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"I'm sorry that it's weaker, but at least I didn't break it in the process," Kiae said, slighting inclining her head to acknowledge the fact. "I severed the Link because I needed to know if the Bond was in place before anything else," she continued, glancing between the two. "If it wasn't, that meant I had done something wrong, but I was afraid the Link would only confuse the weaves."
She shook her head in an effort to clear her mind and closed her eyes. "I believe I have severed his link to saidin, which only makes your Bond more important. See the marionettes," she realized, gesturing towards the fallen dolls, now laying motionless on the floor.

Esole ran to his side and held his head in her arms. "It will be okay, darling. Kiae will make you all better. Don't let the strain overcome you," she said to him soothingly. She was grateful to the Yellow for keeping the Bond intact throughout the process but did not want to show her gratitude immediately.

Esole embraced the One Power and cut through the ropes Ethin had tied Melthin with. She stroked his hair and hoped his sudden weakness would fade soon. "How long do you estimate he will be like this, Kiae?" Esole asked the Yellow. She looked over her shoulder to look at the pair. Ethin stood, solid and seemingly uncaring, beside Kiae. Esole felt a slight pang of sadness that was almost instantly crushed by her concern for Melthin.

Ethin noticed Kiae's weariness and pulled a chair out behind her for her to sit. "Kiae, you must sit and rest," Ethin said, gently prompting her to sit with a single hand. "You must have an extra bed in this large house of yours, Melthin. Call your man and have him lead me to it so Kiae may rest," Ethin said, turning towards the Asha'man. Ethin sighed as he realized that they surely would not be leaving that day. The soonest they could leave was the next day, depending on Kiae and Melthin's conditions.

Melthin nodded and raised a hand to snap his fingers yet before he even did, Bartello was already walking into the room. "Shall any of you be needing anything? I have rooms already prepared for extra guests as well as a nice tea brewing as we speak." Even in his weakened state, Melthin chuckled at the man. "Bartello, your far too good for what I pay you." The Man simply bowed to Melthin before setting his eyes on Kiae and Ethin. "We have more then enough room to accommodate you. I've already cleared the rooms of books and dust as well as given everything a good scrub or two."

Melthin still marveled at the man to this day. He kept secrets and cleaned like a dream and yet the only thing he hardly ever did was crack a smile or even a frown. It was as if his face was made of stone from birth. Melthin turned his head to the Yellow and her Warder and shook his head "That will be alright...They don't seem to want to stay here...though I will have a cup of tea..." Bartello gave a curt nod and looked at the other three, standing and waiting to see if they also wished for refreshments.

Esole nodded at Bartello and turned back to Melthin. "Darling, perhaps you should go to bed early. You will need to regain your strength for tomorrow's journey," she said, patting his chest gently. "Will Bartello be staying here or shall he come with us?"

(Mk.)

"No need to apologize, Kiae. You can sense things I cannot. I trust your intuition over mine. Besides, whatever makes you more comfortable is better," Ethin said with a reassuring smile. He opened the door and put his arm around Kiae for support again and led them out of the door.