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I refused to believe that Krolaun could be slain so easily. He'd always been there for me, been the shoulder I could cry on. Such strength was not so easily defeated. Gently, I took his hand in mine, silently willing him to live. With my other hand, I pushed a pale lock of his hair back over this slender, pointed ear. He seemed to take some comfort in my actions, but I could not be sure. I glanced uncertainly up at Cal and Dark, but both of them were concentrating on bringing Krolaun back to us.Please... I silently begged him, Please...don't leave me...
Suddenly, he began to stir, I rose and stepped away, releasing his hand. He opened his grey eyes and looked around at us all, "I made it back..." he said weakly.
"Shh," Darkstar admonished, "Just rest."
Krol looked up at me, "Thank you, Kat..."
I turned, uncertain, "Don't thank me. Thank Cal and Dark. I didn't do a thing."
He would not take that grey gaze from me, "You did more than you know..."
"Enough," said Darkstar. He and Cal helped Krolaun over to the comfortable sofa by the bar. Quinn wandered back over to our usual table by the fireplace. I stood there near the doorway, glancing outside to the solace and safety of the darkness. Then I looked back into the warm light of the taproom. As the others began chatting amongst themselves again, I felt alienated. I felt so very alone. I took a step towards the door when I heard Krol, "Kat..."
I turned and he motioned for me to come to where he was. Slowly, I made my way through the tables. Stopping just short of the couch he reclined on. Silently, Cal and Dark left he and I alone, going back to those they were chatting with before. I glanced down uncertainly at the elf; he in turn looked back up at me.
"You can come closer you know. I don't bite," he grinned, "Very much..."
I managed to smile as I knelt down beside the sofa, "Do you need anything? Water? A pillow, perhaps?"
"No," he said, "No, I don't need anything."
I looked down at the hardwood floor, uncertain of what to say or do. I felt his hand on my hair, gently running through my dark locks. My green, cat-like eyes glanced up at him and I was caught in his grey eyes. I rose, abruptly, "I must go..."
He looked up at me, with what looked like disappointment in his eyes, "Must you?"
I shook my head, "I'm sorry...I have to go." Quickly, I strode out of the inn, desperately trying to escape the strange feelings I could feel welling up within me.
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© E. Angeli Mansfield 1999