Feeling the cool air on my face as well as Ugin's heartfelt words made me look up. Ugin had flown us to his favorite spot and I looked out as well. It was a beautiful sight.

Finally, I was able to find my voice.

"Ugin," I whispered softly. "I'm scared." Tears once again filling my eyes. "What happens if he comes here? He might hurt you, and I."

Ugin pressed me closer to his chest and nodded.

"Please don't worry Sera, I know that you are afraid and I can understand that, but believe me when I say that that monster of a man cannot hurt me and I will make damn certain that he will not get you. You are my treasure, and I won't let you go."

With those words, Ugin began to sing. I knew he was trying to make me feel better, and it was working. I felt the fear in my heart easing, and after a moment I began to sing softly as well. At first my voice was barely above a whisper, and then it gained in strength. Soon I was in full song, feelings, thoughts, and emotion gave way to words that came from my heart as I sang.

"Lost, and alone

So far from home.

I was so afraid

Did not know my own fate.

I was so cold

I had no hope.

This world was unknown

I had nowhere to go.

Trapped in the dark

Fear in my heart

There was no light

Still no Hope in my sight.

Darkness abound

Would I be found?

By friend or by foe

Or forever be lost, and alone.

Then I met you.

You gave me hope

You gave me a home,

A place to call my own.

You gave your heart

You showed me love

You are my best friend

I love you to the end.

I'm not alone

With you I'm home

I'm no longer scared

I know that I am safe.

I've a gift for you

A song from my heart

Please hear my voice

May it fill your heart with joy.

I sing to you

I share my song

There's joy in my heart

I hope that you feel it too.

I'm not afraid

For you to hear

My song magic that

I want to share it with you."

Ugin once again took flight, spinning gracefully as I sang. I let my emotions flow freely, and magic came forth wrapping us both in rainbow light that merged with Ugins own magic. I felt his power, his love, his might comforting me, reminding me that I was not alone, that no matter what I could not, would not ever give up. That no matter what happened as long as I had Ugin things would be alright.

After a while, Ugin landed again.

"Are you feeling better?" Ugin asked.

I nodded and hugged him.

"I am sorry that I almost gave up hope."

Ugin nodded. "It is alright, we all lose hope sometimes, even me. I lost hope after my twin died, but then I met you and now I have even more reason to care."

"Thank you Ugin," I said, hugging him.

"Perhaps we best get back," Ugin said, "those three are still here. Are you ready to deal with them again?"

"Yes I am Ugin," then I grabbed onto him as we returned to our home.

When we got back home, we did indeed find them waiting for us.

The elf woman spoke when Ugin landed. "I understand now why you do not wish to go back to your world, but perhaps we could find you another human family. I am sure that we could find you a loving home with humans or elves out there. The multiverse is a vast place."

I snuggled into Ugin, but my voice was steady, and firm.

"I understand that you are merely concerned, but don't be. I already have a family. A family that cares for me more than any human family ever could. Ugin is my family, and he is all I need. Please don't argue this is my decision, and if you want proof of this feel free to read my thoughts."

Jace did indeed read my thoughts, then said, "she is serious. If she is truly happy then we have no right to try to change that."

Nissa looked ready to argue as did Chandra, but I did not let them.

"Please I ask that you respect my feelings. I know that I am much younger, and perhaps not as wise as you, but I know that this is what I want. With that I spoke to Ugin. Let's go home, Ugin.

He nodded, and stepped into our home, leaving them outside.

Once I had Serenity settled after dinner and she was sleeping quietly on my chest, her head snuggled against my heart, did Jace Belerin speak to me.

"We are leaving," he said.

"Good," I replied.

"We did not mean to cause her any pain."

"Well you did, but fortunately for you, Sera is a strong girl, and I was able to guide her through it. She will be fine at my side," I added.

Jace nodded.

After a moment I asked: "what will you do now?"

"I want to go back to Arkos to find out why they lied and why that man wants her back so badly. Sera explained it in her thoughts, but I want to understand it first hand."

"I see," I said. "I will not stop you, but if he tries to come here, you must tell me. That way I can protect her from that monster."

Jace nodded. "If I find out any evidence of that I will send you a warning."

"Good," I replied. "Good fortune Jace Belerin."

Jace nodded and went back out to leave with Chandra, and Nissa in tow.

I heard Jace leave, and snuggled into Ugin again.

"They are gone," he told me.

I nodded and hugged him.

Ugin took several deep breaths, his chest rising, and falling in a steady rhythm.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"Yes," he said, then stroked my face with his finger.

I snuggled into his heart, stroking his scales. We both sighed at the same time which made me laugh a little, and Ugin smiled.

"Get some rest little one. It has been a hard day."

I nodded and closed my eyes listening to his heartbeat as well as his steady breathing. Within moments I was fast asleep. No bad dreams, just the heartbeat of my beloved Ugin to guide me.