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"Please, Aldrec, you don't have to do this …" She began, but he cut her off

"I want to do this," Aldrec pleasantly insisted "Think of it as a thank-you for getting me out of a terrible slump, and as a way to help you to have one ht to like that, shouldn't they?"

"Yes, I think so," Mericlou said with more than just a hint of uncertainty in her voice "But … you're the one who helped me I mean, if you hadn't come around yesterday and helped me out, then I'd probably still be on the ether with the banks, governet my life back"

"Ah, but you have no idea howher hand He saw her white skin turn faintly cri, cold place Nothing changed; things always re ain; it's come alive I need to be honest with you, Mericlou I want more than just your services I want your friendship as well I know that now, you live fro for you and your fa as I have, you value the things that no iven you a steady job, and all that I ask in return is your friendship"

Mericlou was genuinely touched by Aldrec's candor Her eyes softened, and she squeezed the elf's warm, slender hand "Aldrec … you had it since yesterday," To Aldrec, it was the sweetest smile that he had ever seen