Totoka River dearheart

Starbuck felt, now, as though she was tethered to Deirdre by the weight of her gaze alone. Something strange and wonderful was taking place within Deirdre, and Starbuck watched avidly, curious to see what affect her words had.

Alone? Oh, how could Starbuck know? She wished more than anything to give firmer guidance than what she knew, but how? Ah, how her heart beat madly to see the look in Deirdre's eyes. How the other had found fierce clarity in Starbuck's words. But knowledge was a heavy burden, and Starbuck now only wished that she could chase away that shred of fear that had emerged. Sighing wistfully, she stepped carefully until she was face to face with Deirdre and bowed her head, pressing her forhead to the side of the other's neck. Her breath stirred the soft hairs near Deirdre's ear and hoped that she was offering comfort.

If there is only one thing that is certain in this world, my dear, it is that we are never alone. When the time comes, I will stand beside you. This I swear to you, Deirdre.