"You alright?" Shea sat down beside Alba, holding her as she trembled. "I will be, eventually. You saw?" "That's all I care about - you're alright. I did." "That's part of why I did what I did...in case anything like this happened -- well, and other things," she managed a smile. Shea made her happy, even when everything else seemed to be falling down around her. No one of her own kind ever had. Her race was so old, they were all rather stoical, emotionless and so very 'correct' about everything. They barely touched each other - even friends and family. Shea was the complete antithesis of all those things. It had caused them a few problems at first but eventually, she came to understand it's just how he was...and she liked it. However, he was quite capable of being serious, focused and logical when the need arose. She liked that too. His touch made her feel better, safer, stronger. Maybe she wasn't any of those things yet, but she would be. He would make sure of it or die trying. Her father thought she was mad for chosing this man to pin her hopes on, but as Shea passed more and more of their 'tests' of him, Lord Bethereon's apprehension diminished. He finally had to admit Shea was 'resourceful', and in spite of being a smuggler, clearly had his own set of ethics to which he abided. "Aaaye, I know well about all them other things my little red-eyed girl," Shea smiled back, his eyes flashing. He kissed her on the cheek. "We are NOT bowing to his demands. Do you think he really destroyed the Orb?" "He did. I've held that Orb many times we have absorbed each other's energies to some degree. I felt it shatter. It was shattered inside. I believe that is how he managed to do what he did - because some part of me is...was in that crystal. I think that's where the pain came from...but it could be more than that." Alba hung her head, closing her eyes. "I don't know if you can truly understand Shea, but I am an hereditary ruler of Rindar and as such I am deeply connected to that land and everything in it. It's part of me. I can't believe Lian Na'Marn would level Torna Blas. But...I cannot believe he did what he did, either. Right now, as long as Her current influence lasts, Dunmar will be very powerful. Once She passes though, it will fade. She will not pass for many days." "We can go to Faeara on the other side. Maereth is there. Remember Maereth? She'll take us in - I know she will. We can bide our time there, out of Dunmar's influence and away from Lian Na'Marn's corrupted energies. We'll pass over Torna Blas on the way. We should be able to see what's going on there. If She did level it, what can you do? Tell me, Alba - nothing. If She didn't, then he is bluffing - and again, there is nothing you can do. Let's hope it's the later." "She did blast *something*. You saw it with your own eyes." "I know, but hopefully not the capitol." "I think...we should tell the others what is going on. The possibilities it implies for us. We will go to Faeara. That is best. Can you help me stand? I think I'll be alright once I get my legs back under me." Shea stood, pulling her up with him and held her for a moment while she stabilized herself. Alba took a few faltering steps and nearly fell, but he was there to catch her. "Let's go sit back down for a few, love. You're not ready yet. They can wait." Alba began to speak again but he shushed her. "Just be still and concentrate on healing yourself. I told you, you should have let me stay with you. Dunmar can mock me all he likes, but I refuse to give in to him...and he will never, ever have you - even we have to go to the other end of the galaxy." "I'd rather not," Alba sighed. "I know but that Faladarian slime-ball's not touching you - period. Whatever it takes...." ***** I do appreciate you dropping by my gallery and your comments my dears! Thank you for reading if you do! Lol, Terri...I'm sure we could all think of things for Seth to do other than sit in the dark and think ;) He will be coming into this story soon, but he'll look a bit different. I hope you all will have a beautiful evening/day! Cheers, Ray