yourself up about it. Your brother would've come after the elves anyway. They were the only ones who could threaten their power, especially with you with them. When you can come to terms with that, I think you can come to believe that a relationship with Rydia has a chance. Just think about it, Kalen." Smokey got up and grabbed all the books." I'll take care of these."

He went upstairs, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I needed to think, but I couldn't do it inside. I ran upstairs and took a deep breath, breathing in the cool night air." None of the dragons are out now." Smokey said as he walked in and set the old books down. I sat beside him, stretching my wings to their full length.

" I can't, Smokey. For one thing, I'd most likely run into Harshina. And I'm loath to leave Rydia alone with only you for protection." He snorted and bumped me with his shoulder." Not that you can't keep her safe. I've tried my hardest to keep your influence on her from being to bad, but I seem to have failed somewhat in that regard. Hence the reason why I'm loath to leave her alone with you."

Smokey laughed out right at that." If you're referring to the time I took her with me when I went to the Were-creature Festival, she asked to come." He said, handing me The History of Hael again. I flipped idly through it.

After awhile, I gathered the courage to ask the question burning in my mind."Akorishanrana, do you truly believe that Rydia could...could love me?"

He thought for a moment, then answered in a way only true friends can. Brutally. " Honestly, Kalen, I think she always has, in her own way. The only thing holding both of you back is your own stubbornness. In the last couple of years, Rydia has allowed you to touch her more frequently. I think that if you don't act on your feelings soon, she'll try to push you emotionally, the same way she has done physically." He said.

I tipped my head back and looked up at the stars." Your not helping." I muttered, opening the book to the middle. Then I drew in a startled breath." Smokey..." Wordlessly, I passed it to him. After a second, he began to read the ancient runes aloud, translating them unconsciously.

" I cornered Kongo in the Antechamber today. He was mad, throwing dark magic at me like a child. I could think of nothing to do against him, but I knew I had to get him away from the women. Hael knows what he would do if he met up one of the wenches or our wife." Smokey paused." You all shared one mother?"

I nodded." Yes, it was the way, back then. That way, each trait gets passed on. Continue, please." Sighing, he did so.

" So, I did the only thing I could do. I bound him to me and transported him to the arctic. I left him there, frozen in the ice, but I doubt he'll stay long. If I had enough time, perhaps I could get an elf to pull the spirit from his body and banish it, but I lack the relations with them and the skill. So I will do what I can and destroy him in the only way I know how and leave the empire to my son and nephews, as my brothers will die giving me power. In a way, I pity them, as this threat will come back stronger than before. Now, I must say my goodbyes to my family and go face the Darkness."

Smokey was silent for a moment, then handed the book back to me." Your father doesn't sound like a bad guy. Do you remember this happening?" He asked. I shook my head." Ah, to young. It ends there with his writing and is picked up again by Melkin's addition to the book"

"So now we know. "I whispered softly." Why they killed the Elves. Rydia can stop Karsh. We have a chance, Smokey, if I can pull off my end of the barging."

"That, my friend, is the only guarantee we have. "Smokey said, clapping a hand on my back." You're the most powerful mage alive, and well versed in many magics, not to mention able to pull upon the powers of Hael if need be." He stood." Let's go for a small flight."

I was very restless, and the urge to stretch my wings was strong. Still, I hesitated to leave Rydia by herself for long without someone to protect her." Do you think Rydia will be safe?" I asked, looking back at the small room just off the main chamber to where Rydia slept.

"Perfectly. What harm can come to her in my lands?" Smokey asked, shifting forms and leaping into the night. I sighed and threw myself into the air, snapping my wings open and feeling my soul lighten and I caught the wind and flew.

~*~

I awoke in a sweat, my heart pounding. The nightmare had been awful, with black phantoms and wraiths of death. Shaking, I got up and pulled my sheet around me like a robe. Then in search of Kalen.

"Kalen? Where are you?" i called softly, padding into the main chamber. A torch was flickering on the wall, and the books lay open in the pool of light it threw. Curious, i knelt beside them.

The writing was one of the few Kalen had refused to teach me. Hael Script was written in blood and evokes the tounge of demons. Something about this page bothered me...Almost like there was something there I had to read. Wonder if Cassandra can translate it?

"Cassandra! Cassandra, can you...Cassandra?" I pushed her door open and stared in at her. She was laying on the floor of her room, blood pooling around her frail body. She was still alive, trying to pull herself upwards.

