Lydia followed the lead of his voice and did not press the topic of building a fire again. His body heat was higher than her own and soon the both of them were comfortable with no fire in the cave. She was relieved that he was recovering well, despite his weariness.<br/>Listening wisely, Lydia nodded as he retold the tale of  his night’s work. But when he expressed reluctance to take her on with him, she protested.<br/><br/>“You, I believe, and I  are working toward the same goal. You know that  when w that you came in my window the nobles were on the eve of finding me. I, too, am on the run from them. If they search the forest for you, it is only a matter of time that the wards do not hold on my cottage. I believe that there is powers in the binding of two or more in a spell. I am not willing to be alone any more. The time has come to be in agreement with my worthy partner. For years, since I was a small child, I was raised on my own personal fable and I believe, you bring that fulfillment to me.”<br/><br/>“I cannot go alone any more.”<br/><br/>Silence stretched between them. Careful to not bump against any wounds that still remained, Lydia picked up the tail and held the end  in her grasp. She stroked the fur and noted the relax twist of nerves that seemed to spring up between them.”<br/>