Gerlinde set a fingertip against the line of Lisle's jaw, turning her face directly to hers.  She felt her expression as soft and wanly comforting as a pillow.  She hoped it looked the same.  She knew her eyes were brilliantly avid.  Their light practically picked up Lisle and cupped her in them like a snow globe - one empty of flurries.<br/><br/>There was pain in Gerlinde, and she showed that.  She also showed the peace that quieted it - a peace that came from acceptance and surety.  She showed her power.<br/><br/>"You won't be alone.  Not until I feel you need time alone."  Gerlinde kept her lips on the tense rim of kissing distance from Lisle's, trading breath.  Her arm clasped Lisle's back in a lithe leather harness.  And in Gerlinde's heart, that wild, delicious feeling of everything sitting in the palm of her hand, coming together like ligament under the nanoguides, stirred its chord higher.  "I know how to take care of you.  I know how easy it is to drown in all that's happening.<br/><br/>"I won't just drop you in the deep end like other doctors do."  Gerlinde promised, level and plain as if reading scripture.  "I'll teach you how to float.  You'll do what I say, and learn.  And if you can't, I'll hold you up."