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It had just been his imagination, or his wishful thinking. He had gotten so lost in his hopes for finding Avice that he had dreamed the barking of that dog was their dog.

He feels downhearted, and steps slowly back onto the platform, his hand running along the railing, disappointment sinking into his expression.

He folds his arms and rests his head on them, on the railing, watching that water and dreaming of her.

"Alright. Be careful!" She waved worridly as her friend wabbled off. Felony sensing his chance, turned back around. Sounding off the hunt. I'm coming! "FELONY!" Avice turned to run after him, but stopped. That would cause to much jostling to her basket and rewaken her kids. "Felony whats gotten into you?" She chased after him as fast as she could, loaded down with kids and a heavy bag. She chewed on her lower lip as her crazed dog ran into the mist.
Master! Master! I smell you master! Felony kept barking his chant, waiting to find his master. He saw a slumped over figure and howled in joy.

From the shadows of a tree, a tall, lean figure appeared. It spoke. "Ma'am, it's a bit late for you to be out, don't you think?" There was a long moment of silence, then he stepped out into the light. He was an attractive young man in his early twenties. There was an airy elegance around him when he laughed warmly.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. Didn't mean to scare you, if I did. Um, do you need some help?" He eyed her sympathetically. She was a sorry sight with dirty clothes, two babies, and a runaway dog. He seemed eager to help.

Vincente looked at her, then turned to look in the direction the dog had run. He smiled oh-so-charmingly and saluted her playfully. "Miss, you just rest your tired little feet right there and I'll go catch your hound for you. A young mother shouldn't have to handle any more stress than she has."

He bowed politely and took off jogging in the general direction her dog had sprinted.

A cute little girl in pigtails and nondescript baggy clothes spproaches from the other end of the walkway. She looks in the direction Avice went, and sits down crosslegged by the bag and basket, but doesn't touch them. She just sits there, waiting.

He hears a voice, ringing like a crystal bell through this echoing place. He turns toward it, and takes a few steps in its direction.

"Avice?!" he calls back, frantically, hoping against hope that he isn't hallucinating this time. That it really is her.

His heart leaps to the back of his throat. It's her, it's just undeniable. He shouts her name back to her, and takes a few steps, then breaks into a run, tearing back over the bridge.

When he gets his hands on her he wraps his arms around her and grabs her close--not even thinking that there might be babies in the basket. He holds her there for the longest possible moment, choking sobs and whispering things. "Avice... I got away. They finally let me go. I... I got away, and I swear I won't let anything take me away again."

He doesn't look well; his clothes are worn and he is very thin. His skin is pallid, as though he hasn't seen the sun in as long as it's been since he has seen her. But he is pink with blush at the sight of her, and it is evident that no matter what else has changed in Crosshaven, one thing is still the same, Nevi still loves Avice.