"...is this everything we need?"

"In a moment," The Keeper says, beckoning Blaise over. "Let me take a look at you, child."

Blaise twitches, ducks his head, shifts uncomfortably.

"It's all right. I don't bite."

The Keeper gestures over to herself, again.

-That's not really the problem, but he does move a bit close - still out of arm's reach though.

The Keeper's hands glow a soft gold, and Blaise can feel a warm energy going through him. 

"Hmmmm. You are something strange. Not of this world, and yet centred."

He shrugs.

"You are not worried that your connection to...Karl? Was it? Is forcing you to stay?"

"-Was already here."

"Hmmmm." The Keeper lowers her hands. "If you don't wish to move on, you must ensure to guard yourself against bindings."

Merrill's face darkens, and she turns away.

"Been fine so far."

"Just be careful. I would hate to see you twisted from Empathy." 

The Keeper hands him a small scroll. "A spell to walk the Fade. Should you need it."

"...Thank you."

Turns back to the others. "Can we go home now?"

"Of course, Blaise." Merrill turns to go.

"It's not too late to turn back, da'len," the Keeper says, looking sadly at Merrill.

Merrill says nothing and keeps walking.

Henri waits until they're out of earshot before saying anything. "You're fine just the way you are, Merrill."

Merrill leans into him again. "I'm so glad the Hawkes think so."

"Not just the Hawkes think that," Raeli adds quietly.

Merrill smiles brightly at Raeli. "Well. You have to like me. We're spirit friends!"

Raeli laughs. "It's more than that."

"Really?"

"Yes," Raeli confirms.

"I like you!" Cia adds brightly.