Dragoncrest Cliffs when it's time to get ill, we'll be so ahead of time --

she rose and he followed. behind her the sea glittered, waves pounding in symphony with his heart. she beckoned him to the roiling surf, but val's bravery ended there.

a high pitched whine sounded in his head. he shook his head -- no -- he could not do it. even such proximity caused beads of terror to ice in his veins.

children poured from the cliffside in raucous cries. his anxiety ebbed as they rose to mireille's call, playing along the enormous swath that was sapphique's kingdom.

he would watch for a time -- wanting -- but kept his feet on dry ground.