Though their embrace was brief, Llarasa held onto Ahnasha tightly before they pulled away. "It was a pleasure to meet you again, Ahnasha. I cannot wait for the wedding." Her broad smile wavered as she clasped her hands. "I am...sorry about mother and father. You did not deserve that treatment from them."

"We walked in accepting that it might be that way," Fendros assured. He gave Llarasa a hug as well. "Thank you so much, Llarasa."

"I'm glad you came back, brother." Llarasa turned her head to the door while she held Fendros. "Monderyn's keeping an eye on the vines for father. He goes back to work when he is cross. I'm sorry that they're not here, but I will make sure Monderyn comes along tomorrow, at least."

"I understand. Thank you."

Llarasa watched from the door as Ahnasha and Fendros exited the same way as they arrived; with unsure footsteps. The last few hours had been as harrowing as they had been pleasant. Fendros did not feel as though he had properly closed the issues with his family, but he had begun the process of healing them.

Fendros was silent for a while as they left, wearing a small frown and looking at the ground in front of him. Only after a few steps on the road did he take Ahnasha's hand. "Ahna..." He stopped and slowly pulled her into a tight embrace, bringing one hand up to the back of her head. He stayed standing with her while the tension he had been holding for hours began to ebb. After a moment, he brought his lips to her forehead in a still and loving kiss.

"You have no idea how grateful I am that you were there," he whispered. "I would have made a true mess of things otherwise." A waver in his voice hinted at suppressed emotion. "I know it was hard. I love you, Ahna."

[hr]
"Meesei," Sabine murmured and swallowed back her fear. She leaned forward to place a hand on Meesei's arm. "You do not have to feel powerless. We were not there to help you. We all wish we were, so then...all of that might not have happened." Sabine wasn't much for giving advice, least of all to her mentor, but she tried to ignore her uncertainty and continue. "It is hard, but we [i]are[/i] making progress on the soul tearing gas. Please do not make deals with Daedra to try and get power...You know what happens to people who try to get knowledge from Mora. Please."