This poor girl just rattles and shakes in my hug. I turn our hug a little and then dip down to look up into her eyes.

She is still shaky.

"Shall we? Let's get started on saving your father."

She seems dazed until I let go of her hand and then turns away and walks towards the woods.

Passing near to where I found her, she walks timidly. Her shaky footing leaving echoes in the rustles of dried leaves.

I did not see it till now. Terrified. Terrified of my good friend, the dragon.

My mind wanders and I let unspoken thoughts run in my head.

"Gentle maid, be not afraid.

The goddess is a giver of life, not strife.

On a dappled forest day, walking away,

I have hope.

These travails will fade into the past.

Woes present will not last. "

The girl stops at a tree and asks without turning "Are you singing into my head?"