She looks up from where she buried herself into his chest, tears streaking down her cheeks, smudging the red slash across her nose and cheeks. She lets out a noise, something like a strangled animal, before his words sank in.

"Oh ... Oh Aleron. I am safe, You are safe. I am going to save you." She takes his hand, and presses it against her cheek. "See? You're home. With me. I'll never let you leave again." Fresh tears splashed down her cheeks, "You just have to hold on a little longer, until Merrill gets back, all right? Stay with me, Aleron, please."