Jatinha's whole face lit up at mention of Aurana's success. "You did it? Aurana, I am so happy for you!" She stood up and stepped to give Aurana a tight hug.

Aurana giggled and returned it in kind. "Thanks, Jatinha. Things are going to get better from now on, I think."

Even though Julan's news erased the initial nervousness in Jatinha, she was still short of breath. Julan's observation was not unfounded. After the embrace, she looked a him with a wordless open mouth, saying nothing but an unsure, "Ah, um..."

"It's alright, brother," Rhazii stood up and left the room, taking Julan under one shoulder on the way. "Jatinha told me that she, uh...has uh...has a thing in her lungs." He waved a hand over his chest. Rhazii reeked of Jatinha, every detail of him had a hint of her. "When she gets worried, she gets puffed out." He bent down to whisper quickly. "I will tell you more later, just don't say anything to mother and father, okay?"

With Julan out of the way, Jatinha and Aurana immediately spoke about what happened and what Aurana's lot was for the future. Harald waited patiently and neutrally.

[hr]
Lunise let her eyes open halfway. She held Meesei just as tightly as she herself was being held. She looked just as peaceful as well. Their legs were entangled such that their entire upper bodies were pressed together.

"Hmm..." Lunise's voice was smooth and elegant. "I was convinced as soon as you became forward." Lunise hinted at a rare smile, now that particular game was over.

Looking at the ground, Lunise ran a hand up and down Meesei's back, her smile fading. "Meesei," she said. "We are both very vulnerable to each other now." Her eyes turned up. "What does this mean for us? What are we?"