Ellion was surprised to see that Thane had gone the next morning. Not entirely, of course--just ahead, on to secure their passage. He supposed the Magister would know best, how to see their way ahead. More surprising to him was that he hadn't experienced any of his usual nightmares or visions during his sleep. He wondered if Lana's care had begun to have a more permanent effect, or if the demons had simply let him be for one night. He sat reading Thane's note, but the words were meaningless scribbles to his eyes as he ruminated. To be free of the bizarre nightmares and all the confusion they had brought...<br/><br/>He glanced up at the sound of her voice, but glanced away just as quickly. He threw the note into the fire and let it burn as he stood, brushing sand off his clothes. "I... well, I want to say I know, but I don't. All I can really tell you is that I trust you." He crossed over to her on impulse and put his hands over hers, so that she would look at him directly. He held her gaze for a moment, and when he spoke his voice was soft. "I don't know about the man in the tower anymore, but I know about the man standing with you on this lonely, dusty trail. I know how I feel here and now... and I know that I don't regret that kiss we shared." He squeezed her hands as he held them. "As long as you wait for me I'll endure all the teasing Thane can dish out. I don't know if I'm ever going to overcome what was done to me, Lana, but I'm starting to think I can get over what was done to<i>us.</i>"<br/><br/>Slowly, he let her hands go, though he remained close for another handful of seconds before finally turning away. He began to gather up his own gear, and saddled up the horse that they still had. He hung his bag from the back of the saddle and picked up his belt to tighten it around his hips, glancing over at her as he adjusted his sword. "If you want to ride, feel free. I need to stretch after sleeping on the dirt like that. It's not far to the coast now, is it? And then on to the Free Marches by ship." He grimaced faintly. "Or, more likely, by boat."