"I do not share your optimism," Monderyn mumbled. "I just...want things to be how they were, without all the resentment and..." He trailed off and sighed.

Finally, Fendros decided to speak again. He approached Monderyn and put an arm around his shoulders. "I wish I could say that I can, brother." He squeezed him close to reassure him. "But that's...I can't. Things have changed and they are unlikely to revert. It has been great to see you, Llarasa, and mother again. I am grateful that you've been supportive. Unfortunately, that's all we can really do at this point."

Fendros held his head forward to see Monderyn's lowering face. "I heard about how things were for you and Llarasa after I left. I can tell you right now that it will not be as bad as that ever again."

Llarasa stepped closer and smiled in agreement.

"This family will stay united, Monderyn," Calia added.

Eventually, Monderyn breathed in carefully and spoke with a sad twinge. "Can't you just stay? Just for a few more days?"

Fendros' smile shrunk and he looked up to the others. He already knew the answer that Meesei and Ahnasha would give, even if he wished it otherwise.

[hr]
Harriet snorted when Lorag claimed that she was out of practice, but she paid attention to the rest of his words. It wasn't what she had expected, as evidenced by the growing surprise in her face.

Partway through Lorag's explanation, Harriet's eyes wandered to a spot behind him. The cause of the distraction became apparent when Lorag heard a quick patter of bare feet run up to Harriet's leg. "Hey there, pup," Harriet greeted.

Narsi was just as small and curious as when Lorag saw her before. She wore a simple cloth night gown and focussed her big eyes on Lorag without breaking contact, even when Harriet leaned forward and picked her up onto her lap. "Mommy, is this a man from before who came with the important lady?"

"Uh, yeah," Harriet said gently. She looked up to Lorag as well. "Narsi, why don't you say hello to Lorag here? He's makin' sure mommy takes good care of you."

"Hello," Narsi said, lifting a short green arm to wave.