* * *

"You've paid this price over and over, yes. But now you pay it to me, who can actually give what you want in return."

He whimpers, his shoulders shaking. "How? I never understand this. How?"

* * *

I promised her that I wouldn't leave her alone. Now I can fulfill that promise--

* * *

I glance back at 'Sy, and am validated by the shock in his eyes. "Vailem," he croaks. "But... it's been years. We'd just left Chethar when he disappeared."

* * *

"You're testing your limits, lad. At this rate, I think I see you a fair bit more often than your Father does."