The rest of the greetings proceeded. While Monderyn and Fendros embraced, loudly patting one another on their backs, Rhazii stood up to receive his aunt. Llarasa audibly gasped at Rhazii's height and commented on whether he would visit in another decade having reached the size of a giant. Rhazii laughed softly, easing his nerves as he said hello.

Before long, Monderyn and Llarasa found themselves a chair each and sat at the table with drinks in their hands. Llarasa chose red wine while Monderyn chose ale.

Monderyn got down to business first. "Well, now that we're out of father's earshot, I imagine you're anxious to follow up what you mentioned at the front door."

"Right," Fendros said. He took a quick breath in and out. "The fact of the matter is -- I'm unsure if they sent word ahead -- [i]Ahnasha's[/i] family told us they are coming to visit you."

Llarasa and Monderyn each frowned, confused.

"That doesn't sound so bad," Llarasa commented.

"Not at the face of it, true," Fendros said, nodding. "They are kind people. But...there are a few complications, you see. For one, they are [i]devout[/i] temple-goers. They also have cross-bred; Ahnasha's father is Bosmer and her brother is married to an Argonian. And, perhaps more importantly, they [i]don't know about what we are.[/i]" Fendros' voice lowered at that last detail. "It's nothing wrong with them, of course. Just...well, ss you might imagine, all of that together might cause some friction with father, and maybe even mother."

"Oh." Llarasa blinked, frozen like a shocked deer.

Monderyn's eyes shifted. "Did they mention when they are due to arrive?"

[hr]
"'Course I agreed," Harriet said dismissively. "How else was I supposed to know you were bein' serious? Not like I could ever show her a clan."

Narsi, in contrast, was fuming. "You don't get to talk about momma like that," she growled. "I ain't going with you! You're stupid and you only came here to piss around talkin' like you're all high-and-mighty! You don't care! Get lost! We don't want you here!"

"Shut your damn mouth!" Harriet bellowed with surprising ferocity. Narsi virtually shrank away in fright as she looked to her mother.

Harriet took three steps towards Narsi and continued. "Listen here, Narsi, look at me-" She pointed at her eyes. [i]"Look at me."[/i]

Narsi reluctantly made eye contact.

Harriet's voice softened. "Look, this guy gonna keep sayin' stupid things, he's stubborn. But he's not stupid. He's right. You need to go meet other lycans. You need to make friends. I can't be your only friend, I'm your momma. It's not what I'm here for. I know you're smart and tough, so you need to take opportunities like this, okay?"

Narsi mumbled. "I don't wanna leave you alone, momma."

With a sigh, Harriet closed her eyes and put a hand on Narsi's head. "I'll be here if you wanna come back. But you gotta do this. Momma can take care of herself." Harriet brought her hand to nudge Narsi in the shoulder. "I'm tougher than you, remember? You still gotta beat me some day. And you don't wanna have to beat an old lady." She smirked. "Or have an old lady beat [i]you.[/i]"

Slowly, Narsi's face tensed up more. She was holding her breath and making an effort to look angry.

Harriet pat Narsi roughly on the upper arm. "Now go on, pack up your stuff. If you ain't out here in five minutes with a bag packed I'll go in after you and throw you out the window. Go!"

Narsi spun and ran back into the cabin. She could hide her face with her back turned to them, though she was already wiping her eyes with her knuckle. The five minutes was not just time to pack.

Harriet straightened and looked sideways at Lorag. Her frown drilled in to him just how much he had missed over the last fourteen years.

She did not say anything. She waited for Lorag to speak first.