This seemed to break some of the ice that had been forming around Malina’s sore heart.
‘Éha! There is a sad tale! Is it she well?’
Ralph told her what Pran had told him. When he finished, Malina nodded. ‘I am glad he told you. Though I love her dearly, she can be quite a problem, even for a Pixie. She requires much supervision.’
‘Pran didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he seemed to enjoy having her around.’
Malina nodded, looking down, thoughtfully. ‘I have always wondered at Pran’s kindness where she was concerned. For years I had mistaken his concern for guilt, and for that I feel badly, now that I know him better.’ She looked up at Ralph, troubled realization marring her visage. ‘For a long time, I was blind to the fact that his kindness extended to me, also, though I wanted to believe that I was a free spirit, making my own way in the world, dependent on no one for aid. Do you know, I have never thanked him for the many times he contrived to save my life?
‘My trust of Elves does not come easily, and for good reason. Yet he has always been worthy of my trust, especially where Éha is concerned. His concern for her I know to be genuine, because he shows the same concern for her that he would for his own.’