Elina IV

Elina nodded, agreeing because it was the truth. She wouldn't. Couldn't. But she agreed because she knew Jane was right. "Tensel and Clarissa tell me that as well. I don't want to relive one moment of it, not ever again, not even to talk about it."

The incident. That's how she thought of it, trying to minimize those hours in her mind. Make the entire thing just another moment in her history. She pushed at her tangled hair with trembling fingers. For a moment, she couldn't breathe. The pain in her body increased until she writhed on the chair, a low moan escaping. At once Jane leapt to her feet and came around the small table toward her.

Elina held up her hand, palm out, desperate to stop the other woman. "Please. I can do this. I have to do it my way."

"Clarissa told me a healer was coming, and would be here any day. He's powerful. Also, Damonq is reputed to be a tremendous healer--" Jane broke off. "Okay, I can't recommend him. Everyone seems nervous around him, including Tensel, and