"You stupid, stupid girl!" Roger exclaimed. His voice was loud in her sore ears. He whisked her up off her feet in a giant bear hug. It took Shelby a moment to realize what he was doing. Roger? Showing affection? It didn't make much sense to her. But after a moment she burried her face in his chest. She had been terrified when Shane attacked her. She had not been prepared to block such a spell and thought for sure she was dead. But the Black God had not come and so she hoped that was a sign she was still alive. Just as she began sobbing iinto his shirt he pulled her away. He gripped her shoulders with firm hands. "Are you mad? What made you come up with that absurd idea to go after Shane? He's more powerful than you and he's finished his training." Shelby heard concern in her teacher's voice. He was obviously worried. Shelby didn't reply. She only continued to cry. Roger hugged her once more. He held her against his chest. He never wanted to let her go.
When Roger had agreed to teach the girl he had only done it to be free from the torture he had earned. But he had grown attached to the little magelet. She had a deeper understanding of things than he could have hoped for. And her company was enjoyable. She kept him on his toes, asking him questions most people wouldn't have dared asked him when he was alive. The way she had become comfortable with him despite the evil he had done made him admire her. When Thom had brought him back everyone had suspected him. Not a soul had trusted Roger. Not even so much as to allow him in the palace library without someone to spy on him. It was for good reason but it had annoyed Roger. Shelby trusted and respected him, but at the same time she kept his head from growing to large. He didn't want to lose his only company.
Shelby pressed her face to his chest and let her tears flow. Roger stroked her hair, trying to relax her. Shelby had been frightened. When Shane shocked her. He had flooded her Gift with his own, making it bubble and swell. Her Gift had swelled up so much it filled her. It had stretched inside her being till it felt like her skin would explore. The pain had been excrutiating. Shelby imagined that was how it felt to be boiled alive. So it was understandable that when she found out she was not dead she broke down.
Roger let her cry for a few moments, then slowly peeled her looked up at him with blurry, blood shot eyes. He wiped away the last few tears.
"Promise me you won't go after Shane again untill your ready?" He asked her. There was pleading in his voice as he asked.
Shelby sniffled and rubbed her wet nose. "I promise Roger." It was barley a whisper.
"Good." He kissed her forehead. "I don't know what I'd do with my self if I lost you." He said. He hugged her once more. "Now off to bed with you. You need all the sleep you can get." He said.
Slowly the scene faded to black. Shelby slept the rest of the time without dreams.