No amount of positive turns in Meesei's story shifted the look of genuine concern that fell over Lunise's face when she began.

Lunise lowered her gaze when Meesei finished. She shook her head blankly. "What an overwhelming turn of events," she murmured. "Meesei, I am so sorry..." Lunise gently pulled Meesei into another hug, rocking her side to side in case she needed to release the emotion she was clearly holding back.

When Meesei was at least partially mollified, Lunise spoke again. "How is Sabine now? I do hope the experience has not been...well...I hope it has not left her crippled. After all she has been through already, she deserves no more of that kind of pain."