"Yes...yes I am fine." Meesei answered, not fully understanding the worry that the others had experienced, since Meesei had only given her explanation to Sabine. She reached down and picked up the book from the ground, this time keeping it firmly closed. "I did not expect everyone to be here when I returned. I was only away for a few minutes, was I not? I am not sure if I perceived time the same way in Apocrypha."

Meesei held the book under her arm and looked around once more at the concerned faces around her. Her tent was not exceptionally large, so everyone was having to crowd inside. "We should...step outside. I believe I need some air."

Lorag made room for Meesei to exit the tent, after which she immediately looked up to the sky and took in a deep breath. "Apocrypha is nothing like Tamriel. It is...amazing and terrifying at the same time. The walls themselves were made from endless stacks of tomes, each page filled with knowledge. Mora spoke to me again, and explained to me how to use the book."

By this point, enough time had passed for Meesei's disorientation to start to wear away, allowing her to pay attention to the looks of the others around her. In particular, she looked back into the tent and noticed Sabine. "Are you okay, Sabine? What happened after I read the book?"

Sabine had stood up and followed Meesei out of the tent. With the way Meesei was calmly explaining everything, Sabine began to flush with shame that she might have raised something of a false alarm. "You were covered with those slimy arms," she began, looking down and clasping her hands together tightly. "Then I could see through you, and when I tried to touch you, my hand went through you. You were not answering me. I was frightened. You did not say you were going to try right there and I was frightened."

"It was only for a few minutes," Janius added. He did not look sure about being relieved. "But, have you been carrying that book around all this time, alpha?"

"I think that kind of scrutiny can come later," Gallus interrupted. "Meesei, what exactly happened in there? Why did you open the book, and what did Mora say to you?"

Meesei looked uncertain. "I was sure that I said I was going to try. Perhaps I was not as clear as I should have been? I am sorry, Sabine, I did not want to worry you. No more than would be natural, at least. I could not eliminate all risks, but with the way this war has gone, I had to make an attempt."

Meesei started to hold the book closer and more securely to herself. Now that she knew what would happen if it was opened, she wanted to ensure that it was only ever opened intentionally. It would perhaps be wise to craft a leather binding to keep it securely shut. "I originally brought it with me because I did not want it to remain around the clan, but I opened it for the exact reason you might expect. To gain the power it can provide. Mora has agreed to help us, so I am not sure it would be wise to squander what he can offer. Apocrypha contains knowledge from every civilization to have ever existed, on Tamriel or in Oblivion. The Dwemer, Ayleids, Psijics, Dragons, there are no limitations. There is no antidote for the soul-tearing gas within, but there is is still knowledge we can use to fight against Vile. When I arrived, Mora welcomed me, and told me that I had his permission to search his realm for knowledge. It is a dangerous place filled with strange beings, but I cannot die in his realm. I believe I was correct when I guessed that he might want to learn from how I fight those dangers."

Pausing a moment, Meesei began to look slightly more uncomfortable. "Although, he did also offer a trade. He offered a secret of Daedric magic in exchange for the promise of the formula for the soul-tearing gas when and if we discover it. I...refused that deal. I do not want anyone having knowledge of that weapon, even if they are not currently our enemy. I did, however, offer him knowledge of the antidote, when we discover it. I do not reason that would be harmful to us. He seemed disappointed, but he did give me a lesser power in exchange. It felt...odd, to have the knowledge just planted in my mind in that manner."

Sabine flicked up her eyes at the mention that the knowledge of the antidote was not in Apocrypha. She did not speak, being too embarrassed by her previous panic to mention anything. However, it was disappointing that their biggest possible gain from sifting through such knowledge was not to be.

Gallus had a more silver-lined view of the situation. "I am glad that it worked out as well as you say. If you hadn't come back...or came back worse off, we would be in a tricky position." He unfolded his arms. "It was nice of the prince to give you power on the promise of the antidote, even if we haven't worked it out yet. Regardless, what knowledge was...planted in, as you say?"

