Fendros nodded and slid his hand from Ahnasha's shoulder.

Before they reached the stairs, Monderyn spoke up from behind them. "If father returns early, I will keep him occupied before he reaches you."

"Understood," Fendros responded. He didn't exactly want to think about that eventuality.

The position of his parents' room had not changed since Fendros left, so he led Ahnasha up to the second floor without a word. He craned his head to listen to the other side of the door as he softly rapped on it with a knuckle. "Mother?" he called out softly. "Are you awake?"

They waited for a few seconds without a response from Calia.

"Look, I am sorry that I shocked you with all of this. I still love you, mother." Fendros continued.

Fendros exchanged a glance with Ahnasha, remembering what she suggested. They should be direct. "We are planning on having our wedding ceremony tomorrow. All of my new friends will be there, as will my son. It would be a pleasure to see you and the family there."

Fendros paused again, this time looking at Ahnasha in case she wanted to say anything further.

[hr]
Sabine had been tension the fire that afternoon. There was not much to do after it got going and she had let her mind wander. There were worries, as always, but nothing she couldn't manage or distract herself from.

So idle, Meesei could not have escaped Sabine's notice if she tried. It was that time again. Although Sabine found Meesei's pain unbearable to witness, she never wanted her to bear it alone. As was often the case at such times, Sabine crept into Meesei's tent after her and sat down quietly without making eye contact.