[i]Impressed.[/i] Ghent had a feeling this wasn't a word Elayra used very often. At least he'd done [i]something[/i] right. "Yeah, I came. Mainly to prove you wrong." This was said in jest, though it was partially true. 
	Things went downhill after that. The cut sparked all sorts of theories and Ghent hadn't wasted any time bombarding her with questions. Too much had been said, so much that he only shut up once an arrow was pointed at his chest.
	Startled, Ghent clamped his mouth shut and put his hands up, quick to surrender. At her mercy, he allowed Elayra to speak, and speak she did. The blonde made short work of his wild presumptions. 
	"Oh." There wasn't much he could say, though there was a hint of disappointment in the response. Ghent didn't wish his comrades to hurt one another, he merely wanted to be right. With the arrow returned to its rightful place, he summoned the courage to speak.
	"You don't have to be so touchy, you know. [i]I was only trying to help.[/i]" This was the second time he'd insisted that his interference was for the good of all involved. Why couldn't she see that he had her best interest at heart?

	Cold, wet, and defeated Ghent trudged along after Elayra, eyeing the magical rain guard while she collected her things. As tempting as it was to ask how she'd conjured the shield, Ghent kept quiet. The gasp hadn't gone unnoticed by him; he knew Elayra was hurt, perhaps even more so than yesterday. Now was not the time for magic lessons.
	After the directions were given, Ghent started to lead the way towards The Book Barn. The silence was heavy between them, though no doubt appreciated by the girl.
	"I know you're gonna refuse," Ghent's eyes were on the path, the words directed towards her. "But I'd feel like a jerk if I didn't offer to carry that bag of yours."