"Rydia...beware the...the queen...shes...mad..." Cassandra croaked, falling over. I dropped the book and ran, catching her as she slumped sideways. I pushed her robes back and stared at the bloody mess that was her chest.

"No no no....Cassandra, what can I do?" I asked, wiping at the tears falling down my face. She grabbed my hand and pressed it to her cheek." Please, Cassandra...hold on."

"Nothing to...be done for me...run, Rydia...he comes..." With a sigh, Cassandra drew in her last breath and passed on. I bent over and wept.

"Oh, Cassandra...why? The Goddess can't have meant for this to happen. It wasn't time for you to die yet. Why aren't I a healer? Kalen, where are you!?" I cried, rocking back and forth with Cassandra's body. Then I heard a dark voice speaking outside the door.

"In here, you say? Yes, I can feel it. Thank you Harshina. You shall be rewarded for your help...yes, I won't forget. Now, get of my back and leave. Go delay my brother. Kill him if you must." The man said.

I slowly stood as the door opened. A tall, regal man with very large horns on his head stood in the entry. He bowed to me." Lady Rydia. Pleasure to meet you at last." He said." My name is Karsh, if my darling little brother neglected to inform you of that fact." Karsh started towards me.

"What do you want? Kalen's not here!" I said, backing up until I bumped into Cassandra's dresser. He sadly shook his head and kept coming forward.

"Lady Rydia, my goal has forever been to find the last Elf. You, along with my brother, are the only ones who can stop me from fulfilling my world domination plan. But I can't kill my brother, because his powers are great and I want them. But you, my dear...you're expendable. Kalen has known and guarded you for years. Now, I shall do to you what I did to your sister." He said, lifting a hand and pointing at me.

I figured delay was my only chance." What do you mean? Selena died after she cast the holy summon spell." I cried, feeling behind me for a weapon to throw at his head. Nothing. Why does Cassandra have to travel light?

"My dear, do you not know? Your sister lived after she cast the spell. I came upon her while she lay dying and...lets just say we had our fun. Very sweet girl. I can understand why Kalen seems to have an obsession with your family. You show the same promise as Selena did." Karsh smiled a cold, emotionless smile. " I truly cannot wait to see Kalen's face when he learns that Selena had lived after casting her spell. It will destroy him to learn that."

I knew Kalen well enough to know that was true. He would blame himself and not even Smokey could dissuade him from doing himself bodily harm. I had to make sure Kalen never learned about this. But how? What could I do? Think, Rydia...use your brain...

Dragons! I'm surrounded by dragons. They should respond to my call the same way forest animals do. If all else fails, I know true names for two very powerful dragons. They'll answer me. Quickly and quietly, I began to Summon.

" I do wonder, though, why Kalen hasn't tried to use your power to bring back his beloved. It's a well known fact that Selena was his life. Having her little sister cast the spell would surly bring her right back." Karsh mused out loud. Then he shrugged." No time for wanderings now. Lady Rydia, are you prepared to go to Hael?"

" Only if you go there first!" I shouted, finishing my spell and throwing my slipper at his face. He ducked and I ran by him, to the top of the tower. Three dragons were circling, but one wasn't letting them land, and, since I hadn't called Smokey, no one was rude enough to push by her.

"Harshina, let us go to the Elf! She has called for us! She needs us!" One cried. Harshina racked her claws at its belly." Betrayer! How could you?"

"The Elf is with a demon! All demons want is death and destruction! You think the Elf is still good after all this time with the demon? Crazy! I merely get rid of both of them at the same time. And he has promised to bring my Anaxagoras back to me!"Harshina cried, sweeping close to where I stood. She saw me." Die, Demon whore!"She spat, knocking me over with her tail.

I stumbled back and was caught by hard arms. These were not Kalen's gentle hands that lifted me. Karsh had me now. I bit and kicked, but nothing broke his hold. He swung me over his shoulder and smacked me to get me to be still. I kept kicking my legs, trying to knee him anywhere I could.

"Stop fighting fate, you fool. You're going to die now. Get use to the fact that some things are out of your control. Do not worry, though. Kalen will be spared your fate. I'm going to slowly drain away his power until he is no more." Karsh said, dragging my head back by my hair.

A shot of ice came down from above, making Karsh slip. He kept his grip on me and glared into the sky, baring his teeth at the white dragon that was circling. Smokey shot ice at his mother and snapped at Karsh as he dove by. Karsh shook with the force of his rage and pulled me tighter to him.

