"Meralda"
"Yes master?"
"Take care of them while I'm away….. Ana might wake up earlier than the others so just tell her that I've got an appointment to make if she wonders why I'm gone"
"Ok" Meralda affirmed with a yawn, her drowsiness palpable as she settled back into her couch.
'Seriously, this oh-so-great spirit of mine really loves her sleep'
'But considering all the things she did for me, I guess she kinda deserves this much leniency'
With a final glance at the peacefully slumbering girls, Adrian turned to leave.
"Oh, and here," I said, my voice carrying a softness that matched the gesture, as I threw a green-looking stone toward Meralda.