"I doubt being nice had anything to do with it." Meesei responded, shaking her head lightly. "I believe he simply wanted to ensure me that I do stand to gain from exploring his realm. A gift, to prove the value of keeping this book. The knowledge I promised was not that valuable, in all honesty, so the power he gave was more of a token than a truly powerful secret. Certainly, it is a unique ability, but no more powerful than magic I already know. I can summon one of the Daedra from his realm. Something called a seeker. Here, I will show you."

Meesei found a reasonably open space in camp and started to collect the conjuration energy in her hand. Meesei was not particularly a student of conjuration, so she rarely summoned more than bound weapons, but since the knowledge had been planted in her mind by Mora, she had no difficulty forming the energy into a spell. When she released it, the portal appeared before her, conjuring forth what was frankly a hideous Daedra. It floated above the ground, with a few tentacles serving as its "legs." It had four arms and what looked like a toothy maw on its stomach and another set of tentacles protruding from its threatening face. It appeared to be wearing a sort of cloak, though that cloak could have possibly been a part of its own body.

"These beings are primarily seekers of knowledge, but they can harm opponents with their own form of magic." Meesei explained.

The group stood staring at the seeker for an awkward while.

"That...is certainly unique," Gallus echoed.

Whereas most daedra were some form of terrifying, this seeker was the first any of them had seen that they would describe as truly foreign. Other daedra conformed to familiar shapes. This seeker looked more at home in a dark abyss where nothing should be seen. Those that had seen the book open for the first time back in the Bruma clanhome felt a small degree of deja vu.

The presence of the seeker was distracting, but the relative calm of the situation had Janius face Meesei with his some worry. "Meesei, I trust your judgement, but I wish you would have told us about this before you tried it." He gestured to Sabine. "It gave us quite a scare."

With little reason to keep it around, Meesei quickly dismissed the seeker. In truth, she felt somewhat unsettled looking upon it as well, but at least it would likely intimidate some of there less knowledgeable and more superstitious foes. Meesei understood when Janius voiced his concerns, but she could tell that Lorag was a fair bit more upset. He was staring at the book in her arms with obvious distrust. "Your judgment is normally fine, Alpha, but that book's a poison. We don't need it; it'll just poison your mind. I say we just throw the thing in the fire and be done with it."

Meesei let out a sigh. "I am sorry, but I cannot do that Lorag. Aside from the fact that it is likely not so easy to destroy, we are not in any position to deny advantages given to us. I will take the risk myself, and hopefully the reward will prove worthwhile. I apologize for making a scene of it all; that was not my intention. I wanted to read it quietly in my tent so that I could test how it functioned without worrying you. After having read it, I cannot see any obvious source of danger with reading it, apart from the fact that I have no perception of what is happening around my body here on Mundas. Even if I cannot be harmed while reading it, I would be wise to only read it when we are in a safe and secure location. Until then, I am going to make sure it does not leave my person."

Janius shook his head with futility. "I can't stop you from reading it, Meesei, but I am with Lorag on this one. We are dealing with a daedric prince that could turn on you and us at any point." Janius held both his hands forward for emphasis. "He knows what we are doing, he probably knows of your condition, and he knows where our home is. If things go badly for us, he has all he needs to switch sides at the snap of his fingers."

"Janius, Lorag," Gallus tried to intervene. "I understand your worries, but this is a war. It's up to all of us to be vigilant of when and where an action is appropriate. This book, as you say Janius, is a risk if we are likely to be betrayed." He switched his eyes between Lorag and Janius and brought a flat hand up. "For that reason, it should not be kept for a last resort. We should use it how we can while it is appropriate to do so, and this was as good an opportunity as we will ever have."

Gallus' attention went to Meesei. "That said, Lorag raises a good point. We can't afford to have something insidious happen to you without realising it, champion. If and when you try reading this again, please keep us informed, for your sake and for ours. I know that you know the risks in dealing with daedra."