Up in the air, Smokey laughed coolly." Oh, boy. You're in for it now, Karsh!" He shouted, dive-bombing his mother. Directly behind came Kalen, rocketing towards us, his face a mask of fury. Karsh sighed and pushed me away from him.

"You're date with death will have to wait, my dear. Little brother has come to play." He said, flaring his own wings and jumping toward Kalen. They met in mid-air, slamming together with the force of an avalanche.

The crushing sound was enough to make my teeth hurt, but I knew I couldn't stay there doing nothing. Scrambling back to my room, I grabbed my bow and quiver. When I ran back out, Kalen and Karsh were ripping into each other high in the air while Smokey guarded them from Harshina's increasingly desperate attacks.

"Smokey! What can I do?" I called up to him, He swooped down near me, and I jumped onto his back. I held on for dear life as he angled himself upward. "How do I help Kalen!" I called.

He looked back at me, glacial eyes worried." By staying alive. Elfling, this is a fight only Kalen can participate in. But you can help me. Every dragon can be wounded by an arrow in the eye. It won't kill us, but it will take us out of the sky. Can you hit my mother?" He asked.

In answer, I notched my bow and aimed at Harshina's right eye. Calmly, I pulled back the string and let it fly. As always, I didn't miss. Roaring her anger, Harshina fell to the ground and flopped around to try and get the staff out of her eye. Two large male dragons landed beside her and tried to escort her away. She snapped at them and glared up at me.

"I will see your death, if it is the last thing I ever do!" She shouted, quickly switching forms and running off into the night. I turned my attention back to Kalen. He was bleeding from a multitude of shallow cuts, and one of his wings had a tear in the membrane.

His brother, on the other hand, had only one or two deeper cuts on his chest. Karsh laughed and racked his clawed hands down Kalen's chest, taking away strips of skin. I shoved my fist into my mouth to stop my scream. " Smokey...why is this happening?" I whispered.

"Kalen is a great fighter, but Karsh has been trained in the ways of battle since birth. Kalen has the advantage in magic, though, which was why, I think, Karsh wanted the Lich within him. They have the knowledge of all the demons who have died. Unless we can pull that spirit from him, Karsh can easily kill Kalen." Smokey said lowly.

"No!" I breathed, trying to imagine my life without Kalen and failing." I won't let it happen." I swore. Karsh grabbed Kalen by the neck and squeezed. I swung my bow up and aimed.

"Brother, you should know better than to take me on without the aid of your magic. I'm ashamed of you." Karsh yawned, show casing his rather large teeth. " I grow weary of our battle. I believe that we will meet again, yes?" He asked casually, as though he was talking about a family gathering and not about killing his brother.

"No, you won't. Even if you get past me, the dragons will kill you." Kalen choked out. Karsh laughed lowly.

"Oh, my brother, you are mistaken yet again. You will not be stopping me from leaving this place, and neither will those over grown lizards you've decided to hide behind. And do you want to know why?" Karsh continued before Kalen could speak." I've always liked evening the odds in my favor. With one blow, I can keep the dragons occupied and you busy.' Karsh's grin was evil. " The dragon need their prince...and you, my brother, won't want to let that delicate little Elfling you've protected all these years die, now would you?"

He whirled and threw something at Smokey. He grunted and then a great arch of blood spewed into the air. I looked down at his side and stared at the spear sticking of of Smokey's side. That wouldn't hurt him...

"Its coated with Dragons Bane!" Smokey bellowed as his formed switched and he plummeted towards the ground. A nearby dragon swooped down and grabbed him, knocking me away in the process.

I screamed as I fell, certain I was going to die." Kalen!"

~*~

When I saw Rydia fall, my heart stopped beating. I'd seen one love die, and done nothing. There was no way I would do that again. Not even if it meant scaring her to death. I reached deep into the inky pool of my magic and felt the changed I hadn't experience in over four thousand years pour over me. I didn't dwell on the fact I was changing into the dreaded black dragon in the middle of the dragon lands and folded my wings, speeding up to catch Rydia as she plummeted towards the forest below.

She saw me coming, but the fear or disgust I expected to see on her face wasn't present. Instead, she reached for me, arms wide and eyes pleading. I gently scooped her up in my paws and headed towards the ground. I shifted again just as I landed, going into the form Rydia was most familiar with. I fell to my knees with her in my arms.

