preparing (open)

[squiggle]

Zelphar was beginning to feel increasingly awkward, and had the feeling that he wasn't really helping much, but didn't know what to do other than let Safira cry until she stopped. He knew that leaving was out of the question, not until she had calmed down some. Zelphar bit his lip lightly, and began to stroke the back of Safira's hand with his thumb, a subtle, and hopefully comforting, gesture.