[i]"How does Elder Reanaseer fare? Well, I would say she is even more aged, and even more experienced."[/i] Thorantilth answered. [i]"She is not as active as she once was, though. She spends most of her days now in her home, cared for by her attendants. Now, we must visit her in order to be chided for our mistakes. I have applied my magic to care for her health as much as I can. She has been a woman as willful and hardy as Hist bark; some of the hatchlings are convinced she is immortal. But, I do believe her soul shall be returning to the Hist soon. Her body will likely fail her before the next season. There is no sadness in the village about that fact, though. It would seem foolish to be upset about the eventual end of such a long and storied life. At the very least, take care not to show such sadness in her presence, else she will instruct one of her attendants to smack you atop the head with her cane."[/i]

Despite the somewhat solemn news, Kaleeth could not help but to smile back at Thorantilth. In the case of Reanaseer, she could not help but to understand and agree with the Treeminder. Indeed, Kaleeth had not even expected Reanaseer to still be alive to begin with, so the fact that she might have the chance to visit her again was mostly just a pleasant surprise. [i]"Well...it will be good to visit her again, at least one last time. Reanaseer has been such a big part of our village for what seems like forever. My father told me stories about her accomplishments from when [i]he[/i] was a hatchling. I remember she was always nice to me; I don't expect she'll have a problem with us staying here."[/i]

[i]"Indeed, and I could tell you even more from my own youth. She is a woman of over one hundred and fifty years, and has been a constant for our village for all of that time. I am sure she will appreciate your visit, although...if you need to speak with an elder for anything other than a personal visit, you should take any concerns to Tsaletikim. Reanaseer's body no longer allows her to fulfill her responsibilities, so he has taken them on as her successor. He is our Elder in everything but name at the moment. Of course, he will be just as glad to have you with us as Reanaseer will be."[/i] Thorantilth explained.

[hr]

Gwindir had been patient, and wisely allowed his wife release her enthusiasm before taking his turn to greet them. Vasiq's plan to avoid causing a scene had mostly been a failure due to his mother's energetic reaction, but most of the patrons had returned their attention to their own business by this point, and Gwindir was much slower, and not nearly as loud about approaching Ahnasha. He hugged her as S'nashi had, then Rhazii in turn. "Ignoring whatever miracle brought you all here, I could not be happier to see you all. Being able to speak to you in person is indescribably better than the occasional letter. Have there been any major developments for all of you since your last letter? I am not sure if you received the last one we sent, but I have quite the potential deal to negotiate here in Cheydinhal. It really could double my business."