"I don't know," she sighs. "I keep trying to - think about it, and I keep not knowing."

"What do you think, when you think about it?"

"I love you," she says. "But I don't know how I did it, and I don't know how to make sure I never stop."

"When you did it," murmurs Etty, "what happened, what did it feel like, what were you thinking?"

"I don't know! I didn't really do it at all," she says. "It just happened. And not all at once or anything."

"If you stopped loving me what would do it?" Etty tries.

"I don't know," she sighs. "If you weren't the person I think you are, that might do it. But you are, aren't you?"

"Yes." She swallows. "For now, anyway."

...Nona hugs her.

"I imagine if I turn into one of those - swans - there won't be any of me left to love."

"I'll still love who you were," she says, hugging her some more. "Who you are now."

Etty turns her face into Nona's shoulder and whimpers.

"I love you," she says helplessly. "I love you, I love you, I love you."

"I love you too," weeps Etty; she wasn't sure if she did until just this moment, but now she is.

Nona sniffles and hugs her.

Squeeze.

Cuddle.

Time continues to pass. There is no summons the following night, but the night after that, it comes just after dusk.

Etty drags herself to where she is bidden as usual.

The Baron brings her into the castle, and eats dinner with her, and carries her up to his rooms. As usual.

Etty shuts her eyes and tries not to have nerves and cries and waits.

The Baron goes to sleep.

The door opens, very quietly, just enough for Nona to slip into the room.

Etty gets out of the bed and backs away from it, wide-eyed.