"I came here after my last talk with Hanna and found you in the woods almost immediately. The rest you already know, because you lived it."

Silver laid all of the facts out before his young friend. He realized too late that this was likely too much information for Ethyn to know at such a young age, but the Guardian was reluctant to leave out even one detail. 'Better he knows now than later.'

Ethyn sat on his bed munching on his breakfast, a roll spread thick with fruity jam. The boy looked much better this morning. Silver had seen to his health throughout the night, even adding an extra blanket to keep out his chills.

The redhead had been oblivious to all of his friend's care. When Sliver had appeared with the breakfast, Ethyn took it hungrily. He had no idea that Lily had brought the treats early that morning or that Conall had personally seen to the fresh milk on his tray. Instead, the boy nodded while his eyes squinted in concentration. Questions and comments had tumbled out as the story unfolded.

"Why didn't Borit believe you?" "Why did Hanna save you? No offense!" "Your parents seem very nice." "Haven is 'HER'. You mean THAT is Haven's room?!" "Who was the nobleman? Oh…you don't know." "How could he just take her?" "Oh Silver, I'm sorry."

They sat in silence for a moment as Silver awaited final judgment. It had been a long time since he cared what anyone thought about him, and the uncomfortable knot in his stomach reminded him why he did not like people getting too close.

Ethyn leveled his gaze at the man. His forehead was creased and serious. "The Fate is right. Your story isn't done yet. I am glad you came home. If you hadn't, I probably would not be alive. If I was still camping, I might have died out in that last winter storm."

Silver pondered his words. The blizzard had been brutal; a few cattle had frozen from exposure. "You would have managed, I think," he comforted his friend, but in his heart the Guardian was thankful he had been able to rescue his young friend.

"So, do you think you will see her again? Your sister, I mean." Ethyn asked after taking a large bite. Crumbs flew out of his mouth and covered his blankets. Silver brushed them aside and smiled at the boy. The Guardian's hood lay around his shoulders, allowing Ethyn to see the sad look in his eyes.

"I think I will. I have to hope. In my mind she is turning into a beautiful, strong, and refined young lady. I look forward to meeting her. I just hope she remembers me."

"How old is she now?" Ethyn asked.

"She's nearly ten now. Her birth was in early spring." Silver's far off gaze was snapped back as Ethyn gasped.

"I'm ten! Well, ten-and-three-quarters. We are almost the same age." Ethyn paused as his face blanched, "Not that I'm trying to replace her, Silver!"

"You couldn't, and I am glad you don't try. There is room in this old broken heart for the both of you." Silver gently shoved the boy back onto his pillow. "Now you have had your breakfast. It's time to rest. Your ribs need time to heal."

Ethyn groaned, but he knew that his friend was right. Sitting up had taken all the energy he had. He settled back in his blankets and closed his eyes. After a moment his breathing became soft and even.

Silver watched contently. His soul newly unburdened, he had gained a new respect for his little friend. Ethyn had taken everything in stride, and not once had he condemned the Guardian for his actions. "This kid's a special one, Hanna. He can see through my flaws and accept me anyway. Is he why I needed to come home?" In the room a small inexplicable breeze tousled Silver's hair. "Ok then, I will do my best."

There was a knock at the door. Silver threw up his hood, shut the bedroom door, and hurried to the front of the house. 'They better not wake Ethyn,' he thought anxiously.

Opening the door only a crack, Silver found Sage along with two strangers standing in the street. The couple was in their late thirties and simply dressed. The man had a balding head and a thick bushy beard. The woman, who was holding his hand, had streaks of gray mixed into her auburn hair. She smiled expectantly at Silver as did her husband.

"Can I help you?" Silver queried.

Sage made a grand gesture toward the couple with her arm. "These people are Micah and Ruth. They would like to meet Ethyn."

"He's asleep, and I'm not going to disturb him. He needs time to heal."

"Is he alright?" Ruth blurted. Her hand came quickly to her mouth as she gave a small gasp.

"Ethyn will be fine. Why…"

Sage turned to the couple and spoke gently. "Why don't you go have some food and rest up at the inn? I'll come get you when Ethyn is awake."

'Why does everyone cut off my questions? It's enough to make a man crazy!' Silver watched the couple amble down the street through the muddy snow. Everything was beginning to thaw and the remaining snow would likely not survive the day. Sage waved the couple off and then pushed past Silver into the house. "Yes, please come in," Silver stated sarcastically.

Sage ignored his barb and made herself comfortable at the table. She beamed at him with a huge smile. "Well?" She said while raising her eyebrows a few times.

"Well what?" Silver was confused.

"Well, where is my thank you?"

'Women are confusing.' "Thank you for what, my dear?" Silver took a deep breath. He was missing something and he had a sinking feeling it had to do with the couple at the door.

"Don't you see? I have solved all your problems, sweetheart."

'Ha! Not even sure the Fates can do that.' But Silver chose the safer course when he spoke. "I'm afraid I don't see. You'll have to enlighten me."

"I've found a home for Ethyn!"

"WHAT?!" Silver screamed.

Sage mistook his outburst for enthusiasm. "I know! Isn't it wonderful? Micah and Ruth are a delightful couple and they live only a short distance away. You could visit the boy any time you like…"

"No." Silver whispered.

"What was that, dear? I couldn't hear you." Sage asked sweetly.

"I said no. N-O."

Sage crossed her arms. "I don't need a spelling lesson. What do you mean no?"

"Ethyn is injured. I'm not letting him leave."

"Well, of course we would wait till he's well enough to travel. Perhaps in a few weeks, he will feel up to the journey. That will give him time to get acquainted with his new family before he leaves."

"I'm his family, Sage."

"I know, Silver, but you are more like an older brother or an uncle. Doesn't Ethyn deserve a loving mother and a father?" There was a hint of longing in the woman's voice.

Silver paused. Sage was making his head hurt. "Yes, but…"

"Then why are you being so selfish?" Sage's brown eyes were filled with accusation.

"Why are you being so pushy?" Silver's voice raised again. Sage was taken aback. People were not generally unkind toward her, yet the man she was attracted to always seemed to push back.

"I just want what's best for both of you. Think about it. How could you care for a child alone?"

Silver scoffed. She had no clue.

"I mean it," She insisted softly. "You are so busy. With a home and family of his own, Ethyn wouldn't rely on you for his every need." Her words were like knives, because Silver felt there might be some truth to them. Still he resisted.

"Ethyn doesn't need to rely on anyone. He made his own way in the forest before he met me." Silver looked at Sage's scowl and sighed. This was not a battle he would win today. His voice became gentler. "I will talk to Ethyn, but not until he is well. You will send those people away until I do."

"Oh Silver, whatever you say! I know you'll make the right choice." Sage leapt up and embraced the still standing Silver. He didn't hug her back, but she did not seem to notice. Releasing him, she headed for the door. "I will deal with the couple. I am sure they will understand. I will see you again soon."

Shutting the door behind the beautiful brunette, Silver threw himself into the closest chair. His pulse usually quickened when Sage was around, but not in anger. He thought about what she had said. 'Am I being selfish? I want what's best for Ethyn no matter what Sage says. I don't want him to go, but he deserves to be happy and loved.'

The Guardian shook his head sadly. He couldn't help but feel guilty even though no decision had been reached. Finally, he pounded his fist on the table with resolve.

"Ethyn will just have to decide for himself. I will not stand in the way of his happiness."

With that, Silver took a long hunting knife from his bottomless cloak and took to sharpening it vigorously. He would do just about anything to take his mind off the possibility of losing his friend.