Helen had gone through a great ordeal, so it came as no surprise that she was distant and perhaps diminished. No one pressed her for details or pushed her to open up, no one knew what to do. Alester was almost wallowing in his belief that he had failed her, and could barely bring himself to look at her in her present state. Still, the Sanctuary was the best place for her for now, perhaps for all of them. Arra, Liza, and Thomas tended to Helen. Keeping her company, feeding her, and caring for the physical injury she had suffered. She seemed to be some what fond of Thomas, in as much as his presence was the only thing which could so much as stir a hint of a smile on her otherwise vacant expression. No one really knew why, what it was she thought she saw in him, but there was something… of this Arra was certain. Perhaps it was that Thomas was the only one that could bring himself to smile at her, the only one who did not seem at least a little uncomfortable in her presence. The truth was that Thomas was fascinated with her, he held a certain admiration for the fact that she was not a complete and hysterical mess. He’d expected a raving mad woman, or someone who spontaneously broke down in uncontrollable tears perhaps. But he didn’t see anything like that in her eyes… no, he imagined that she had retreated to a place where she could not be touched, and that she was waiting to return to them when she felt the time was right. He liked to imagine what she would be like when she finally came back, or what she might be thinking at any given moment. It was a strange manner of affair between them, these two who saw in each other strengths which they believed others to be lacking. Namely, his irreproachable understanding, and her mysteriously indomitable will.

One day Thomas found her wondering around the study, but he did not make an effort to escort her back to the comfort and safety of her room, the way the others might have. He didn’t question her actions, or ask if she needed help. He simply walked with her, as if the two of them had begun some great adventure, the point of which would soon be revealed to him. He could tell that she was aware of his presence, and that was enough for him. when they crossed paths with any of the others Thomas took her hand and acted as if they had simply been enjoying a walk together. She played along well enough, even going as far as to look at Thomas and smile from time to time. It was as if they were having a conversation to which no one else was privy. But no one made a big deal out of it, and no one interfered. Eventually, they came to another study. It fascinated Thomas that this place always had more rooms to discover, he’d remind himself that no matter how much it seemed like a dream this was actually the result of Alester’s and he guessed Helen’s power, or rather that of there Arcana. As they entered the study he found himself wondering if she had in fact conjured this room up, or if it had been hidden by her, or maybe it was simply some place Alester didn’t want them wandering around. Helen pulled a book from one of the shelves, and set it down on a nearby coffee table. It was a large tome, and it looked quite old. Thomas sat down in a chair next to the table, following Helen’s lead. While he was curious about the book, he did not wish to act the part of an overly eager child, though it certainly was in his nature to do so. Instead, he looked at Helen, who returned to him a smile and then turned her gaze upon the book quite seriously.

After a few moments, wondering what exactly he should be thinking at this moment, Thomas simply reached out to touch the book. His eyes became alive with light, and he heard them… the whispers. “Fool…” Helen said without admonishment or urgency, simply as a point of fact. “You hold the weakest and the strongest of the Arcana,” she said in a gentle tone. In all the time since she was rescued she had not spoken a single word, so Thomas knew that every one she uttered was important.”This book holds their names, and with them you will have power over those bound to it.But only if you can keep them from stealing your mind… your sanity. Let me teach you. Thomas Redthorn.”

Thomas smiled and nodded, “I wont disappoint you,” He replied, as if they’d had their hopes bound up in one another along, as if this outcome was inevitable. Thomas was just that kind of child, after all… filled with spirit, wonder, and optimism. He always imagined something great was waiting just ahead of him, something special.

Thomas and Helen would go on many walks in the days and months to come, and spend much time in the secret study. Helen would begin to show recognition towards her other care givers, and even the other children which she now found herself surrounded by. As that was how she saw them in her eyes, even Arra. Yet she would speak only to Thomas, her voice would be saved for him especially, because he might soon come to need it more than any other. In the beginning he would only be allowed to spend moments in contact with the tome. But in time, once he had learned to quiet the voices, this would turn to minutes. Only then he would be allowed to open the book, because knowing their names would only draw them closer to him. It would be some time before he would be able to take possession of the book, hopefully before it took possession of his sanity. But Helen had been wizened by her experience, and she was in no rush.