"Rydia..." I breathed, burying my face in her chestnut hair and trying to regain my breath. i was holding her far to tightly, and I knew the dragons would most likely kill me for touching her, but I didn't care.

Dimly, I felt her hands creep into my hair and brush it back, much the same way I did when she needed comfort. That she was doing it to me after what I'd just shown her was inside of me was uncompromisable.

" Are you okay, Kalen?" Rydia asked softly. I pulled away enough that I could look at her. Her green eyes were wet, but I could sense no fear on her, only great relief and anxiety for me. I couldn't help myself, I leaned forward and kissed her roughly, then pulled her closer, rocking her as I held her tightly against my chest.

"I am now, Elfling... I am now." I said softly, looking around. The dragons had landed and changed forms around us. Some were watching me with hostility, but the majority seemed to be speculative more than accusing.

Rydia pulled free and palmed my face. "You're dragon was beautiful, Kalen." She said, I tried to pull away, but she held on. I could have broken her hold, but I truthfully didn't want to let go of her yet. "No, I mean it. It was beautiful, and that you'd do that to save me, assume a form you hate, tells me a lot." She smiled slowly, but it was a radiant smile."Do you love me, Kalen?"

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. After swallowing a few times, I managed to speak. " Rydia, now is not the time nor the place to-" She interrupted me.

"It's the perfect place. Now, I want an answer from you, Kalen. Do you or do you not love me?" She demanded. I looked away and stared at the nearest of the dragons. He was studying me right back, and for the first time, I saw not one bit of disgust in the gaze of another who wasn't my friend. Maybe Rydia was right. Maybe now was perfect for such an announcement.

"Elfling...Rydia...I just fell about forty feet in the form of a black dragon in enemy territory to save you. A few days back, I got stabbed through the heart for you. If these actions don't show you how i feel, then I guess I am forced to say those words aloud." I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. " Yes, Rydia...I love you. I tried hard not to, in fact, I hated it, but its a fact I cannot deny."

My eyes remained closed, so I wouldn't have to face the disgust on the faces of the dragons. Instead, I heard someone clapping. I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was Rydia's face. She was beaming, and when she saw my eyes open, she threw her arms around my neck and kissed me repeatedly on the lips.

" Took him long enough." The weak voice was Smokey's, but the humor in it reassured me. I wanted to explore how deep Rydia's feelings went, but Smokey was my friend. I was tempted to fly off somewhere with Rydia and not return for a long while. From the way she held me, I knew Rydia wouldn't mind. Still, I pulled Rydia back and looked to my left.

Smokey was laid out on the ground, his color bad and his breathing irregular. Beside him lay a bloody spear. It had gone right through him, piercing his kidneys and probably a liver. A dragon was kneeling beside him, trying to fix his wounds. I could see that he wouldn't last long if we didn't get a healer.

"We need to get Cassandra. Rydia..." I trailed off when she gasped and clung to me tighter. "What is it, Elfling?" I asked.

She looked up at me with tears in her eyes." Cassandra's dead, Kalen! Karsh killed her. Does this mean Smokey will die?" She asked. When I didn't answer right away, she choked on a sob and buried her face against my chest.

Smokey looked at me." You do it." He ordered. I shook my head. He glared and nodded shortly. " Yes, Kalen. I will die without the proper care. I need a healer, and you are the only one here who has had any training in healing magic."

"My magic is dark, Smokey, or else I would," I said, feeling torn. Everything in me demanded I heal my friend, but if I touched him with my magic, it would likely speed up his death.

"I know that. Rydia's isn't. Let her be the power and you guide it." Smokey said. I felt my face go smooth. He spoke before I could protest." I know you won't want to do it, but I will die without treatment.": He said.

Rydia stirred. " If I can do something to help save Smokey, Kalen, I want to do it. What is he wanting you to do?" She asked. I looked away and shoved a hand through my hair.

"Siphon off your power and use it as my own." I said lowly. " It would allow me to use my knowledge to cure Smokey, as I would be using your power instead of mine. It's dangerous, though. I can take to much and you'll die, or not enough and Smokey will get some tainted magic in him. Either way, tis dangerous. I won't-"

Rydia put her hand on my arm, the soft touch stilling me. "Do it. " She ordered." I know you won't let anyone die. Please...help save Smokey."

One by one, the dragons dropped to their knees and reached out to me. " Save our prince. Please, save our Prince." I took a deep breath and felt the pendant Cassandra had given me grown warm from were it rested on my chest.

"Rydia...give me your hand."