---

Ahnasha and Fendros' visit to the temple of the reclamations was cautious at first. They approached the head priest with a request to speak with him in private, to which there were suspicious looks at Ahnasha, but no hostility. Once behind closed doors, the head priest proved to be surprisingly open-minded about their situation. According to him, he had never wedded a Dunmer to a Khajiit before, but it was not the first time he had performed the ceremony for other mixed-race couples.

Being aware of Fendros' family, the priest asked that Fendros and Ahnasha answer a number of questions before he agreed to marry them. The questions occasionally broached topics that skirted the borderlines of personal information without crossing them, but mainly stuck with the nature of their relationship. It was a respectful conversation and Fendros had no reason to lie, except to omit the details about lycanthropy. Regardless, he had to cover a few details with the manufactured 'hunting supplies shop' story that they had fed Ahnasha's parents.

It wasn't until after they left that Fendros realised that the priest was merely making sure that he and Ahnasha were not marrying one another on a whim or against their will, while at the same time trying to predict how the marriage would last. The priest was surprisingly good at hiding it.

In the end, the priest appeared satisfied and moved on to what the ceremony would involve. It was an exchange of vows, similar to a marriage under the divines, though with a suitably Dunmer bent towards ancestors, ashes, and other such themes. Before the sun completely set, they left with the priest promising a quiet service at the altars and enough room for their expected guests. Fendros' family included.

The accepting nature of the priest left Fendros in a pleasant mood. In contrast to his approach of the vineyard, he held onto Ahnasha's hand confidently. He stood so devoid of shame for being with her that it could be interpreted as outward pride. He even pushed at her with some playfulness, which turned into a small contest on the way back to camp of who could trip the other up into the grass. Fendros had an advantage over Ahnasha in her dress. Sharing that laugh put a capstone on the day that couldn't be dulled by anything.

Wasn't even dulled by the news of Meesei's sojourn into Apocrypha. However, hearing about Harriet and her daughter -- Lorag's daughter, allegedly -- was quite the surprise. Attempts to get through to Lorag were about as successful as Janius' attempts earlier that day.

---

A curiosity visited Ahnasha's bedroll when she returned to her tent. Two small glass flasks, a circular wooden receptacle, and a tiny glass tube stoppered with a cork laid on the surface. Each was labelled with Sabine's jagged Cyrodilic handwriting; 'Fur I', 'Fur II', 'Hands', 'Nice Smell'. Each one had a scent that vividly brought back memories of Ariel's alchemy shop and its various cosmetics. Fendros had similar substances stored on his side of the bedroll, but with 'Fur' replaced by 'Hair' and with different smells altogether.

Fendros was playing with the children and had not noticed his yet. Sabine ate dinner in silence by the fire, not taking any notice of either of them.

Meesei tried to be reassuring to Janius, at least as much as that was possible. She could not diminish the risk entirely without outright lying, but there were some ways she might be able to calm her pack. "Mora is certainly powerful, that I do not deny. It would be unwise to underestimate him, but I would caution against overestimating him too. As much as he might try to convince Tamriel otherwise, he is not omniscient. He is very skilled at obtaining information, and obviously resourceful, but he does not simply gain knowledge automatically. To learn something, someone still has to tell him, or his seekers have to find it. He will not know that something is wrong with me unless I or someone else tells him. Just avoid speaking of anything important if I summon a seeker. I assure you I will not use that Daedra liberally. As far as the book itself is concerned, Mora cannot use it to trap me in his realm, or anything of that nature. Not to my knowledge. It may be one of his artifacts, but there are still rules he must abide by, thanks to the barriers between our worlds. The greatest effect he could have on us would be to use the book as a conduit to appear physically in our world, but even that has limitations." She explained. Although, she did not have a way to address the real concerns going through her mind. The greatest threat to Meesei's safety would not be from the book, or even Mora, but her own ambitions.

