Mercedes Lackey - Elvenbane

"But..." she began. He shushed her.

"We will enjoy it," he said. "The Kin do not thrive on a life with no challenges."

:I'd like to go too, if you'll have me.: That thought-voice was unexpected, and she turned to stare at Mero, who shrugged. :If I go with you. I won't have time to brood. I think I can be useful. Besides...it would be awfully lonely without you.:

She nodded acceptance, slowly. "I'd like to have you, Mero," she replied. "Thank you." : It would be awfully lonely not to have you along .

He smiled shyly, and she was surprised at how good that smile made her feel.

"Well, we'll start in the morning then, shall we?" Father Dragon said.

She looked from one to another of them...and suddenly, no longer felt as if she were being exiled a second time.

Not an outcast; a forerunner. That's not so bad a thing to be. And my friends and family will be with me.

"And we'll be behind you, counting on you," Denelor said softly, as if he had read her thoughts. Perhaps he had.

"In the morning," she agreed, as Mero nodded. "In the morning we open up a whole new world."