‘I found her trying to catch her death of pneumonia in the pond beneath the falls.’ He smiled. ‘I am taking her home and putting her to bed.’
Looking a little scared, Imalwain said, ‘Malina, what am I to do? I have given him my consent to be his wife.’
Eyeing Birin uncertainly, Malina said, ‘Is it true?’
‘It is,’ he replied.
Perhaps she liked Birin after all. ‘Then you should take your wife home and take her to bed before she thinks she has made a terrible mistake.’
‘Malina!’ Imalwain cried, ‘I am Pixie. I know nothing of-’
‘You will learn,’ Malina replied firmly.
Before they left, however, Birin said, ‘Thank you. For opening my eyes at last.’
‘Be gentle with her,’ Malina warned him. Then, with an Impish grin, she added, ‘But not too gentle.’