---

Ahnasha found the flasks not too long after returning to her tent, and it did not take much guesswork to determine who they were from. She was in an overall good mood from the day's events, and the gift served to make her feel even better. Despite the parts of the day that had not gone well, the rest of it had more than made up for it. The meeting with the priest at the Temple could not have gone better, even if he had made her and Fendros sit through a long list of questions. There were ways in which she wished she could have answered him, particularly relating to her own lifespan, but she did not want to say anything that would even hint at the possibility of necromancy. Regardless, he was pleasantly approving of the whole arrangement. It probably helped that they had been together for years, which showed that it was no rash decision. Of course, the ceremony did not hold near the importance for her as the priest likely assumed it did. To her, there was not going to be much changing between her and Fendros between that day and the last few years.

Though she did not make any kind of big scene out of it, Ahnasha did make sure to take the time to find Sabine alone at some point before going to sleep to find Sabine and give her a hug and thanks for her gift.

---

The next morning involved a lot more comprehensive preparations than usual. Meesei had taken her dress and many of the other clothes to the nearest body of water to wash them thoroughly for the ceremony. Some dirt and stains were generally not a concern for them, but the priests might consider it odd if they did not at least appear to be putting effort into their appearances for the ceremony. Most of the pack were taking care to select the "nicest" of the clothes they had available to them, apart from Lorag, who was just going to wear a clean version of what he always wore in cities. Granted, the pack did not have a great deal of options to choose from. Most of what they were picking from was simply what was the least damaged. Ahnasha was, of course, getting the best dress they had on hand, though that was at best equivalent to the wardrobe of a reasonably successful merchant. Fortunately, Ahnasha did not care in the slightest how anyone looked, even herself or Fendros. For the most part, her only reason for putting in the effort was to make the best impression on Fendros' mother.

Lorag was sitting in the center of camp, waiting for Meesei to return with the washed clothes. Janius happened to be standing nearby, but for most of the morning, he had not done anything to address or acknowledge anyone else. However, suddenly, in a neutral, matter-of-fact tone, he finally spoke. Although, it would not be immediately obvious that he was actually talking to Janius. "Wonder if she'll teach that girl to be a real Orc?"

For all the extra work that was being put in, the morning was more subdued than Fendros expected. Just about everyone had something to do, but with how small the wedding was, there wasn't the stress of keeping track of hundreds of things at once. The last wedding he had been to was in the Eight Divines temple in Cheydinhal, celebrating some family friends. The lead up to that was something that Fendros expected an imperial general would have trouble organising.

After a light breakfast, Fendros decided to get started early and try out Sabine's little gifts. He bathed downstream from Meesei cleaning their clothing, fussing over his appearance more than he probably needed to. As opposed to Ahnasha, he wanted to look the part to give her a treat as much as looking respectable to everyone else. With how his mother's eyes were, he would have to rely on the 'nice smell' that Sabine provided. Thankfully, it was just that; a handsome perfume.

Over by the campfire, Janius had a pin sticking out of his mouth and was sewing a patch onto a pair of breeches when Lorag spoke. His eyes and brow went up for a moment, finding no confirmation that he was being addressed. Still, a couple of seconds of silence compelled Janius to respond.

"You mean Harriet?" Janius paused his mumble to take the pins out from between his lips. "She says she's a stronghold Orc, and she's a tough one. If nothing else, that ought to rub off on the child." Janius looked down to his work again. "What do you think?"

"Hmph, yeah, probably." Lorag responded neutrally before once again looking away. As seemingly random as it was for him to bring it up, he dismissed the topic just as quickly. If Janius was expecting a conversation, it did not look like Lorag was intent on continuing one on his own. However, even that brief mention of the girl showed that she was still on his mind. For someone who was supposedly denying the possibility that she even could be his daughter, it was strange for him to be thinking of her.

Ahnasha had elected to wait until closer to the ceremony to try on Sabine's perfumes so that they would be more fresh for the ceremony itself. She spent some time in the morning explaining to Kaleeth how the ceremony was going to go, since she was somewhat irrationally nervous about doing something to ruin it. Ahnasha had not shared every single detail about their visit to Fendros' family with the rest of the pack, but they were aware that they wanted to make a good impression on Fendros' parents. They had told them what to expect from Fendros' mother, and to be cautious in the unlikely event that his father decided to show up as well. Given his reaction the previous day, Ahnasha would not expect his intentions to be pleasant if he did attend.

