"Danica's eyes fluttered open the instant I stepped through the door, and she smiled softly. "I was starting to wonder if you were planning on obeying Betsy after all." "Never," I assured her. "Though I've promised I will let you get some sleep. How do you feel?" I went to her side, and Danica hooked and arm across my shoulders to steady herself as she sat up. Danica winced. "I " She rolled her shoulders, as if the muscles were sore. "I'm sure," I responded sympathetically. Offering the A'isha had given to me, I went on, "This is a congratulatory gift from sha'Mehay." I explained the significance of the ancient coin and repeated A'isha's words regarding why she was giving it to Danica. She took the coin reverently, closing it in her hand for a moment before tying the cord into place. "Thank you," she said softly, as she snuggled closer. I knew the words were not for me, but for the nest around us. I began to massage her shoulders, and she closed her eyes and leaned back toward my touch. My fingertips brushed the feathers growing under her hair at the nape of her neck. There was still a moment of hesitation in my mind every time I felt those feathers, a moment when my thoughts protested, remembering so many years of war when this beautiful woman had been my enemy, so hated that when fate crossed our paths there had been no choice but for me to love her. She met my gaze now without any hint of the fear that had once been there. Cobriana eyes had once been for Danica what her feathers were for me. Avian legend said that a royal cobra's garnet eyes possessed demonic power, and it had taken a long time for Danica to trust me enough to look into mine. Most avians still shuddered and avoided my gaze. "I feel...tired, but wonderful. Betsy tells me--" She broke off, words failing her, and then gave up on speech and kissed me. "I love you," she whispered--then yawned widely. "Take a nap with me?" The request, as always, made me smile. When we had first met, the idea of resting with another person was as foreign to the lovely but reserved hawk as the idea of flying was to me. I was happy that Danica had yet taken me into the air, but she had grown used to a second heartbeat while she rested. That blessing pleased me almost as much as any could. I wrapped my arms around milady; Danica sighed, tucking her head down against my chest like a chick in the nest. Having her there calmed my fears and let me drift into sleep." --