He Will

Instead of going directly back to bed as Master Cighal had instructed, Jaina returned to her twin's side, in time to hear her sister-in-law's words.

She could feel the turbulent emotions building within Kyrra, and knew that her sister-in-law was close to walking a path she'd long given up years ago.

Jaina stepped closer, reached out, and placed a supporting hand on a slender shoulder. "Jacen is strong, he is loved, and he will return to all of us who love him."

Kyrra drew in a long, shaky breath and reached up, placing her hand atop Jaina's, grateful for that slight weight she'd felt land upon her shoulder.

She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to center herself again, trying to draw upon the sense of strength and assurance that Jaina represented. But...it was like trying to find one small spot in a huge turbulent ocean where the wind and waves weren't lashing at you with all their ferociousness.

She slowly exhaled...but still felt those raw emotions lashing at her, as if they were trying to wrap about her ankles and pull her over the edge whether she wanted to go or not.

"Jaina," she said softly as she opened her eyes and looked at the prone form of her husband lying so pale in his hospital bed. "Help me keep hope alive...I fear if I lose it completely..."

Shifting, she turned slightly to look back at her sister in law, her eyes full of raw emotion. "We've already lost so much, if we lose him too...," her voice cracked slightly.

"I feel like I'd lose myself too."