Sullivan's Links
Sullivan spent the short time he could be with Máirandr assuring that she was treated well; the last thing he wanted was to make the same mistakes that his father made with him. He often worried that he was a bit overbearing, and perhaps, maybe he was -- but at the end of the day, he treasured every moment he could have with her, and hopes that she did too.
Máirandr deeply treasures her memories of her time with her father. She views Sully as who she should aspire to be—a hero, who can overcome anything set in their path. While she knows him personally, as his child, her view of him (especially post-mortem) is colored by the grand stories she has been told of him.
Sullivan's initial relationship with Aislind is guarded -- as with everyone -- but when he learns of Aislind's secret and, in return, confides that he has a curse of his own to bear, the two make a silent vow to not only keep their secrets hidden but, if possible, lift their curses.
Their common ground brings them together in more ways than one; in pursuit of helping the other, Sullivan learns that he and Aislind's shared desire to explore and discover is far more fulfilling together than alone. And just like him, Aislind's by no means perfect -- a bit clumsy, unbelievably dense, and yet....undoubtedly more compassionate and sincere than their aloof persona leads on. They're the first person in a long, long time that treats Sullivan on equal ground, and it makes such a strong impact that the then prince falls head over heels for the dragon (and in hindsight, Sully finds it rather cute how long it takes Aislind not only to realize that, but to realize that the feelings were reciprocated).
Putting up an act, a false pretense, to hide insecurities... these two are more alike than they think. Aislind was drawn in by his air of mystery, only to realize he was much softer-hearted than he pretended. They feel deeply indebted to him for having returned their shapeshifting ability, and would gladly go to the ends of the earth to pay it back. In their attempts to pay him back, they found themself becoming quite... attached. Sully’s soft heart, growing resolve, and overall uniqueness are quite attractive.