Merrill shook his head, holding onto her.

[b]"There's nothing to apologise for Callie.  Nothing at all.  It'll all be ok."[/b]

He hadn't ever had to comfort anyone before, and so Merrill was a little unsure about whether he was doing it properly.  Eventually he settled for just patting her back awkwardly.  The night was drawing on, and it had been a long night indeed.....  In the distance the fire became nothing more than a damp smoulder.  

Still holding Callie to him, Merrill lay his head on hers.

[b]"You'll make it, I promise,"[/b] he whispered to her.

[CENTER]***[/CENTER]

The next thing he knew, sunlight was streaming down into the small grotto.  Its light reflected off the surface of the water which ran next to him.  His eyes flickered open slightly, taking in the small sliver of light that illuminated their surroundings.  The feeling of a small weight on his chest drew his attention.  Glancing down, Merrill saw Callie's head, still laying on him, her eyes closed.  They must have both fallen asleep from their exertions the night before.

Wincing inwardly, Merrill stood, gently moving Callie off him and withdrawing his arm from around her.

[i]That was inexcusable,[/i] an inner voice hissed at him.  [i]You were supposed to stand watch over her as she slept.  The demon could have come back....or your sister, or worse.  You could have lost your charge because of your incompetence.[/i]

Sighing softly, Merrill walked over to the river.  Sitting down there on the riverbank, he crossed his legs, and he watched the river as it flowed eastwards.

And as he did, he reflected on the fact that that was the first night he could remember for a long long time that he didn't have any nightmares.