‘After telling me this, she said “go away,” so I left, and went to my apartment. I have packed my things-’
‘Malina!’
‘-but I decided to come here to you before leaving, because something of her words disturbs me. I hear truth in them, but-’
‘Don’t say any more,’ Ralph said, angry at himself for having allowed things to have gotten so far out of hand. ‘We’re going to visit Deborah and Theuli. Then we’re going to get your things and bring them here.’
She stared at him, her face a mixture of conflicting emotions, as he quickly got dressed. Then, taking her firmly by the hand, he led her to the infirmary.
Looking in on Deborah, they found that she was asleep, looking pale, sweaty, and feverish.
Theuli, however, was awake, sitting propped up with pillows in her bed. She smiled wanly when they drew the privacy curtain aside.
After briefly discussing her health and recovery, Ralph cleared his throat, and said to the Elf woman, ‘There’s something I want to you explain to Malina. I want her to hear it from you, so that there’s no doubt in her mind.’
Considering their clasped hands with a masked, though speculative look, she said, ‘I hope you’re not going to ask me to act as arbiter in some personal matter.’