The Sentinels castle on a cloud

the lake, once again, deirdre responded with a smile. deirdre had not known him before, but the boys spirit seemed lighter and rannoch himself seemed to have more of an open minded. they continued their deep discussions, and the boy listened well. deirdre remained understanding to his situation and forced none of her perspectives upon him, but when he asked for her thoughts she readily supplied them. deirdre was a fair woman, and remained so. rannoch easily found his place in deirdre's heart; she adored him, and found she wished he did not have to go so soon. but watching him move, she knew it was time; his injury, at this point, was gone. he limped, still, but deirdre knew this was due to fear. it was not said, however--deirdre kept the belief to herself, knowing that this would be something he would soon discover. together they moved to the lake, which they had slept nearby; it was not so far away from them that they would be walking for very long.