when he turned, guille remained. her coat was a pleasant void for the drown of dilated eyes, and he fell into it before her paladin's voice and greystone eyes pulled him from the inkwater waves.

up one step upon the star path, and then the other.

it felt as if he was ascending.

"their fears are those of the world. they are wise to have them. but there's more to fear. and i don't think they see it."

he could hardly see it.

"a nuisance." he smiled in a floating way; "better that than a threat."

he blinked at her.

"and you? are you in my number?"