Meesei was not the only one that substantially relaxed when the door closed. Lunise unfolded her arms for the first time in what felt like the entire afternoon and bowed her head, running her hands through her long blonde hair. She sighed as her hands ran around her neck and fell slack against her sides. When she turned around to look up at Meesei, her eyelids were drooping and the corners of her mouth turned slightly upwards.

"It is quite fine," she answered calmly. "I am just glad to see you again, Meesei. Even if you insist on testing my limits in front of Marod with your incessant teasing." For once, her words were not laced with venom or derision.

Whether Meesei answered or not, Lunise all the while took two steps towards her, removing her gloves. She reached out her open palms, not so much affectionately as curiously, to touch Meesei's arm and navel. She ran her fingers over the fur. She looked at Meesei's body with more relaxed trust than anyone outside of her pack.

"I daresay," she spoke quietly. "I never before regarded you as...quite the same person when in this form. But after today, seeing you change forms over and again, I cannot deny it. Not logically."

[hr]
"I have to keep him alive!" Sabine interrupted. She took on a firmer tone, even if her clear anxiety dulled its impact. "You misunderstand. I did not have to talk to you at all."

She stopped to keep herself from tripping over her own words. "Have you thought about what you would do if you had your way? What do you wish he knew? What do you wish he felt? What act upon him would make you feel any better? Do [i]not[/i] accuse me of thoughtlessness. I am not a stupid child who does things for no reason. And if you feel too angry to work out my reasons then ask me for them. Ask me now."