Rose startles ever so slightly when the girl actually leaps into her arms, as if she hadn't expected it to work. But she recovers quickly, wrapping her arms around her and holding her gently in place.

The little girl cries, and Kalina lets it happen, just holding her there in safety and gently stroking her hair. There is a niggling thought in the back of her mind, a desire to drink of this emotion, but no. Not here. There is no need.

Finally, the tears are slowing down, and Rose looks into the girl's eyes for the first time. She smiles just a tiny bit at the compliment.

"I'm sure yours is even prettier. Would you tell it to me?"