Sabine lifted her tear-strewn face from Meesei's shoulder and nodded slowly. "I..." She lost her breath to a sob and tried again. "It kept me alive..." She broke down again and held the staff closely to her chest.

"Never mind that," Fendros said. He pushed off the wall and walked up to join Meesei and Sabine's hug. "You're safe. That's all that matters. You're back with us."

Janius returned Kaleeth's look. After another silent moment, Fendros relented and Janius took a moment to hug Sabine and Meesei as well. "I think..." he said, gently while pulling away and holding a hand to Sabine's back. "I think we should have a sit down and talk about what happened. Not the mission, specifically, but what came after. What did they do with you, Sabine? And how did..." He peered to Do'rhajul and Yerig. He trailed off without any way to initially describe their situation. "...how did all this happen? Not long ago, these men were trying to kill us."

"I just wanted them to help," Sabine said weakly. "I did not want to bring them here just so they could be killed. It's not fair."