Llarasa appeared slightly surprised by the hug at first, but she returned it all the same. She pulled away before responding. "So you are having a ceremony here?" She gave a sad smile. "I would love to be there. Thank you." She looked down at Fendros. "I'm not a mother, Fendros, but what Ahnasha is saying makes sense. Mother's reaction is probably both what you said and Father's response being too much at once." She gestured her head towards the door. "You two should try to talk with her again."

Fendros opened his eyes, but he remained seated for the moment. "It's not just her reaction," he mumbled. "I feel horrible. I...I knew that I had caused grief by running but...if mother had been drinking poison, I couldn't have imagined how bad it's been." Fendros sighed and leaned his head to one side on his fingers. "Ahna, even if mother accepts me-- accepts us both...how am I going to make up for this? Everything is such a mess."

[hr]
Harriet's eyes followed Lorag's movements across the room, but she didn't stop him.

Meesei's suggestion caused Harriet to cross her arms again. Harriet's response was calmer than before, despite her incredulous expression. "You know, for it being my 'redemption' as well as apparently having every lycan life in my hands -- for some reason -- you're making this sound a bit too easy. You're gonna have to be more specific, champion. I don't quite understand what you're talkin' about."