"I believe so," Janius brought one palm up to Kaj-Julan's cheek. "That'll be the Hist. You're hearing it just like your mother. As long as you hear it, you don't ever have to be afraid of being alone."

Gallus thought he had an idea of what was on Ri'vashi's mind. When he found himself mistaken, he was struck dumb and the blood drained from his face. All of a sudden, the forest closed in on his perception. His brow lowered. "Gone?" he breathed in disbelief.

His head darted to the floor beside him. "How di-...how is that possible? They wer-...How could they have found them?" His eyes darted around and were caught on Ri'vashi's face. In the shock, it had passed his mind that this was more than just a devastating loss for her. "Oh..." Gallus' expression softened. "Oh, Ri'vashi, I..."

Gallus finally closed his mouth and stepped up to Ri'vashi, bringing his arms around her torso. "I'm so sorry," he whispered with wide eyes.