Once she had her breakfast, Ahnasha made her way down to the river just a few minutes behind Fendros, climbing in the water after him. She stepped softly and lowered herself into the water carefully to avoid making too much noise and being noticed as she approached. She attempted to remain silent until she was right up behind Fendros, at which point she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her chin on his shoulder. "So when we found you in these woods all those years ago, what do you think you would have done if someone told you that you would be preparing for your wedding in the same place just a few years later?"

Fendros tensed up when he felt a shift in the breeze behind him. It was at least some warning of Ahnasha's approach, but not enough to stop her catching him off-guard.

After a quick laugh, Fendros brought one hand to Ahnasha's arms. "Knowing how I was back then, I would probably have been fearful that it might have been a marriage to the likes of you." He turned his head to plant a kiss on Ahnasha's cheek. "Good morning, Ahna."

Fendros returned to cleaning his arms and upper body with some soap. "Perhaps it is just a Cyrodilic tradition, but I was half-expecting that I would be forbidden from your presence before the ceremony."

"Well, you know where I stand on traditions." Ahnasha responded. With a wide smirk across her face, she quickly snatched the soap out of his hand, then continued washing him where he left off.

"Hard to believe this is where it all started for us." She continued. "It's just so...indistinct. A forest on the outskirts of the city, with nothing at all remarkable to its name. If it even has a name. Yet, it's where our lives changed forever. It really didn't take long for everything to happen once you were with us. With all the alcohol that was involved, I don't remember too clearly how it all happened. It might have been that Rhazii was conceived at this very river."

After a few more moments, and after moving on to washing Fendros' back, Ahnasha spoke up again on her musings. "I have to wonder what would have happened if we had not been drinking quite so much. If we had not slept together that time, and Meesei had not left camp. Obviously we would not have had a child at that point, but do you think we would have decided to have one later? Do you think we would have ended up together, still?"

"If there is one thing I remember distinctly, it was the grass," Fendros commented. Not that invalidated Ahnasha's words. This general area was where everything began.

Without the distraction of washing himself, Fendros got to pause and think on Ahnasha's questions. "I...cannot say I know." Fendros raised his eyes to the clouds. "I got to know you because of the responsibility, really. Although, I'm sure that would have happened anyway, being in the pack long enough." Fendros looked at Ahnasha with a smile. "It's not as if sleeping with me changed your personality in an instant. Maybe things would have happened at a much slower pace."

Fendros looked out onto the water with his own smirk. "What about you? What would you say if you were told back then that the belligerent Dunmer would propose to you in the coming years?"

Despite being behind Fendros, Ahnasha shrugged. "Honestly, it might not have been as much of a surprise to me. Having an Elven father really cut down how strongly I identify with other Khajiit. A nice, handsome Dunmer would be no crazier than anyone else. Honestly, the actual marriage part would have got me more than anything else. I'm still sometimes surprised, not only that I agreed to it, but I...actually am kind of looking forward to it. Before Rhazii was born, I never would have even considered it, but it's not like we're going to be settling down or anything, so I'm pretty sure I'll be fine with it all.

Moving around in front of Fendros, Ahnasha held herself close to him and pressed her forehead lightly against his. "With a pair like us, your parents will come around eventually. I don't care how many hundreds of years it will take. No parent can resist seeing their child happy."

Fendros' smile lowered slightly and he closed his eyes. As much as he had been trying to tell himself the same thing, hearing it from Ahnasha helped his hopes.

Fendros brought his hand up to the back of Ahnasha's neck. "I hope you're right Ahna. I hope you're right."

After enjoying the contact for a few seconds longer, Fendros' other hand found Ahnasha's and took the soap from her. "Your turn."

---

The pack and Gallus made their way to the Temple shortly after their morning routines and preparations were complete. Cuts-Canes-Faster had volunteered to watch over the campsite while they were gone, even after being invited to the ceremony. He was not one for temples, he said.

