Thalya felt like she received a mental slap on the face, as she stood there all alone in Norton's room, the young man having already gone out on to the deck to face  danger once more.  The dark-haired sorceress shook her head, eyes closed as she sagely smiled; a pang of jealousy weighing her heart.<br/><br/>"Idiot nephew...I'm only concerned for your safety."  She held out the threat of tears welling in her eyes.  "But you're right.  The time for running must end, and there would be people depending on you, their savior, the Lighterbearer.  How very selfish I have become..."  She took a deep breath as she collected herself.  "But it doesn't  mean I'll let you die on my watch," she said, taking on a sterner stance. "I'll show those pirates, or whoever they are, an aunt's fury for her nephew."  She picked up her stuff and headed out. "I won't let them lay a finger on you, nephew.  This I swear!"<br/>