"It's something, at least," Janius placed his hand on Kaleeth's shoulder and smiled reassuringly, "I'll try my best. If it turns out that he's going to act out in some way in the end, we'll just have to take it as it comes, but now the odds are better."

The explanations evoked more thoughts as Janius ate the rest of the wamasu meat he was served. Perhaps he could get some advice from Thorantilth before going to talk with Zharanthixil. If he could get more specific words to use, then it would help his credibility. Even so, now it was more hopeful. Janius may only need to remind Zharanthixil of his devotion to the Hist and to advise that he think on his actions according to whether the Hist would truly approve.

Janius glanced around again at the villagers around him. He asked Kaleeth and the pack indirectly, "Where is the Treeminder anyway? I might have a talk with him about how best to approach Zharanthixil like this. That is, if he isn't too busy with the trials and such."

---

Sabine followed Meesei's direction to look at her and calm down a little. Meesei was right, she didn't need to shout at Tunxeek. She was so worked up anticipating the trial that she was letting herself become overwhelmed. There was still a niggling anxiety in her mind that seemed to seep forth whenever she wasn't checking it. It was irrational, she knew it, but that didn't erase it. "What if... I can't win?" Sabine asked quietly to Meesei. Of all the fears she had, this was the one bothering her the most. She had lost her best chance in the potion that she had left to settle overnight. Having to try something so important without being at her best was distressing.