Just as the priest promised, the small temple was empty save for himself and an aide. He greeted each in the pack kindly, welcoming them inside. His friendliness seemed strange against the imposing statues that made up the reclamations, though the sight of Daedric princes was not one they were unfamiliar with.

Fendros sat on a pew, tapping his heel against the floor. He kept glancing over to the door. "We had exchanged the details. I would have thought they would arrive soon," Fendros said. "The ceremony is meant to begin soon, but we might have to delay it."

The temple was not nearly as extravagant as the massive cathedral that housed the chapel of the Divines in the city. Naturally, the number of Dunmer in the city who followed the Reclamations was far fewer than the citizens that followed the Divines, so their place of worship was far more modest. It would be a smaller, less formal ceremony than anything in the chapel, which suited Ahnasha just fine. For the sake of the temple's priest, they had elected to leave Leaps behind at camp, both to keep Cuts company, and to keep him from breaking anything in the temple.

The rest of the pack settled in and made themselves comfortable while Ahnasha prepared herself for the ceremony. She finally applied the perfumes Sabine had given her, so the scents would be fresh when Fendros' family arrived. That is, if they arrived. They were taking oddly long to arrive at the temple, and while Ahnasha did not expect everyone in his family to show up, she knew that Llarasa at least would be there for certain, and probably Monderyn.

Sitting down next to Fendros, Ahnasha put her hand on his shoulder. "They'll be here soon. And if they don't show up, then I'll go get them myself. I know for a fact that Llarasa wouldn't miss this by her own choice, and I'm not about to let your father, or anyone else, keep her away if she wants to be here."

"I shudder to think," Fendros remarked. "It's not impossible that father would try to stop them, but mother does have sway with him. He wouldn't stop her if she was adamant about coming along."

Fendros sighed. Upon a breath in, he turned his head to Ahnasha. "I know you aren't one to fuss over appearance normally, but it needs to be said, Ahna..." He ran his fingers over Ahnasha's wrist near his shoulder. "You look radiant. Sabine's mixtures must be making you glow."

It wasn't as if the soaps, oils, and perfumes had not improved Ahnasha's appearance after they were applied in and near the water, but the lighting in the temple had suddenly made Fendros notice just how different it was. Her fur looked soft and vibrant, her eyes sparkled, and she had such a blended scent that only lycans could fully appreciate it. In turn, Fendros had taken on the effects of his own gifts from Sabine. His own hair was trimmed and straightened by his own hands, but Sabine's mixtures had given him some kind of regality overall. If not for his clothes, he would have appeared noble.

Before Ahnasha could complete any reply she might have had, the double doors of the temple creaked and let in a wash of daylight. The pack squinted and turned their attention to the newcomers.

"You can let go now, Llarasa dear. I know my way around the temple." The voice of Calia was the first to come from the three figures at the door. Their eyes quickly adjusted to reveal Monderyn and Llarasa, guiding Calia inside.

Calia was perhaps most appropriately dressed for a wedding, save for the priest. She wore a straight, elegant off-blue dress embroidered with dark swirling symmetrical patterns. Her hair was tied up and had freshly curled bangs lilting from in front of her ears. She gently brushed Llarasa's hand away and walked with perfect posture towards the pack.

Llarasa and Monderyn followed along in finery that was outdone by their mother, but still more formal than most of the pack. Fendros wondered why he should ever have worried about how much he was fussing with how much was evident in Monderyn and Llarasa's appearances.

Fendros had already stood up with a look of relief and approached them with his hands forward. "Mother, I'm so glad you came."

Calia smiled broadly, looking past Fendros with her milky eyes and holding her own hands out. They joined and embraced. Her voice spoke with presence that befit her entrance and dress. "My dear Fendros, this occasion is too important to miss." She pulled back and placed her hands on Fendros' cheeks and her tone became more stern. "You gave me much to think about, and I have decided that I will not push you away because you have found a place for yourself. I may not approve with all my heart, but cannot just abandon you." The smile returned. "Give your mother a kiss." She leaned and pulled Fendros to plant a quick kiss on his lips. "You smell gorgeous," her fingers clutched at his collar with both hands. "I wager you look gorgeous as well. Now..." She let him go and craned her head to listen over his shoulder. "Go and welcome your siblings."

