It took Sofia several days to recover under the care of Ujalam and Itah from the Ymplerim attack. 

Visitors had come by to check on Sofia from time to time. Once, the girls from the clothier stopped by. They bustled about Sofia with concern and questions, which quickly overwhelmed her. Harton, sensing Sofia’s distress quickly rounded up the girls and ushered them quickly, but kindly out of the recovery tent. 

Faliona, who would come to share stories to entertain Sofia during her recovery, brought an array of gorgeous flowers on one of her visits. “To help renew your soul with beauty,” she had said. 

Erae was often with her in the tent, attempting to help Ujalam or Itah where he could. The healers eventually became annoyed and told Erae if he was needed, they would call for him. 

Roquewei attempted to visit only once. Himself still recovering from the attack, he limped into the tent in the middle of the day when no one else was around. Relieved to see Sofia sleeping, he stood quietly for a moment by her bed. 

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, and left.

When Sofia wasn’t sleeping, she was able to hold short conversations with the healers. She felt she was growing closer to Itah, who had always shown her kindness. If Sofia fell asleep, Itah would remain to speak with Harton, who had rarely left Sofia’s side since the attack. 

One night after treating Sofia’s wounds as she slept, Itah sat beside Harton. “Harton, may I ask a question?”

The Dlam turned towards her and cocked his head slightly.

Shyly, Itah reached into her pocket. “Do you know how Friend Sofia came to be in possession of these leigheas stone earrings?”

Harton looked at her in surprise. “How did you get…?”

“I was responsible for Friend Sofia’s clothes,” Itah quickly replied. “I found them in her robe. They had also been in her garments when she arrived from Talamh. I hadn’t noticed then exactly what they were, as I wished to be respectful of her property.

“This time I was able to examine them more closely,” Itah continued, “and realized that they are of Lyfayan origin. She has never worn them around us, but obviously has always kept them close. D-do you know if she has been here before? Or who may have given them to her?”

Harton sighed, “Unfortunately, I know little more than you. Sofia was carrying them in her bag when she found me on the beach. They began to glow when I mentioned my need to find a gate. When I asked how she came to have them, she only responded with a phrase that eventually led us to finding our way back to Lyfay.”

“What did she say?” Itah asked.

“Something about finding someone at the gate between the earth and sea,” the Dlam replied. “She didn’t seem to know anything else I mentioned about Lyfay.”

Itah sat in thought as she gazed upon the earrings. The delicate metal detail around the stones seemed to resemble a tree. 

“I have seen many other items made with leigheas stone, especially among our warriors, but…,” she said quietly. “There is something special about these.”

Harton looked curiously at Itah. “Apprentice Healer,” the Dlam said gently. “I think Sofia has a reason for not yet showing or wearing these items. Could we continue to keep this secret for her?”

Itah met his gaze and nodded. She put the earrings in a small cloth pouch and placed them under Sofia’s pillow. Turning as he watched Itah, Harton placed his large head on Sofia’s bed to nuzzle her hand. Again he sighed, obviously filled with concern and worry.

Reaching out, Itah placed her hand on the Dlam’s head. “Worry not, Harton. Friend Sofia is under the expert care of the Master Healer, just as you were. Your chompánach is strong and will recover well.”

Chompánach, Harton chuckled somberly to himself. Have I truly, finally, found my companion? 

When Sofia was well enough to sit up in her bed with minimal assistance, news quickly spread throughout the camp.

Erae appeared in her tent within minutes of hearing about her improvement. He requested that Harton seek out something on his behalf, and then turned to Sofia to tell her that the Chief had allowed him to train her in self-defense against the Ymplerim. 

“I do not wish for you to ever go through this ordeal again,” the elf said as he kneeled beside Sofia’s bed and squeezed her hands. She was not used to this serious side of Erae, but found herself easily getting lost in his deep, worry-filled blue eyes. 

“Please,” he continued, “give me a week to help you build up your strength and technique. You’ll train with my other recruits, with accommodations for your current condition, of course.”

“A week? Won’t that leave only two weeks for us to find a gate to take me home?” asked Sofia, concerned.

“That is true,” Erae replied. “But this way will give me peace of mind knowing it could help keep you safe.” The elf unconsciously brushed Sofia’s hair behind her ear as he spoke. Sofia blushed, but surprised herself by leaning into his hand.

Erae, also caught by surprise, found himself blushing as well. With his thumb he gently stroked her cheek and looked at her longingly. Sofia shyly returned his gaze.

“I… I am so glad you are all right,” Erae said softly.

“Me, too,” Sofia replied in equal tone.

Attempting to either collect his thoughts or to muster up courage, Erae swallowed hard in uncharacteristic timidity. “A-are you sure you want to go home?”

Sofia did not change her posture, but looked into his eyes for a long moment as if searching for the real meaning of the question. In a serious tone, she replied, “Yes, I am sure.”

Visibly crestfallen, Erae dropped his head and chuckled to himself. What did I expect? “Ha… Even if you had wanted to stay, the Chief would have forced you to return to Talamh,” he admitted aloud. 

He felt Sofia place her hand over his to press it more firmly against her face. Erae lifted his gaze to look into her dark brown eyes. 

“I guess that means we’ll have to make the most of the time we have, doesn’t it?” he said with a smirk. They both blushed again and laughed aloud. 

Smiling, Sofia leaned toward him and with half-closed eyes asked, “Erae, may I kiss you?”

With an excited, nearly boyish grin on his face Erae, still on his knees, gently pulled her closer and planted a soft and tender kiss on Sofia’s lips.

“Yes, sweet Sofia,” he breathed through an elated smile. “Yes, you may kiss me.”

So she kissed him again. 

“And you,” said Sofia when they next parted, “may train me to hold my own against those nasty creatures in case you’re not there to protect me.”

“Oh,” Erae pulled her into a hug and buried his face in her neck. Sofia felt as if her heart was about to burst. “I plan on being there to protect you from now on.”

“And I plan on getting some semblance of sleep tonight,” came Harton’s voice from the tent entrance. The Dlam stood there with Itah, who was blushing from head to toe.

Embarrassed, Sofia tried to part quickly from Erae, but he gripped her tightly.

“The favor you asked for has been done,” Harton said more roughly than he intended. Clearing his throat, he continued. “Your recruits are awaiting further instructions.”

Laughing as he rose to his feet, Erae bowed to Sofia and kissed her hand.

“Then I shall take my leave,” said the elf. “Síocháin, mo cuishle.”

His smile shone as he greeted Itah and Harton, pausing only to bow slightly to the Dlam. Harton, seeing the joy on both Erae’s and Sofia’s faces, thought to himself, Maybe this will do it. 

Harton bowed his head in return with a slight smile. Erae, grinning from ear to ear, exited the tent with a flourish.

Itah, still blushing but now by the bed, grabbed Sofia’s hands. “Friend Sofia, how wonderful! How exciting!”

Sofia let out a childish squeal of delight and hugged Itah tightly in celebration. She felt as if she was floating on air.