Though she did not let it show, not in expression or posture, in her gaze or in her breath, Hild's heart sank. Had Gannicus not shown Krem enough love and affection to make him sure of his feelings? Was this a thing he feared of Hild as well? Had his words at Fight Club carried such a weight of true concern? It pained her to think that Krem doubted Gannicus, not for Gannicus' sake, but for Krem's. Such questioning would blind anyone to the love around them.

She read his gesture plainly, moving without hesitation to seat herself beside him, body pressed to body, on the couch. She tucked her legs up under her and wrapped Krem up in the circle of her arms, encouraging him to lean against her, share her strength and warmth.