"It runs through both our families," Fendros added. "Even you, me, and you, Rhazii."

Rhazii conceded with a smirk.

Fendros quickly went back to a serious tone. "Friendliness and love, the rest of my family will tolerate. Proselytising will not be so politely received. If we can head off your family before they meet mine, perhaps we can at least warn the against that. If I can earn my family about the...enthusiasm they should expect, it may help their patience, too."

Fendros clenched his jaw for a moment. "Ahna, do you think if I explain the situation with father to your family, they will respect my request to keep away from him? To leave it as a private family concern?"

Rhazii's eyes glanced curiosly between Fendros and Ahnasha. "I still don't quite understand, papa. I know grandfather doesn't want to come out to see us but I never really worked out why."

Releasing a sigh, Fendros' face darkened. "He disowned me, Rhazii. When I told him about my lycanthropy, my relationship with your mother, and you, he since refused to acknowledge that I even exist."

Rhazii leaned back with a mix of shame and silent anger on his face.

[hr]
Kaleeth inadvertently hinting at Janius' thoughts for a solution pushed the idea further in his mind. He took Kaleeth's hand and brought it up. His look of consternation gave way when he spoke.

"Kaleeth...do you think it might be time to tell them the truth?" Janius lifted his other palm to halt Kaleeth. "It doesn't have to be [i]everything[/i], granted. But if you asked them to hear you out about what you remember from the night you were turned and, more importantly, that you turned into a werecrocodile, would it give them some closure? Would it give [i]you[/i] some closure?"