"Thank you," Fendros nodded, looking overwhelmed. He stepped around Calia to embrace Llarasa and shake Monderyn's hand.

"Ahnasha?" Calia called out neutrally with a soft smile. "Come here, if you would." Calia beckoned to the air, not knowing Ahnasha's exact position. She had her arms partly outstretched to receive Ahnasha when she would walk over.

Sabine couldn't hide her nervousness after hearing about the day before. She stayed back for now, clutching one arm. Janius followed suit with more confidence. Rhazii stood chewing on his tail near Newt, wondering who these strangers were that seemed so familiar with his mother and father.

Ahnasha leaned up closely against Fendros. "Well, I may not care much for appearances, but I'll certainly take the compliments. I can also say that you have..."

Before Ahnasha could finish her thought, her ears perked up from the sound of the doors opening at the front of the temple. It only took a few moments for relief to finally wash over her. Calia, Monderyn, and Llarasa all entered the temple, ending any worries Ahnasha had that they might have any more unpleasant confrontations with his family. Not only had Calia came of her own free will, but after her greeting to Fendros, it seemed like she was happy to be there. At least, as much as Ahnasha could have hoped for after a single day. Since everyone had arrived, Ahnasha expected that the ceremony would begin soon, but there would be time beforehand that they could all greet one another. And hopefully, much more time afterwards that they could all speak more in-depth.

Ahnasha was not sure what Calia had in mind to say to her, but even if she could not see it, Ahnasha approached her with a smile. She wanted nothing more than to embrace Calia as family, but she was a bit more cautious about it, strictly following Calia's lead. Ahnasha put her arm gently on Calia's to make her presence known, then gave her a hug. "It is good to see you here. I am sure you can imagine how much this means to Fendros. And myself."

"Oh." Calia widened her eyes for a moment, but returned Ahnasha's hug all the same. "Very friendly of you, very friendly," she said with a laugh on her voice, stepping back. "Now, let me see you." The request seemed odd, given the state of Calia's eyes, but it became clear when she traced her hands up to Ahnasha's face and gently palmed around her head in various spots. Calia's hands travelled with her gentle pats down to Ahnasha's shoulders and arms in turn. "A strong girl, aren't you?" Calia commented. "Good, Fendros has inherited his father's temper. I will not have him pushing you around."

Calia brought her hands away to return them to her front, waving one down dismissively. "Regardless, you are to be my son's companion for what is likely to be the rest of your life." Her tone turned severe again. "As you are a mother yourself, you must understand the position I am in."

Behind Calia, Fendros had exchanged grateful pleasantries with his brother and sister already, but there were some matters remaining.
Monderyn was in a similar state to the day before. He seemed reluctant to be there, only smiling when absolutely socially required. His eyes kept glancing nervously towards the rest of Fendros' pack. On the other hand, Llarasa was rather excited. She was grinning ear to ear.

"We're so sorry we're late. Mother was stubborn about her presentation and spent hours longer than she should have." Llarasa's words came out in a fluster. "But we are glad to be here too, Fendros. Congratulations, I'll say it properly now." She came in for another hug.

"Thank you, sister." Fendros reciprocated the embrace, but looked wary when he pulled away. "What of father?"

Llarasa's joy drained from her shoulders and her eyes went down with a sigh. "He...Father speaks as if you do not exist."

Fendros blinked and pursed his lips. "I see." He then stepped aside, trying not to dwell on it. "Come and meet the rest of us. Rhazii probably doesn't remember you, but you might remember him." Fendros gestured towards the pack with one hand, inviting Llarasa and Monderyn forward.

They both strolled up reluctantly, but Llarasa kept a smile on her face.