Gwenael opened his eyes and looked straight ahead. His face was clouded in some kind of pained memory. He finally looked down, sighing as he fiddled with his fingers.

"I made a vow." He started. "You know it, I've already told you. To look after you and guide your path."

Yes, I remembered. But as the caravan traveled the bumpy road, I felt conflicted. "Yes." I nodded slowly, "But when you told me that; and when you told me you could train me far away."

I shook my head, "I thought you didn't mean keep me from the world's problems."

Gwenael looked at me with a calm yet pleading face. "You were unhealthy." He swiftly pulled his fist to his mouth and coughed, "You still are."

He raced forward in the conversation so I would not be able to respond to that. Wise decision.

"You needed to step away from it." Gwenael's eyes narrowed, "And with the End just around the corner..."

"So..." I looked away, slouched. I was still upset, yet some of the initial shock was dimly dying down. Plus, even if I didn't like it, I could see where his logic lied.

Unfortunately for him, him logic was wrong. So much for being a Thayne!

"So," I swallowed, "You decided to shelter me like a little kid in need of protection."

"Felicity," Gwenael attempted to but in, "It was not like-"

Now it was my turn to prevent him from retaliating. "You wanted to keep a new friend safe, seeing as you had few."

A small smile crept across my lips. Frustration could not stop the warmth of our friendship from getting to me. I looked at him with a cheeky grin. "You care about me, don't you?"

Gwenael looked away again. He blinked with a small smile spreading across his face. "Yes."

I let out a massive sigh. I did not like this situation. I did not enjoy the thought of being gone while the world was devastated like this. Yet, I was thankful to Gwenael still for noticing me and taking me in. He was a Thayne after all! I was honored for his ability to see me. Maybe, just maybe, I could cut him some undeserved slack...

"Hey," I nudged him with my hand. He looked up as I smiled. "I would prefer more better timed months of training, but..."

I chuckled just a little bit, "I have appreciated all you have done for me."