His embrace was warm, as was he. Neria sank into his arms as she had not before, not even when she said goodbye before she left to Ardismouth, nor when they told each other of their worst moments. Clutching him close, she simply rested there with the knowledge that she was with him by some fluke of fate.

Asora was not far from her thoughts. But for this moment, she could simply be content like this.

Neria finally found her breath after a few minutes of that, just holding him. Her shoulders did not quiver; no tears fell from her eyes. Slowly, she was able to extricate her vise-like grip so she could pull herself up just long enough to look at him. She let go so she could reach with her hands, touching the sides of his face with them.

And with the solid contact, she smiled, a precarious thing that did not want to dream to hope. Yet--

"Hello," she whispered. This could be a dream for all she knew. At least it would be a good one. "It's good to see you."