Five days passed, and in that time Varen only came once to tell me that Lorien was still recovering, and to relay some interesting information about the attack on Splethantown.

"Feveral soldiers? But I thought they'd all been run out of the country?"

"Apparently they've been hiding out in the wastelands. At least, that's what all the prisoners say."

"You captured more of them?"

"Yes. We're still trying to determine how they managed to hide for so long, and how they found their way to Splethantown. They are not very forthcoming with the details, however." She paused. "Claresa, the reason I'm telling you this... we made a pact with your king when we joined the war. It states that all human prisoners must be handed over to your army. But, the nearest outpost of active soldiers is in Reebal. It has been decided that as soon as Lorien is able to travel, we must go and fulfill the pact."

I was silent. Reebal was a week's journey to the west, and the king was sure to throw out the welcome wagon for our elven allies. They could be gone for months on end. And I would have to stay here and wait. 

"I have spoken with Chataya, and he has agreed that you should be allowed to accompany us."

"Wait, you want me to go with you?"

"If you are willing, of course. I understand completely if you do not wish to. However, it would be hard, maybe even impossible, for Lorien to leave you behind. I do not say this to coerce you, merely to let you know of the dilemma he would have to face if you decide to remain here."

I was speechless. Of course, it had been mentioned before that if I were to go through with it, I would potentially leave to go with him. But I thought there would be months to think about it, and then months more waiting for an audience with the Baron for Lorien to ask for my hand.

This was the turning point. I could either go with them, accepting the Alushaliel and my future with Lorien, or I could stay, delaying even more. And possibly hurting Lorien in the process. How much longer do I have to wait? I saw that he cared for me. Somehow, despite my misgivings, I cared for him, too. I didn't know yet if it was love. Varen had already told me that it was more than that, at least for him.

Magic. The Alushaliel. An unseen force that told elves, and apparently the occasional human, who they were to marry and live out the rest of their lives with.

As crazy as it sounded, I was no longer as opposed to it. Perhaps it was his alluring green eyes, or his earnest concern for me. Perhaps it was those feelings of familiarity. Perhaps it was the simple idea of not being alone. Yes, I had Renai and Adeem, but I would always be an outsider to their relationship, as was natural. Having someone that I could share that kind of relationship with was appealing, to say the least.

I realized that I wanted this to be a sure thing. I wanted to believe that this was real.

Varen interrupted my thoughts.

"Have I misinterpreted, Claresa? I saw how worried you were about Lorien's injury, I assumed that you had come to... well, that you had made your decision."

Have I made my decision? I could not deny the connection between us. But was a connection enough to pledge myself to him?

"I... I don't know, Varen. This is quite sudden. All of it has been. I... I need to speak with Lorien first."

"Of course," Varen said, nodding. "The healers have not yet given permission for him to have visitors, but I shall come to get you when they do."

"Thank you." With that she bid me farewell, and left.

It was three days more until that she finally came. We walked side by side in comfortable silence to the elven camp. I was nervous, trying to think of what to say when I saw Lorien again. 

I'm sure he'll be devastated if I decide not to go with him. My heart ached at the thought of his sadness. Do I even want to go? I can't shake this feeling of just... knowing him. I've never felt this way before. I know it's not all in my head. It can't be. How could I have these kinds of feelings for someone I barely know if not by means of magic? And if the magic is telling me to go... must I follow it? Do I even have any choice in this? Am I powerless against it?

As we neared the hospital tent, my heart began beating faster and faster. What would I say to him?

Lorien was lying in the same bed as the last time I saw him. He had a much healthier look about him, and when he saw me he actually sat up, a giant smile on his face. I was relieved to see him so much improved. He reached out for my hand, and I readily gave it to him.

"Claresa, I am beyond glad to see you. Are you well?" He gestured for me to sit in a chair beside his bed, and I sat down in it.

"Yes, Lorien, I am well. I am glad to see you too. You seem to be much better."

"Yes, the healers have done marvelous work, as always." There was prolonged moment of silence, mercifully put to an end by Varen clearing her throat.

"I am sure you have some things to discuss. I shall wait just beyond the curtains so you may speak freely with each other." With that Varen swept the curtains closed. I could hear her take a few steps away from us. The silence continued for a moment more.