IV. Laiquaninwa elee

I'm soaked, now.

The rain has been pouring for hours, since day turned to twilight, and twilight turned to night. There is no moon tonight, thankfully. Only darkness. I remember Flikka and her consuming fear of the dark. She will not be out tonight.

My hair sticks to my face, and finally, I cry. I have not cried since I was a child. Rain mixes with tears, one becomes the other, until it is no longer discernable where tears end and rain begins.

"Cernd! Oh, laiquaninwa elee!" I must be hearing things. I've heard that those close to death do such things.

Druid, if you die before my pup gets to you, I will personally tear you to pieces! And I'll start with something best left untouched! Voices in my head. Definitely close to death.

A pale face looms before me. My eyelids are so heavy, I can barely make out the worry and despair in those familiar grey-violet eyes.

"Flikka?" I ask wearily. "Go away . . ."

"Look, Cernd," she says. "If you don't love me, just tell me. Don't run away and pretend it never happened. I love you, no matter what you've done. But please, don't leave me wandering around in the dark. Tell me."

"I love you, Flikka," I whisper.

And underneath an apricot tree, a transmuter and druid embrace while a faithful dog stands watch.


Laiquaninwa elee - Elven for "blue-green eyes" and is one of Flikka's pet names for Cernd.