"I can't ... " The power swirled around her, as natural as the very elements that she served, yet tinged with something that drew fear from within her. Kiarra was, inherently, a young woman of her teachings. She was not going to forsake herself, or her purity, for such a<em>blessing</em>, if it could ever be called such a thing. "Keep your blessing then, creature. I want nothing of it. I'll weather the Grove myself. And, perhaps ... when all is done, you can thank me for rescuing your homeland." Kiarra turned from the Dryad, determined yet deceivingly fearful of what may be ahead.