Startled, but laughing, Lenne skittered back out of Shuyin's way as he climbed in through the window. She bit her lower lip as he sank to his knees and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, stroking his hair.

"I promise, it really is me."

There was silence, a comfortable one, as she held on to him, almost waiting for him to dissolve into pyreflies. But when he didn't..

"Shuyin, I.."