Droplets sprinkled down his cheeks. Groaning painfully, he wiped the dirty drops out of his eyes before climbing to his feet. They collapsed under him immediately.
      Peering reluctantly at his numb legs he saw a puddle of blood under him, mixed with puddles of water and making it appear someone had bled to death. Shakily he searched for the others as he felt the first cold draft of air whisk around him. He shivered, endeavoring to move freely.
      When he toppled again tears began staining his cheeks. Helplessly he broke out into a sobbing rage. It scared him that he was alone, and it scared him that he couldn't move.
      Another whimper echoed his way that wasn't his own. Wiping away his own tears he crawled towards the vague sound. A young boy with white hair cried, holding his leg.
      "It's you again!" Emeryl dragged himself over to the boy using his arms. Staring at him with teary blue eyes, he appeared exactly as he did the first time.
      "You're hurt again... Here..." he ignored his own pain and concentrated on the boy's leg, "I think I can cast a small heal if I try..."
      Closing his eyes, he opened them to find the blood still there. But it was only his blood now, not the other's. He bounced to his feet energetically, running a small circle around Emeryl.
      Instead of trying to introduce himself again, Emeryl reverted to crying. Now his legs felt like pins were stuck in them as the feeling came back slowly. The blood frightened him and he wasn't sure he'd be ok if he didn't stop it.
      Squatting beside him the boy gave him a bright curious look, as if he couldn't understand what Emeryl was crying about. The pale hands brushed over Emeryl's legs and he felt thousands of tickling fingers run over him. Gradually the pain disappeared and he glanced at the boy.
      "You can heal too?" Emeryl sniffed. The boy smiled at him with innocence and warmth. He was quick to shoot back to his feet. Somewhat more cautiously than the boy, Emeryl stumbled to his feet.
      "I can walk again!" he burst.
      Smirking, the boy twirled and started running the other way.
      "Ne, wait! Wait!" Emeryl cried. The boy slowed, glancing at him again. Emeryl was near tears. Hesitantly he came back, much to Emeryl's delight.
      "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Emeryl beamed into a ray of sunshine. The boy carefully strolled by him, wondering what he wanted.
      "You're a human, aren't you? I'm an elf. I serve at the Church in Fara Fara." Emeryl grinned.
      Giggling at him, the boy seated himself. The boy never said a word. He didn't need to; Emeryl babbled every word he could possibly ever use in a matter of minutes.
      After awhile Emeryl finally stopped, "Well, are you ever going to say anything to me? Is there anything you like?"
      The boy brushed dirt off his knees and rose, offering his hand to Emeryl. With a confused expression he accepted. Slowly the other took a step and turned him, took another step and turned him again.
      "You, like to dance?" Emeryl asked. Cracking a smile, the boy and he quickened their pace. They danced until Emeryl was sore, but laughing hysterically.
      "You know, I was starting to think I had the worst luck ever." Emeryl chuckled, "Hey, what's this?"
      Getting off the rock he stood on he shoved it over, discovering one of the wrangled blankets the group used for beds.
      "Finally! Some good luck!" he flapped clouds of dirt out of it, "We can sleep on this tonight." Emeryl cheerfully looked back at the boy to discover he'd already gathered wood for a fire.
      "You're fast..." Emeryl awed, searched for where the boy found the wood, then thought nothing more of it. It took another hour before he could get the fire going, and Emeryl insisted they share the blanket.
      Soon, even with an empty stomach, Emeryl dozed off next to the fire where he could warm up. The minute he was asleep the boy rolled off his side of the blanket, folding it over and covering Emeryl. Next to him Emeryl was still hugging the spider, which usually made its nest in his long hair. Nearby the boy sat watch over Emeryl, dangling his lanky fingers in the dirt as he waited.

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