"Uh...okay." Oliver followed Eithan's instructions and sat back down on the swing, although he kept it still this time, more interested in listening than in messing around.

"Oh. Well, that's good!" he said, relieved, as Eithan explained about Meridia's limited knowledge of--and ability to travel to--Tharia. It sounded like Eithan was definitely safe for now, which he was very glad to hear. "How long do you think it'll take them to get here? And would they realise you were here then?"

And as safe as Eithan made the situation sound, there was one more loose end that was bothering Oliver--Val. Oliver knew what it was like to be separated from that one special person for a long period of time. Eithan was probably safe here, and that was very important, but if Val was over there, they couldn't stay apart forever. No, Oliver wouldn't let them stay apart. He'd already made that mistake himself, and he wouldn't watch anyone else do it. "Val's in Meridia, isn't she?" he asked softly.